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HISTORY OF ILLINOIS 
REPUBLICANISM 



EMBRACING A 



HISTORY OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY IN THE STATE TO 
THE PRESENT TIME 



TOGETHER WITH ITS NOTED ACHIEVEMENTS, AS ILLUSTRATED BY 
THE CAREERS OF MEN OF COMMANDING ABILITY 



WITH BIOGRAPHIES OF 



ITS FOUNDERS AND SUPPORTERS 



WHOSE FORESIGHT, STATESMANSHIP, PATRIOTISM AND ENERGY 

HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE 

PARTY IN STATE AND NATION 



ALSO 

A CHRONOLOGICAL STATEMENT OF IMPORTANT POLITICAL EVENTS 

SINCE 1774 



BY 

GREEN B. RAUM 



CHICAGO 

ROLLINS PUBLISHING COMPANY 
1900 



= 



Library of ConctreRg 



lwo Copies Received 
JAN 12 1901 

Copyright entry 

SECOND COPY 



A Co PJ 



<*K 



Copyright 1900 
By Rollins Publishing Company 



AUTHOR'S PREFACE. 

A great, free, self-governing people can have no political repose. 
In this age of progress, politics must be progressive. 

The sphere of governmental action enlarges to meet new wants and new 
conditions in response to the demands of intelligent public sentiment ; and a polit- 
ical party to retain the support of a majority of the people must keep abreast with 
that sentiment, representing and leading it. 

It is undoubtedly true that the safety, progress, prosperity and happiness of 
a free people depends upon their political wisdom. 

Divided in opinion, as the people will be, upon grave matters in govern- 
ment both of principle and policy, it is essential to the well-being of the whole, 
that the majority of electors shall embrace and tenaciously adhere to that set of 
political opinions which are founded upon justice and equality, and which aim to 
secure the complete development of the resources of the country and full scope for 
the intelligence, industry and genius of the people. 

The marvelous growth of the United States since i860 in population, 
wealth and power, has challenged the admiration of the world. This stupendous 
development was not accidental. This grand march of civilization which has 
placed the United States in the leadership of Nations was led by the Republican 
Party. 

The United States has practically become a new nation since the election 
of Abraham Lincoln as President in i860. It is the only Republic the world has 
ever seen with personal, political and religious freedom, protected under laws 
made and enforced by officers selected by the people. 

Our Government has attained to this high distinction under laws enacted 
by the Republican Party. 

The Republicans of Illinois have been in the front rank of the great politi- 
cal struggles during the past forty-four years, and have exercised a powerful in- 
fluence in establishing and maintaining the principles of the Republican Tart} and 
its ascendency in the Nation. 

Never in the history of man has so great and so successful an effort been 
made for saving a nation and more firmly establishing its Inundation than has 
been made by the Republican party. 

Illinois Republicans bore a leading and honorable pari in the greal struggle. 

The history of a State must, of necessity, be largely biographical. \ story 
of great events is lacking in interest if a view of the principal actors is omitted. 

The part Illinois, as a State, has borne in connection with the Republican 
Party is worthy of perpetual record. The object of this work is to make that 
record and make it in such form as will interest the public and benefit the rising 
generation. 

GREEN B. RAUM. 



CHAPTER I. 

REVIEW OF EVENTS WHICH LED TO THE ORGANIZATION OF 
THE REPUBLICAN PARTY. 

A Glaxce at Early Political Parties — Slavery of the Ancients — Serf- 
dom of Europe — African Slavery in the Western World — Its 
- Growth in the Colonies — Opposition to Slavery — Freedom for 
Northwest Territory — Compromises of the Constitution. 

The Republican party had its origin in 1854, in an earnest, wide-spread, 
growing public opinion in opposition to the extension of slavery into the Terri- 
tories of the United States. At this time the great majority of the people were 
identified politically with either the Democratic party or the Whig party ; the 
old party name of Federalist taken by the supporters of the administration of 
Washington and John Adams, and of Anti-Federalist, the party name assumed by 
their opponents, had disappeared. 

Jefferson was elected under the party banner of Democrat-Republican. Mad- 
ison's first election was under the same party name, but at his second election he 
was voted for as a Republican, as was his successor, President Monroe. 

In the great Presidential contest of 1824, party names and party organiza- 
tions were ignored. Relying upon their personal popularity — Andrew Jackson 
and Henry day entered the field as competitors for the Presidency. John Oumcy 
Adams and William H. Crawford were also candidates ; neither candidate re- 
ceived a majority of the electoral votes. On February 9th, 1825, the House of 
Representatives proceeded to elect a President, as provided by the constitution. 
John Ouincy Adams received the votes of a majority of the States and was elected. 

While General Jackson and Llenry Clay were defeated at this election, they 
became the most potent political leaders the country has ever known. 

The Democratic party crystallized around General Jackson, the Whig party 
crystallized around Henry Clay, and these two great men led the country in 
every national contest until their death. 

It is true that the Liberty party was organized in 1840, and gave James G. 
Birney 7,059 popular votes for President, and the same party in 1844 gave Air. 
Birney 62,300 popular votes for President, and that, in 1848, under the name of 
Free 'Democracy, Air. Van Buren received 291,263 popular votes for President, 
and in 1852, under the party name of Free Soil, John P. Hale received 156,149 
popular votes for President, but none of these candidates ever carried a State or 
expected to carry a State. 

They entertained advanced views upon the slavery question, and would not 
affiiliate with either the Demorcratic party or Whig party. The millions of elec- 
tors rallied to the standard of one or the other of these great political organiza- 
tions, and during a period of thirty years, the President was Democrat or Whig, 
as the majority of electors determined. 

But in 1854 the course of political events was such that a new alignment 
in politics became necessary to satisfy the serious divergence in political opinions 
from the old parties. The cause of that divergence was the difference of opinion, 
as to the constitutional power of Congress over the question of slavery in the 
Territories. 

It was the old question of slavery over again — the old question which was 
apparently settled time and time again, but which would not remain settled. 



Let us briefly glance at this potent factor in the politics of this Nation: In 
1775, when the Revolution was begun, negro slavery existed in all of the thirteen 
colonies : it had been introduced by authority of the English Government. By 
the laws of nations, the African slave trade was recognized as lawful commerce. 
British, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Dutch vessels were engaged in the 
traffic of human flesh. North and South America and the West Indian Islands 
constituted the greatest slave market of the world. The business of reducing men 
and women to slavery was not new; it was as old as the race. 

lli>tnrv shows that human slavery has existed in every race, and under every 
form ^i government, since the dawn of time. • 

The most enlightened nations of ancient times recognized as lawful, the en- 
slavement i^i men of their own races. 

The Greeks held slaves and they sold their prisoners of war into slavery ; in 
the palmy days of the Grecian republics, three-fourths of their population were 
slaves. In treaties between the neighboring Grecian States, stipulations were 
made for mutual aid for the suppression of insurrections amongst their helots. 

The Romans, pursuing the Grecian policy, filled all Italy and the provinces 
with prisoners of war reduced to slavery. 

Hereditary servitude, in some form, had existed under all the governments 
^>i Europe, and in England from the earliest recorded period. 

The serfs of Austria were not emancipated until 1840, when seven millions 
were set free. The serfs of Germany were held until 1848. The serfs of Russia, 
numbering twenty-eight millions, were held until 1861. In all these cases the 
nobles who owned the serfs were compensated for them by their respective gov- 
ernments. 

The slaves of the ancients and of the Greeks and Romans, of England, of 
Germany, of Austria, and of Russia, were, for the most part, white men, but in 
the course of time the African negro, with his distinctive black skin, became the 
victim of the atrocious custom. 

About the year 1570, Portuguese navigators introduced .African slaves into 
Europe. In 1620, a Dutch vessel brought negro slaves to \Trginia. The Eng- 
lish Government protected and encouraged the slave trade with the thirteen 
colonies. Spain established slavery in Florida, Cuba and the neighboring islands, 
and France introduced slavery into Louisiana Territory. 

It was the policy of Great Britain to foster and encourage the African slave 
trade into the colonies ; they steadily rejected every colonial restriction on the 
traffic ; the governors were instructed, on pain of removal, not to give even tem- 
porary assent to such laws. In 171 2, Pennsylvania passed an act prohibiting the 
slave trade; Virginia passed a similar act in 1726, and South Carolina in 1760, 
but all these laws were annulled by the crown. Massachusetts, in 1771 and 1774, 
passed prohibitory laws, but the governor decided to oppose them. • The Earl of 
Dartmouth stated "that the colonies were not allowed to check or discourage in 
any degree a traffic so beneficial to the nation". 

The African slave trade was a highly profitable business ; people of distinc- 
tion were interested in it. The Royal African Company, of England, was under 
the direct patronage of Queen Ann, who held one-fourth of the stock. Its busi- 
ness was to keep the American market supplied with negro slaves. The demand 
for slaves was great, the supply seemed inexhaustible, and the cost of securing 
men and women along the coast of Africa for the traffic merely nominal ; the 
tribes made war upon each other to secure prisoners for sale ; the number lack- 
ing from this source were secured by various plans of strategy, deception and 
force. When once aboard of a slave ship, for trade or for any other purpose, the 
negroes were overpowered and reduced to subjection. This trade excited the 
avarice and cupidity of men, and led them to practice deception and fraud, and to 

petrate the most inhuman and diabolical cruelties. 
I lie victims of the slave trade were not under the protection of any law, ex- 

• the will of their captors. Packed in holds of sailing vessels, deprived of suf- 
ficient food, water and fresh air, suffering the discomforts of the long passage 
from Africa to America, about 15 out of every 100 died. 

I lie terrors of the "Middle Passage" became known to humane people 
throughout the civilized world, and aroused pity and indignation; the slave trade 



and slavery were denounced from pulpits, in pamphlets, and in public meetings. 
John Wesley characterized it as the "Sum of all villainies", but still the traffic in- 
creased, and slavery steadily gained a stronger hold on communities where it 
was largely introduced. 

During the 155 years that intervened from the date of the introduction of 
negro slavery into Virginia, to the date of the Revolutionary War, slavery had 
become firmly established in the colonies as a system of labor, and the slave 
trade was actively engaged in by planters, merchants, and vessel owners ; and 
their opinions in regard to its justice and morality were largely influenced 
by the profit of the business. 

The population of Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and 
Georgia was about one-third slaves. 

The constitution of the United States authorized the continuance of the 
American slave trade for twenty years from 1787; during that period large num- 
bers of slaves were brought to this country, but the records of the Department at 
Washington do not show the number. 

The magnitude and importance of the interest can be understood, by an ex- 
amination of the following table, compiled from the report of the census of 1790: 



STATES. 



Vermont 

New Hampshire. . . . 

Massachusetts 

District of Maine . . 

Rhode Island 

Connecticut 

New York 

New Jersey 

Pennsylvania 

Northwest Territory 

Total 

Delaware 

Maryland , 

Virginia 

Kentucky , 

North Carolina 

South Carolina , 

Georgia 

Tennessee Territory 



Free 

White 

Persons. 



85,259 

141,197 

373,314 

96,540 

64,470 

232,374 

314,142 

169,954 

424,079 

8,316 



Other 

Free 

Persons. 



255 

630 

5,463 

3,407 

2,808 
4,654 

2,762 
6,557 



Total 

Free 

Persons. 



85,514 
141,827 

378,787 

67,879 

235,182 
318,796 
172,716 
430,636 
8,316 



Slaves. 



16 

158 
None. 

948 

2,764 

21,324 

11,424 

3,737 

104 



Total 
Popula- 
tion. 



85,530 

141,985 

378,787 

96.540 

68,825 

237,946 

340,120 

184,139 

434,373 

8,420 



1,909,055 



26,536 



1,936,191 



40,474 



1,976,665 



46,310 
208,649 
442,117 

61,133 
288,205 
140,278 

55,156 

31,913 



3,809 

8,043 

12,866 

114 

4,975 

1,801 

398 

361 



50,119 
216,692 

454,983 

61,247 

293,180 

142,079 

55,554 
32,274 



8,887 

103,036 

292,627 

12,430 

100,571 

107,094 

29,264 

3,417 



1,284,761 



21,367 



1,306,128 



657,626 



59,006 

319,728 

747,610 

73,677 

393,751 

249,173 

84,818 

35,691 



1,963,464 



Reca.pitula.tion. 



In States which abolished 

Slavery 

In the States which retained 
Slavery 

Totals 



1,909,655 
1,284,761 



3,194,416 



26,536 
21,367 



47,903 



1,936,191 
1.306,128 



3,242,319 



40,474 

657,326 



697,800 



1,976,665 
1,963,454 



3,940,019 



Mulhall's Dictionary gives statistics of seventeen years' importation of slaves 
during that period at 159,000, being an average of 9,353 per annum. It is safe 
to assume that 190,000 slaves were imported during the twenty years from 1787 
to 1808, and that this number added to these already in the country, including the 
natural increase, made a total of 1,100,000 slaves in 1808. 



In the Annals of Congress, 16th Congress, 2nd Session, page 78, the follow- 
ing information is given: 

Slaves imported at Charleston from the 1st of January, 1804, to December 
1S07. And by what nations: 

British 19.949 

French 1,078 

In American vessels for foreign owners 5o z 7 

Imported by merchants, planters, etc 2,006 

Bristol, R. 1 3,914 

Newport, R. 1 3>488 

Providence, R.I 55° 

Baltimore 75° 

Savannah 3°° 

Norfolk 287 

Warren 28c 

Hartford 200 

Boston 200 

Philadelphia 200 

New Orleans 100 

39,075 

being an average of 9.769 per annum for four years. 

It will be seen from the foregoing extracts from the census returns, that 
while the slaves held in the Northern States constituted but little over two per 
cent of the population, the slaves held in the Southern States numbered over 
thirty-three per cent of the population. 

In the Northern group of States the people had a very small pecuniary in- 
terest in slaves, while in the Southern group of States the pecuniary interest in 
slaves was very large. In the Northern States, agriculture was based upon white 
labor, while in the Southern States slave labor had become the foundation of agri- 
cnltural prosperity. In the South the climate was mild, the lands were fertile and 
well adapted to the plantation system of farming. The investment of the South- 
ern people in slaves was larger than the investment in any other single species 
of property in the United States. 

Virginia was the leading agricultural State of the Union. Her exports con- 

d of tobacco, wheat, Indian corn, lumber, tar, pitch, turpentine, peltry, flax 
seed, hemp, cotton, coal, pig iron, peas, beef, fish, peach and apple brandy, 
whiskey and horses. In 1759, 70,000 hogsheads of tobacco, of 100 pounds each, 
were exported. Before the Revolution, the annual export of grain was: Wheat, 
800,000 bushels : corn, 600,000 bushels. 

South Carolina had a large export trade based on their agriculture. In 
947 vessels cleared from Charleston. Among other articles exported were 
140,000 barrels of rice and 1,300,000 pounds of indigo. The plantation system al- 
ready introduced required the use of many laborers, and these persons were almost 
invariably slaves. 

Many leading men of the South believed slavery to be wrong in principle, and 
its continuance dangerous to free government, and they hoped that slavery would 
in time be abolished by law : but the great majority of the people were of a dif- 

i opinion; they justified slavery; they believed that slavery was necessary 
for the development of the South ; they favored its continuance, and united always 
in the support of ever) measure calculated to protect and extend the institution. 

I he agitation in the colonies against slavery and the slave trade, began soon 
after negro slaves were introduced, and it is highly probable that slavery would 
have been abolished in all the colonies but for the firm stand against this measure 
by the British Government, The Quakers had, as early as 1688, taken strong 
inst "buying, selling, and holding men in slavery". John Eliot, 
writing against selling captured Indians into slavery, said: "Selling of souls is a 
dangerous merchandise". Samuel Sewell, in 1700/ wrote an able pamphlet enti- 
[ he Selling of Joseph. A Memorial", in which the primal truth of human 
equality and obligation were enunciated. 



George Keith denounced slavery, as "contrary to the religion of Christ ; the 
rights of man and sound reason and policy". Ralph Sandiford, in 1729, pub- 
lished "The Mystery of Iniquity", in which he "condemned the sin of oppres- 
sion". Benjamin Lay, in 1737, pleaded the cause of bondmen in a volume pub- 
lished by Benjamin Franklin. John Woodman, of New Jersey, from 1746, for 
twenty-one years, traveled through the Middle and Southern States,, proclaim- 
ing to Christians that, "The practice of continuing slavery is not right", and 
that "Liberty is the natural right of all men, equally". And Anthony Benezet, 
probably the most able anti-slavery worker of his day, plead with the Pennsyl- 
vania Legislature to begin the work of emancipation. It was, however, left to 
the ten years immediately preceding the Declaration of Independence for the 
most thorough and extended discussion of the slavery question amongst the 
people, and of the fundamental law of nature, namely the natural equality of the 
whole race of mankind. There was a great awakening upon the subject amongst 
the colonists, who recognized the oppression and injustice to which they them- 
selves were subjected, and, therefore, learned to have a more realizing sense than 
ever before of the cruelty and injustice of slavery. 

Rev. Samuel Hopkins, of Newport, Rhode Island, took a leading part in the 
agitation. Newport was the great slave market for New England ; many mem- 
bers of the congregation of Mr. Hopkins' church were engaged in the traffic, 
but he fearlessly attacked the system of "kidnapping, purchasing and retaining 
slaves". In 1776 he published his dialogue concerning slavery, and also an ad- 
dress to slaveholders, which was dedicated to the Continental Congress. These 
documents were the ablest that had appeared, bearing on the subject of slavery, 
and, no doubt, exerted a powerful influence upon the public mind. . 

Dr. Benjamin Rush, of Philadelphia, in 1773, published "An address to the 
inhabitants of the British settlements in America on slave keeping." In this paper 
he said: "Future ages, when they read the accounts of the slave trade, if they 
do not regard them as fabulous, will be at a loss which to condemn most, our 
folly, or our guilt in abetting this direct violation of nature and religion". 

Many societies were formed to encourage the emancipation of slaves. In 
1785, such a society was organized in the State of New York, with John Jay 
president and Alexander Hamilton secretary. A similar society was formed in 
Pennsylvania in 1782, with John Baldwin as first president, and with Benjamin 
Franklin president in 1787. Societies were also organized at later periods in 
other States — Rhode Island in 1789, in Connecticut, 1790, in New Jersey, in 1792. 

This agitation had produced a powerful impression upon the colonists, both 
North and South. 

The first Continental Congress, which met in 1774, for consultation as to 
grievances to be presented to the British Crown, in the articles of association 
pledged all the colonies that they would neither import or purchase any slave 
"and would wholly discontinue the slave trade", that persons violating these arti- 
cles should be pronounced "foes of the rights of British America", "and to be 
universally condemned as the foes of American liberty", "and unworthy of the 
rights of freemen", and on April 6th, 1776, the Continental Congress resolved, 
without opposition, "No slave shall be imported into any of the Thirteen United 
Colonies". 

Massachusetts and New Hampshire each emancipated their slaves during 
the Revolutionary war by the bill of rights in their constitution. 

Rhode Island enacted, in 1784, "that all children born of slaves should be 
free after that date". 

Pennsylvania adopted a system of gradual emancipation in 1780. In 1799, 
New York passed a law, declaring children born after that date should be free. 

All the Northern States, influenced by strong public opinion, abolished 
slavery. Some of the acts were adopted during the war, but the leaven of free- 
dom did not cease to work in the Northern States after independence was gained. 
All of the States soon adopted measures of emancipation. 

In the Southern States many leading men were opposed to slavery. Wash- 
ington, Jefferson, and Plenry were of this number. In 1778 Jefferson caused the 
Virginia assembly to prohibit the further introduction of slaves. The law re- 
mained in force ten years. 



Emancipation societies were formed in Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. 
Some slaves wore emancipated — one notable case in Virginia was that of Robert 
Carter, oi Nomina. He emancipated 442 slaves. Mr. Carter wrote that "the tolera- 
tion oi slavcrv indicated very great depravity of mind". But none of the Southern 
States undertook to pass laws for the general emancipation of slaves. After the 
independence of the States was recognized, the agriculture interest of the South 
sprung into newness of life, and the whole energy of the people was directed to 
the restoration and development of their industries, which had been either de- 
stroyed or seriously embarrassed by the war. Slave labor contributed largely to 
the rapid recuperation of the country. 

Thus it will be seen that the question of the right or wrong of slavery and 
the slave trade was mooted immediately after the establishment of negro slavery in 
this country; that the abolition of slavery in the Northern States was begun 
during the Revolutionary "War, as soon as the authority of the British Govern- 
ment was ignored, and that in a few years all the Northern States emancipated 
their slaves. In the Southern States a different course was pursued; the agita- 
tion for emancipation was silenced; the interests involved were so great that 
those who conscientiously opposed slavery came to look upon it as an evil with- 
out a present remedy. The majority of intelligent influential citizens had no 
conscientious scruples as to the justice or wisdom of the institutions. Preachers, 
lawyers, doctors, planters, men of refinement, education and influence, owned, 
bought and sold slaves and justified and defended slavery. 

The public opinion of the world at that time was, and for centuries had been, 
on their side of the question. 

Slavery gave to the slaveholder wealth, social position, and power, and he 
held on to it with all the tenacity of his nature. 

It will, therefore, be seen that the issue was made up between freedom and 
slavery, in the throes of that great revolution, which gave to the world a free, rep- 
resentative republic. 

On March 1st, 1784, a deed of cession from the State of Virginia convey- 
ing to the United States, "the territory northwest of the River Ohio", was exe- 
cuted by Thomas Jefferson, S. Handy, Arthur Lee and James Monroe, delegates 
in Congress from Virginia. This conveyance was authorized by the Virginia Leg- 
islature, by an act passed December 20, 1783. 

This territory composed the entire possessions northwest of the Ohio River, 
formerly controlled by Great Britain ; it extended to the Mississippi River, then 
the western frontier of the republic. Out of this territory the great free States of 
Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and part of Minnesota were after- 
wards formed. After the grant was made, Mr. Jefferson brought forward a meas- 
ure in Congress, declaring that slavery should be prohibited in the territory, but 
his proposition failed. 

In 1787, the necessity for a territorial government for the Northwest Terri- 
tory became obvious ; several thousand people had become settlers in the country 
and were without civil government. A measure was brought forward in the 
Continental Congress by Nathan Dane, of Massachusetts, entitled, "An ordinance 
for the government of the territory of the United States northwest of the River 
Ohio". It became a law July 13, 1787. This ordinance created a territorial form 
of government ; but it did much more. It enacted a bill of rights which embody 
the bed rock principles upon which our State Governments are founded. The 
second article, amongst other things, declared that "No man shall be deprived of 
his liberty or property but by the judgment of his peers or the law of the land". 

The sixth article contains these weighty w r ords : "There shall be neither 
slavery nor revolutionary servitude in the said territory, otherwise than in the 
punishment of crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted". 

It must be said, to the honor of all the States, North and South, that this 
ordinance received the unanimous vote of all the States, except the single vote 
of Mr. N > ates, of New York. The passage of the ordinance was an auspicious be- 
ginning in the interest of freedom — it was the first important measure upon the 
slavery question adopted by Congress after independence had been gained; the 
action of the delegates from the Southern States in aiding to dedicate this great 
northwestern empire to freedom, conclusively shows that the agitation against 



10 



slavery throughout the colonies during and immediately after the war, had cre- 
ated no sectional animosity upon that question. Each State possessed absolute 
authority over that subject within their respective jurisdictions, and no State 
sought to interfere with the rights of others. 

The year 1787 is an important epoch in the history of the United States. On 
May 14th of that year the Constitutional Convention met at Philadelphia ; it was 
composed of delegates from all the States. 

George Washington was chosen President. 

Never in the history of the world was a more important duty imposed upon 
a body of men, than upon this convention. 

The success of the war of independence had made the Thirteen Colonies free 
and independent States. The government organized under the Articles of Con- 
federation had served a useful purpose during the war, but when peace came it 
proved an absolute failure. 

The Continental Congress was granted power to declare war, to make treaties, 
to send and receive embassadors, to emit bills of credit, to borrow and appro- 
priate money, to coin money and to regulate the interests of the Nation, etc. 
But it had no authority to act directly upon the people of the United States. It 
was solely dependent upon the action of the States to supply money to the com- 
mon treasury to defray the expenses of the Government. All efforts of the 
General Government to secure from the States an adequate source of revenue 
were unavailing; during the five years prior to 1787, New Hampshire, North 
Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia contributed nothing ; none of the other 
States contributed their full quoto. Public credit was destroyed, and faith in the 
permanence of American institutions was greatly shaken. General Washington 
wrote : "To be more exposed in the eyes of the world and more contemptible than 
we already are, is hardly possible". 

The gravity of the situation was fully recognized by members of the conven- 
tion, and they painfully felt the immense responsibilities resting upon them. 
Rivalries and jealousies existed between the States, the inequality in territory, 
population and wealth, and the difference in employments, all conspired to in- 
crease the difficulty in agreeing upon an improved form of government ; but it 
was soon found, as Mr. Madison afterwards stated, that "the institution of slavery 
and its consequences furnished the line of discrimination" to all the proceedings. 

A powerful body of men in the convention believed in slavery, and repre- 
sented States where people were unwilling to join a Union in which slavery was 
not thoroughly recognized and protected — slavery was a bond of union to these 
men, and they labored earnestly to thoroughly entrench slavery in the constitu- 
tion being framed. 

A great contention arose in regard to fixing the basis of representation in 
the two branches of Congress. One plan was to have the representation of each 
State in the Senate and House of Representatives proportioned according to 
their number of free population. The convention voted twice in favor of the 
plan, but great discontent was manifested by the small States. The Virginia plan 
was for the representation in the House to be based on free inhabitants and three- 
fifths of the slaves ; this proposition was defeated. Another for equal represen- 
tation in the Senate was also defeated. 

In a committee of conference, Benjamin Franklin proposed that the States 
should have equal representation in the. Senate, and representation in the House 
proportioned to their population, counting all free inhabitants and three-fifths of 
all other persons. Mr. Williamson, of North Carolina, and Mr. Mason, of Vir- 
ginia favored this plan, while Pierce Butler and Charles Pinckney, of South Caro- 
lina insisted on full representation on slave population. Upon the report of 
the committee, Mr. Butler's amendment to count all the slaves was lost, and 
the proposition to count three-fifths of the slaves was lost. The proposition, then, 
was to base representation on a compound ratio of wealth and population. At 
this juncture Gen. Davie, of North Carolina, who had taken no part in the debate, 
arose. He declared, "It is time to speak out. I see that it is meant by some 
gentlemen to deprive the Southern States of any representation of their blacks. I 
am sure that North Carolina will never confederate on any terms that do not rate 
them at least as three-fifths. If the Eastern States mean to exclude them alto- 

11 



gether, then the business is at an end." It was evident that a crisis had been 
'reached in the business of the convention, and that important concessions must 
be made to the slave interest or the convention would be dissolved. Mr. John- 
son, of Connecticut, at once declared that the whole population should be counted. 
Mr Randolph renewed the Virginia proposition to count three-fifths of the slaves 
in the basis oi representation. This proposition was carried by the votes of 
Connecticut. Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia; 
New Icrsev and Delaware opposed, and the vote of Massachusetts and South 
Carolina were divided. m 

The various resolutions were finally referred to a committee on detail, of 
which John Rutledge, of South Carolina, was chairman ; the committee made 
their report August 6th. Upon the controverted questions the report was : That 
there should be no duty on exports; that a two-thirds vote in Congress be re- 
quired to pass navigation laws; the importation of slaves not to be prohibited, 
and such imports not to be taxed; and foreign vessels to enter Southern ports 
without laws discriminating in favor of domestic shipping. 

The delegates from Virginia and Maryland were not favorable to continue 
the slave trade. Mr. King, of Massachusetts, denounced the admission of slaves. 

Gouverneur Morris inveighed against slavery. "It was a nefarious insti- 
tution; it was the curse of heaven on the States where it prevailed." "Upon 
what principle is it that the slaves shall be computed in the representation? Are 
they men? Then make them citizens and let them vote. Are they property? 
Why, then, is no other property included?" He declared that "slavery was the 
most prominent feature in the aristocratic countenance of the proposed consti- 
tution. The vassalage of the poor has ever been the favorite offspring of the 
aristocracy". 

Luther Martin, of Maryland, moved an amendment allowing slaves im- 
ported to be taxed. Charles Pinckney asserted : "South Carolina can never 
receive the plan if it prohibits the slave trade. In every proposed extension of 
the powers of Congress that State has expressly and watchfully excepted the 
powers of meddling with the importation of slaves." 

George Mason, of Virginia, strongly denounced the slave trade. He said : 
"Slavery discourages arts and manufactories. The poor despise labor when per- 
formed by slaves. It prevents the immigration of whites who really enrich and 
strengthen the country. It produces the most pernicious effects on manners, 
every master of slaves is born a petty tyrant. It brings the judgment of Heaven 
on a country. By an inevitable chain of causes and effects Providence punishes 
national sins by national calamities." He moved that the General Government 
should have the power to prevent the increase of slavery. Mr. Charles C. 
Pinckney, in reply, stated "that South Carolina and Georgia cannot do without 
slaves. It would be unfair to ask South Carolina and Georgia to confederate 
on such unequal terms." 

The South Carolina delegates united in the declaration, that if the slave trade 
was prohibited South Carolina would not come into the Union. Mr. Williamson, 
of North Carolina, expressed the opinion that if those States were not allowed to 
import slaves, they would not come into the Union. 

Mr. Wilson, of Pennsylvania, suggested "that if negroes were the only im- 
port- not subject to duty, such an exception would amount to a bounty". Mr. 
king thought that "exempting slaves from duty, while every other import was 
subject to it. was an inequality that could not fail to strike the commercial 
acit) of the Northern and Middle States." 

Mr. Charles Pinckney hastened to move a recommittal of the report, with a 
view to a tax on slaves equal to a tax imposed on other imports. This motion 
mded by his colleague, Mr. Rutlege. Gouverneur Morris proposed that 
the clauses relating to navigation, slaves and taxation of exports should also be 
n ferred, suggesting that, "these things may form a bargain between the Northern 
and Southern Stales"; the motion to recommit prevailed. 

The committee took these conflicting propositions up with a broad spirit 
of compromise and the report which followed provided that there should be no 
duty on exports; that Congress should have power to regulate commerce, and 
thai the slave trade should continue until the vear 1800. 



12 



Mr. Madison "thought it was wrong to admit into the constitution the idea 
that there could be property in man". 

The phraseology of the report was changed to remove that objection. Mr. 
Charles C. Pinckney moved to extend the slave trade to 1808; the proposition 
was seconded by Mr. Graham, of Massachusetts, and the motion was carried by 
the votes of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Georgia and South 
Carolina. The States of Xew Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Virginia voted 
against the amendment. Mr. Charles C. Pinkney, Mr. Butler and Mr. Rut- 
ledge gave the vote of South Carolina in favor of striking out the restriction on 
the enactment of navigation laws. Thus the great compromise was effected ; and 
the slave trade was continued for twenty years. 

But another important measure in the interest of slavery, which had been 
overlooked by the committee on detail, was now brought forward, namely, the 
return of fugitive slaves. No such provision was contained in the articles of 
confederation, but Mr. Pinckney demanded a provision in favor of slave property. 
Mr. Butler moved that, "fugitive slaves and servants be delivered up as criminals". 

On August 27, the provision, having been put in acceptable form, was 
adopted without a division. 

The constitution as agreed upon after the long and heated controversy, con- 
tained four great provisions in the interest of slavery and slave-holders, namely : 
It required the return of fugitive slaves. It provided for the use of national aid 
by the use of the militia for the suppression of insurrection or invasion. It in- 
cluded slaves in the enumeration for representation in the National House of 
Representatives and in the Electoral College, making five slaves equal to three 
free persons. And it authorized the continuance of the African slave trade for 
twenty years. 

It is undoubtedly true that a majority of the Southern delegates would have 
withdrawn from the convention, if these provisions had been omitted from the 
constitution, and their omission would have insured the defeat of the constitu- 
tion before the people. 

Thus it will be seen that in the year 1787, Congress, by an ordinance, pro- 
hibited slavery in the Northwest Territory, while the constitutional convention 
placed in the constitution articles which protected slavery where it existed, con- 
ferred upon it great political power, giving at least 25 members in the House of 
Representatives and 25 votes in the Electoral College based on slave popula- 
tion, and gave the sanction of constitutional law to the African slave trade for 
twenty years. 

Delegates from the New England and Middle States, from which by the 
free will of the people slavery was soon to disappear, gave earnest support to 
these compromises in the constitution as a means of establishing forever the 
United States of America. 

They were forced to tolerate a condition of things which they were power- 
less to remedy, and for which they felt they were not responsible. The ques- 
tion with them was, shall this first experiment of free representative government 
be permitted to fail, because of a disagreement concerning the conditions sur- 
rounding this subject race? They decided this question in the negative. The 
constitution was framed and adopted, and a more perfect union was formed. 

They left to the wisdom of posterity the final settlement of the slavery 
question. 

In the midst of this controversy upon the slavery question, the advocates of 
the formation of a strong federal republic, led by Alexander Hamilton, secured 
the adoption of provisions which created a great national government with full 
legislative, executive and judicial powers upon national subjects. 

The citizens of the United States were made one people, and they were recog- 
nized as possessing the sovereignty of the United States of America. 

The second paragraph of Article VI contains this dominating provision, 
"This Constitution and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in 
Pursuance thereof ; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the 
Authority of the United States, shall be the Supreme Law of the land ; and the 
Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or 
Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding." 

13 



CHAPTER II. 

Admission of Slave States — Balance of Power in the Sexate — Missouri 
•promise — Election of President Polk — Annexation of Texas — 
Mexican YVak — W'ilmot Proviso — Election of Gex. Taylor Presi- 
dent — Compromise of 1850. 

Important events connected with the intstitution of slavery crowded on each 
other. Kentucky was admitted as a slave State June 1st, 1792. Tennessee was 
admitted as a slave State June 1st, 1796. The great slave Territory of Louisiana, 
extending from the mouth of the Mississippi along the west bank of that stream 
northward to the British possessions and westward to the Rocky Mountains, was 
purchased from France in 1803. Louisiana was admitted as a slave State in 1812. 
Mississippi was admitted as a slave State in 1817, and Alabama in 1819, and this 
year, Florida, a slave Territory, was ceded by Spain. 

The growth of the West in population and wealth drew the attention of 
Southern statesmen to the fact that many new free States would soon knock at 
the door of Congress for admission. Ohio had already come into the LTiion 
in 1802. Mr. Calhoun and other Southern leaders insisted upon maintaining 
the balance power in the Senate between the slave and free States. This was to be 
accomplished by admitting States in pairs, one a free State and the other a slave 
State. 

In 1 8 16 there were nine free States and nine slave States in the Union. 
Indiana was admitted that year, and Mississippi was admitted in 1817. Illinois 
was admitted in 1818, and Alabama in 1819. These States were part of the orig- 
inal territory, and their status as to the slavery question had been settled years 
before, so there was no contest in respect to the slavery question. Missouri ap- 
plied for admission into the Union as a slave State in 1 818. A bill was introduced 
in the House for that purpose which aroused violent opposition. Mr. Tallmadge, 
oi Xew York, offered an amendment providing that the further introduction of 
slavery be prohibited in said State of Missouri, and all children born in the State 
after its admission to the Union shall be free at the age of twenty-five years. An 
exciting and able debate followed, in which Mr. Clay took part; the House 
adopted the amendment : it was rejected by the Senate', and the two Houses re- 
fused to recede, so the bill was lost. 

At the next session, in 1819, the Territory of Maine applied for admission 
to the Union. Immediately after the presentation of that memorial, a similar 
document was presented for the admission of Missouri. The destinies of these 
two Territories now seemed to be indissolubly linked together: the question 

Imitting one could not be considered without considering the other. The 
anti-slavery restriction in respect to Missouri was again introduced, and, al- 
though earnestly opposed by the Southern members, including Mr. Clay, it was 
pted by the House. The Senate refused to concur, but prepared and passed 
a new bill for the admission of both States, and incorporated in the bill the 
proposition of Senator Jesse B. Thomas, of Illinois, as follows: 'That in all that 
Territory ceded by France to the United States under the name of Louisiana, 
which lies north of thirty-six degrees and thirty minutes north latitude, ex- 
-uch part thereof as is included within the limits of the State, contem- 
plated by this act, slavery and involuntary servitude otherwise than in the pun- 
ishment of crimes, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall be 
and is hereby forever prohibited". This proposition was approved by the House, 

H 






and, although the Senate bill was rejected, separate bills were passed for each 
State, the Missouri bill containing the Thomas amendment as presented in the 
Senate. Maine became a State in 1820, and Missouri became a State in 1821, 
under the act of Congress, known as the "Missouri Compromise". 

The struggle over the admission of Missouri as a slave State not only aroused 
the members of the two Houses of Congress to a high pitch of excitement, but 
the people of the whole country, North and South, were profoundly moved by 
this controversy. But the people of both sections accepted the compromise, as a 
final settlement of the slavery question in the Territories. Those who opposed 
the extension of slavery felt that, although another slave State had been admitted 
to the Union, with the exception of the Arkansas Territory, all the rest of the 
Territories of the United States extending to the Pacific Ocean was dedicated 
to freedom, and that bounds had been placed to slavery. 

The excitement North and South died out, and to all appearances contention 
upon the slavery question was ended. 

Arkansas was admitted to the Union as a slave State June 15, 1836. 
The great issue in the political compaign for President in 1844 was the 
annexation of Texas and the settlement of the Oregon boundary. 

The Democratic party nominated as their candidate James K. Polk, of Ten- 
nessee. 

The Whig party nominated Henry Clay, of Kentucky. 
The Abolition party nominated James G. Birney, of New York. 
Mr. Polk earnestly favored the annexation of Texas and the line of 54 deg. 
40 min. as the northern line for Oregon. "Fifty-four forty or fight," was a 
Democratic campaign rallying cry. 

Mr. Clay had opposed the annexation of Texas, but during the campaign, 
in what is known as the Raleigh letter, gave the proposition a qualified approval. 
Mr. Birney opposed the annexation upon the ground that it would extend 
the area of slaves. 

Never in the previous history of the country had a Presidential contest 
aroused such deep feeling. The old jealousy and animosity existing between 
Clay and Jackson was an important factor in the struggle. Gen. Jackson, in 
his retirement at the Hermitage, rapidly approaching the end of life, threw the 
whole weight of his influence into the struggle. Mr. Clay, matchless as a leader, 
drew men to him with enthusiasm and devotion never before witnessed, but his 
antagonists were as intense in their hatred as his friends were in their love. 

Polk was triumphantly elected. New York gave him her electoral vote. Of 
the popular votes cast, 58,879 were cast for Mr. Birney, the Abolition candidate, 
of which Illinois gave 149. 

With the election of Mr. Polk as President, the Democratic party reached 
the zenith of its political influence and power. The Southern wing had the lead- 
ership, but there were absolutely no divisions in the party. 

The annexation of Texas was approved by the popular vote. 
Mr. Calhoun, who had succeeded Mr. Webster as Secretary of State in Presi- 
dent Tyler's Cabinet, had already negotiated a treaty with Texas for the annexa- 
tion of that Republic ; the treaty was pending in the Senate with no prospect 
of approval, when the election was held. Mr. Calhoun decided not to press for 
the approval of the treaty, but to rely upon the adoption of a joint resolution for 
the admission of Texas. This was done with the approval of Mr. Polk. The joint 
resolution was passed by both Houses of Congress, and approved by Mr. Tyler 
March 1st, 1845. ^ n due course Texas ratified the action of Congress, and was 
admitted to the Union December 25, 1845. 

In the admission of Texas Congress extended the "Missouri Compromise" 
line of 36 deg. 30 min. to this Territory, prohibiting slavery north of that line of 
latitude. 

Mexico had never recognized the independence of Texas. A state of war 
existed between Mexico and Texas at the time of annexation. The passage 
through Congress of the annexation resolution caused the Mexican Minister 
to ask for his passport, and to leave this country. The Mexican Government re- 
fused all intercourse with the American Minister, and he finally returned to the 
United States. There was no established boundary between Mexico and Texas, 

15 



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Missouri, Iovva and Wisconsin, without an organized territorial government for 
any portion of this mighty empire. 

A bill was introduced for the organization of a territorial government for 
Oregon. The title of the United States to this country was based upon its dis- 
covery in 1792. by Captain Gray, a Yankee skipper; by the exploration of Clarke 
and Lewis in 1804, and by settlement and occupation. It was never a slave terri- 
tory, and yet a heated debate arose over the bill for its organization, when it was 
proposed to exclude slavery. 

The bill passed August 14, 1848, with the proviso prohibiting slavery. 

It was now obvious to discerning men that the question of the extension of 
slavery had become the leading political idea with Democrats and Whigs of the 
Southern States, and that the question, coupled with the threat of disunion, would 
be mooted in Congress as long as there was a territory to be organized or a State 
to be admitted. 

Gold was discovered in California in 1848, and an immense tide of immigra- 
tion flowed into that unorganized territory. 

The Democratic National Convention met at Baltimore May 1st, 1848, and 
nominated Gen. Lewis Cass and Gen. Wm. O. Butler as candidates for President 
and Vice-President. Upon the slavery question the platform declared : ''That all 
efforts of the abolitionists or others, made to induce Congress to interfere with 
questions of slavery, or to take incipient steps in relation thereto, are calculated 
to lead to the most dangerous and alarming consequences". 

There were two delegations from New York to the convention, but neither 
was admitted. The "Hunker" faction endorsed the nominations, but the "Barn- 
burners" faction declined to do so. They called a convention to meet at Buffalo. 
It was largely attended, from nearly all the States, by Free Soil Democrats. 
Martin Van Buren and Charles Francis Adams were nominated for President 
and Vice-President. 

An aggressive platform was adopted on the slavery question. They de- 
clared "that Congress had no more power to make a slave than to make a king ; 
no more power to institute or abolish slavery than to institute or abolish a 
monarchy". "The only safe measure of preventing the extension of slavery into 
the Territory, now free, is to prohibit its extension in all such Territories by an 
act of Congress". "W^e inscribe on our banner, 'Free Soil, Free Speech, Free 
Labor and Free Men". 

The Whigs met in national convention June 1st, 1848, at Philadelphia. The 
great leaders, Clay and Webster, were put aside, and Gen. Zachary Taylor nomi- 
nated for President and Millard Fillmore for Vice-President. The Whig platform 
was mainly directed to lauding Gen. Taylor; little was said about political issues, 
and not a word about slavery. The convention refused to adopt a resolution 
favoring the application of the Wilmot Proviso to the Territories. Gen. Taylor 
was a citizen of Louisiana and a slave-holder, and was regarded as a safer man 
for the South than Gen. Cass. Gen. Taylor received a majority of the electoral 
votes, both North and South, and was elected. But the vote in New York for 
Cass and Van Buren was much greater than the vote for Gen. Taylor. The 36 
electoral votes of New York were cast for Gen. Taylor and decided the contest. 

It thus happened that Gen. Cass in 1848, like Henry Clay in 1844, was beaten 
for President by the defection of Free Soilers in New York. This Free Soil 
column was led for Mr. Van Buren by Dean Richmond, Samuel J. Tilden, San- 
ford B. Church and other prominent Democrats. 

Gen. Taylor was inaugurated President March 5th, 1849. 

As the time for the meeting of Congress approached, the importance of the 
questions to be brought before the body excited general interest throughout the 
country. 

Congress met December, 1849. The first duty was to select a speaker. 
Howell Cobb was nominated by the Democrats and Robert C. Winthrop by the 
Whigs. For three weeks the struggle continued without an election. 

The Southern Whigs, led by Robert Toombs and Alexander H. Stephens, 
refused to vote for Mr. Winthrop. The Whig caucus had refused to consider 
a resolution declaring that Congress ought not to put any restriction to slavery 
in the Territories and ought not to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia. 

17 



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------ 







CHAPTER III. 

Election of President Pierce — Kansas-Nebraska Legislation — Slavery 
Agitation Renewed — Split in Democratic and Whig Parties — Anti- 
Nebraska Congress Elected — Lyman Trumbull Elected to U. S. 
Senate. 

In 1852 the public mind was at rest on the slavery question. 

The compromise measures of 1850 were accepted by the great mass of the 
people, North and South, as a permanent settlement of the Slavery Question as 
it was related to the Territories. 

The Democratic party nominated Gen. Franklin Pierce of New Hamp- 
shire and William R. King of Alabama as candidates for President and Vice- 
President. The Whig party nominated Gen. Winfield Scott of New Jersey and 
William A. Graham of North Carolina. The Free Soil party nominated John P. 
Hale of New Hampshire and George W. Julien of Indiana. 

On the slavery question the Democratic platform "Resolved that the 
Democratic party will resist all attempts of renewing, in Congress, or out of it, 
the agitation of the slavery question under whatever shape or color the attempt 
may be made." The Whig platform was of the same tenor, and quite as emphatic 
against the agitation of the slavery question. Both platforms declared that the 
compromise measures of 1850 were a settlement of the "dangerous and exciting 
questions which they embrace." The Free Soil platform declared "that slavery 
is a sin against God and a crime against man," and demanded its abolition. 
"That the fugitive slave law is repugnant to the Constitution." That the com- 
promise measures of 1850 were "wholly inadequate to the settlement of the ques- 
tions of which they are claimed to be an adjustment." 

The canvass was unattended with excitement and developed no special 
features of interest. Mr. Pierce was elected. He received 254 electoral votes, 
Gen. Scott received 42 electoral votes and Mr. Hale received no electoral votes. 
Of the popular vote Pierce received 1,601,474, Scott 1,386,578 and Hale 156,149 
votes. 

The XXXIII Congress chosen at the same election was divided as follows: 

Senate — 38 Democrats, 22 Whigs, 2 Free Soil. Total 62. 

House — 159 Democrats, 71 Whigs, 4 Free Soil. Total 234. 

The Democratic party was returned to power by a majority of the popular 
vote, with large majorities in both houses of Congress, while the Free Soil vote, 
never large, had fallen off over 135,000 in four years. 

President Pierce in his first message, December, 1853, referred to the com- 
promise measures of 1850 and stated "it had given renewed vigor to our institu- 
tions and restored a sense of repose and security to the public mind." 

But this repose was soon to be disturbed. A bill to organize the Territory 
of Nebraska was introduced in the Senate in January, 1854. 

Senator Dixon of Kentucky, successor of Mr. Clay, now deceased, gave 
notice that when the bill should come before the Senate he would move that "the 
Missouri compromise be repealed, and that the citizens of the several States shall 
be at liberty to take and hold their slaves within any of the Territories." This 
action of Senator Dixon attracted the attention of the whole country and the pub- 
lic mind was at once aroused to a state of uneasy expectancy. 

Senator Douglas was Chairman of the Committee on Territories. This 
bill was referred to his committee. In due course he reported to the Senate a bill 
for the organization of Territorial governments for both Kansas and Nebraska. 

19 



The bill contained the following clauses for each Territory: 
•'That the legislative power of the Territory shall extend to all rightful 
subjects of legislation consistent with the Constitution of the United States and: 
the provisions of this act * * the said Territory or any portion of the same 
shall be received into the Union with or without slavery, as their constitution 
may prescribe at the time of their admission." "That the Constitution and laws of 
the United States which are not locally inapplicable, shall have the same^force 
and effect within the said Territory of Kansas as elsewhere within the United 
States." "Except the Eighth Section of the Act preparatory to the admission of 
Missouri into the Union approved March 6th, 1820, which being inconsistent 
with the principle of non-intervention by Congress with slavery in the States and 
Territories as recognized by the legislation of 1850, commonly called the com- 
promise measures, "is hereby declared inoperative and void, it being the true in- 
tent of this act not to legislate slavery into any Territory or State, nor to exclude 
it therefrom, but to leave the people thereof perfectly free to form and regulate 
their domestic institutions in their own way, subject only to the Constitution of 
the United States." 

The section of the act for the admission of Missouri declared void, as here- 
tofore quoted, is as follows : 

"Sec. 8. Be it further enacted that in all the Territory ceded by France to 
the United States, under the name of Louisiana, which lies north of thirty-six 
degrees and thirty minutes north latitude, not included within the limits of the- 
State contemplated by this act, slavery and involuntary servitude, otherwise than 
as the punishment for crime, shall be and is hereby forever prohibited." 

This bill was debated in Congress for four months. The proposition to- 
throw open to slavery the territory which had been dedicated to freedom by the 
Missouri compromise, and to invite a struggle between the people of the slave- 
and free States for supremacy in organizing the Territories, was regarded by 
many as a breach of faith and dangerous to the peace of the country. 

The excitement in Congress and throughout the country was intense. 
Southern Congressmen and the Southern press claimed the right for slave-holders 
to take their slaves into any Territory and hold them there by virtue of the Consti- 
tution without reference to the National or Territorial laws. In the North it was 
claimed that slavery was local, depending upon State laws for its existence ; that 
Congress had power and it was its duty to prevent the spread of slavery into the 
Territories. Mr. Douglas sought to place the question upon a middle ground, 
that is, not to legislate slavery either into or out of the Territory, but to leave the- 
question to be settled by the people of the Territory. 

Every Southern Democrat in the House voted for the bill except Thomas 
H. Benton, who was then serving in the House from St. Louis, and Mr. Millson 
of Virginia. Every Southern Whig in the House, except seven, voted for the bill. 
In the Senate every Southern Senator voted for the bill, except Senators- 
Houston of Texas and Bell of Tennessee. 

More than 40 Northern Democrats voted against the bill on its final passage. 
Mr. Richardson of Illinois had the management of the bill in the House; 
his Democratic colleagues all favored the measure except John Wentworth and 
Colonel William H. Bissell, who opposed the measure with all their power. Mr. 
Wentworth eight years before had voted for the Wilmot proviso, and had not 
changed his position upon the great question of excluding slavery from the Ter- 
ritories. The Whig members, Norton, Knox, Washburne and Yates, all made- 
rag speeches in opposition to the passage of the bill. Mr. Yates addressed the 
1 louse on March 28, using these prophetic words : "This will be no party meas- 
The great enormity of its introduction into our National councils is that it 
tends to make two parties, divided not as heretofore, but by geographical lines — 
orthera party and a Southern party. Who can foresee the malignity and bit- 
t< mess of the strife which is to ensue. I would not anticipate or suffer myself to^ 
think of that awful day when the South and the North should be marshaled in 
ile array against each other; when American should meet American on the 
idy held of strife ; when the fiery and impetuous valor of the South should 
e in contact with the cool, determined bravery of the North. No, sir; I 
trust that day will never come." 

20 



Mr. Washburne spoke April 5. He declared that "the questions involved in 
the bill have taken a deep hold upon the public mind, and there is no power on 
earth that could control its workings. You might as well ask the sea to stand still 
as to ask the North to submit in silence to the repeal of the Missouri Com- 
promise." 

On May 19 Mr. Knox made an effective speech, closing with these em- 
phatic words : "I repeat, sir, I never can, and never will, and no earthly power 
will make me vote directly or indirectly, to spread slavery over territory where it 
does not exist. Never, while reason holds her seat in my brain. Never, while my 
heart sends the vital fluid through my veins. Never !" 

The bill passed Congress and was approved by President Pierce May 30, 
1854. The Missouri compromise line was forever expunged. The great, final 
conflict between freedom and slavery in the United States was begun. The 
friends of slavery were determined to make Kansas a slave State, and the friends 
of Free Soil were equally determined to make it a free State. 

The anti-slavery excitement in the North over the passage of this law was 
intense ; it pervaded all parties and every Northern State. The Whig organ- 
ization disappeared utterly, as unfitted to such an emergency. Many leading 
Democrats renounced their allegiance to the Democratic organization and heart- 
ily joined in an "Anti-Nebraska" movement. Public meetings were called in 
various parts of the country and resolutions were adopted condemning the Kan- 
sas-Nebraska law and recommending the organization of a new party. 

Senator Douglas visited the State Fair in Springfield in October and spoke 
in favor of the measure. Mr. Lincoln answered the Senator's speech and 
sounded a key-note of opposition to the extension of slavery into the Territories. 
Mr. Lincoln spoke at Peoria and at numerous other places, condemning the 
measure as being in the interest of slavery and a violation of plighted faith. His 
speeches aroused great interest and enthusiasm. He advised men everywhere to 
unite without reference to former party lines in an effort to carry the November 
election for members of the Legislature and for members of Congress. But Mr. 
Lincoln took no part in a convention called by Owen Lovejoy and others to meet 
at Springfield in October, during the Fair. 

Mr. Lovejoy was known to be an intense abolitionist, and Mr. Lincoln and 
other prominent leaders of the Anti-Nebraska movement were unwilling to iden- 
tify themselves with a convention which would be characterized as an abolition 
convention. 

The work of organization went on with energy in the Central and North- 
ern part of the State. In the Alton Congressional District the Anti-Nebraska 
Democrats nominated Hon. Lyman Trumbull for Congress and he was elected. 
F. B. Washburne, James H. Woodworth, Jesse O. Norton and James Knox were 
elected as Anti-Nebraska Whigs in the 1st, 2d, 3d and 4th districts, making five 
Anti-Nebraska members while only four Democrats were elected from Illinois. 

The XXXIV Congress was made up as follows : 

Senate — 42 Democrats, 15 Republicans, 5 Americans. Total 62. 

House — 83 Democrats, 108 Republicans, 43 Americans. Total 234. 

Many of those styled Americans were Free Soil Whigs who co-operated 
with the Republicans in organizing the House. Hon. Nathaniel P. Banks, a 
Massachusetts Republican, was elected speaker. 

LTpon the Illinois Legislature, which met January, 1855, devolved the duty 
of electing a Senator to succeed Gen. Shields, who was a candidate for re-election. 
A majority were "Anti-Nebraska" men, but they were not yet ready to act har- 
moniously together. 

On the first ballot Abraham Lincoln received 45 votes, Gen. James Shields 
41 votes, Lyman Trumbull 5 votes, and 8 members voted for seven other candi- 
dates. The votes for Gen. Shields were given by men who stood resolutely by 
the Democratic party and who endorsed Gen. Shields' action in supporting the 
Kansas-Nebraska Bill. The votes cast for Mr. Lincoln were Free Soil Whigs. 
The votes for Judge Trumbull were Anti-Nebraska Democrats, who were not yet 
ready to affiliate with the Anti-Nebraska Whigs. Three Senators, John M. 
Palmer, Burton C. Cook and Norman B. Judd, and two Representatives, George 
T. Allen and Henry S. Baker, steadily voted for Judge Trumbull. The Demo- 

21 



s finally dropped Gen. Shields and concentrated their vote upon Governor 

:son. Mr. Lincoln lacked but six votes of election: he became satisfied that 

he would not be able to secure those votes, so he advised his friends to vote for 

Judge Trumbull. On the ioth ballot the Judge received 51 votes and was elected. 

hrough the influence of Mr. Lincoln. Illinois sent to the XXXR Congress 

Anti-Nebraska Democrat as a Senator, who afterwards became one of the 
Republican leaders of that body. 

The political revolution of 1854. which resulted in overthrowing the power 
of the Democratic party in a majority of the Northern States and- in the lower 
House of Congress, was brought to a successful issue without a national conven- 
tion. It was the result of a spontaneous uprising of the people to protest against 
the spread of slavery. The people of the Southern States were solidly united in 
^~-::::_; :■:'::.::: -rti: :: :z 5::::::s T:;t_v ~zr.rrr.zi :'::a: :::t erisl-verr.e::: :: :::e 
negro was right, that the perpetuation of the social fabric — the preservation of 
law and order, and the progress of the South — demanded the enslavement of the 
blacks. They affirmed that under the (institution they had the right to take and 
hold their negro properly into the Territories of the United States and form a 
5 :e if the niajority of the people demanded it. They claimed the Consti- 
tutional right to withdraw from the Union if they saw fit to do so. 

This new party-, soon to be christened by a national convention as the Re- 
publican party, met these issues fairly and squarely. They denied the divine 
origin of slavery and characterized it as a child of the dark ages and inconsistent 
with free government. They recognized the right of the Southern States to de- 
termine for themselves when or whether they would abolish slavery, but they de- 
nied utterly that slavery was national and insisted that Congress not only had the 
power but it was its duly to forever prohibit slavery- in the Territories. 

es which had heretofore divided the country, the tariff, internal im- 
provements, the public lands, national banks, the army, the navy and the puDlic 
defense were all put aside and the country divided upon the great issue between 
freedom and slavery- in the Territories. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Bleeding Kansas — Territorial Legislature Elected by Pro-Slavery 
Men from Missouri — Bona Fide Residents Driven from Polls — 
Non-Resident Pro-Slavery Men Fill Offices in the Territory — 
Determined Effort of Administration to Make Kansas a Slave State. 

The act of Congress for the organization of the Territories of Nebraska and 
Kansas, approved 1854, was the signal for an immense immigration from all 
parts of the United States into those Territories. The large area of each Terri- 
tory, the beauty of the country, the fertility of the soil and the salubrity and 
healthf ulness of the climate, all combined to make both Territories desirable for 
the establishment of homes and the building up of two great States. 

The settlements in Nebraska were made almost exclusively by people from 
the free States, but in Kansas it was different ; many persons emigrated from slave 
States to that Territory. 

Atchinson, Doniphan and Kickapoo were settled by pro-slavery men, while 
Lawrence, Topeka, Manhattan, Pawnee and several other towns were settled by 
free State men. 

An emigrant aid society was organized at Boston to encourage emigration 
and to build mills, churches, school houses, etc. About one hundred of the 
early settlers at Lawrence came out under the auspices of this society. Societies 
of a similar character were organized in other States, the aim undoubtedly being 
to ecourage bonafide emigration of persons favorable to making Kansas a free 
State. These acts gave great offence to the people of Missouri. 

At Westport, Mo., the "self-defensive organization" was set on foot July 
29th, 1854, with the declared object "to be ready whenever called upon by citizens 
of Kansas Territory to assist in removing any and all emigrants who go to 
Kansas under the auspices of Northern emigrant aid societies." Public meetings 
were held at various places in Missouri to denounce this movement in the North- 
ern States to encourage emigration to Kansas. Leading slave-holders in the 
Southern States seemed to take it for granted that Kansas would be made a slave 
State and were indignant at the idea that Northern men with anti-slavery views 
should have the temerity of settling in that Territory, while Northern emigrants 
felt that the Territory was open for settlement by any one who saw fit to go there. 

It soon became obvious that Kansas was to become the theater of a great 
struggle between freedom and slavery. 

The emigration to Kansas was composed of educated, well-to-do people. 
Many persons who had risen to positions of distinction at their old homes removed 
to Kansas to cast in their lot in building a new State. Farms were located and 
improved, towns were established, mills, churches, school houses and hotels were 
built, newspapers were established and the busy hum of industry was soon 
heard in all parts of the Territory. A few months' time developed the fact that 
the emigrants from the free States outnumbered those from the slave States, and 
that the sentiments of a majority of the emigrants were favorable to making 
Kansas a free State. 

Andrew H. Reeder, of Pennsylvania, was appointed Governor. He reached 
the Territory October 6th, 1854. He caused a census to be taken of the people, 
which was completed February 28th, 1855. The population numbered 8,307; of 
these 2,905 were voters and 242 were slaves. 

The Governor ordered an election for a Territorial Legislature lor March 
30th, 1855. He divided the Territory into eighteen districts, and appointed judges 
and clerks of election. The people prepared for the election by selecting candi- 
dates for the Legislature. 

On the day of this election, as had occurred at the election of November 
29th, 1854, for a Territorial delegate to Congress, large bodies of armed men 
from Missouri appeared at all the voting places and took possession of the polls 

23 



an - bdd the election- The result was that the Legislature chosen by these 
were pro-slaverr men and nearly all citizens of Missouri. 

This election and die election of Territorial delegate clearly showed that an 
- -aiozation existed in Missouri lor the propose of controlling the affiairsof 



v iotce and raiadnknt Toting. United States Senator Atchison, of Mis- 
souri, in a speech delivered in Platte County. Ma. a short ti me be fore the ekc- 
.----_ , ^ too reside in one day's journey of die Territory, and when 

nm know tout peace, your quiet, and your property depend npon your action. 
Von can. without an exertion, send fire hundred off your young men who will 
r fiv : - t vour insttitntion- Should each county in the State of Missouri 
do its duty, "the Cjuestion will be decided quickry and peaceably at the ballot 

Dr. Stringieuow. at St Joseph, in a speech said: ""I advise yon. one and all, 
to enter everv election district in Kansas in defiance of Reeder and ms Tile myrmi- 
dons, and vote at the point of the !Mrarie4kmfe and revolver.''" 

- ^ - - - - . : - t _ :•: 5 -rr :n zzz zt^sii 

returns, only 831 were found on ihe poll hooks. The Missourians had polled 
$ illegal votes, and bT tins sudden invasion of armed men had overborne the 
bonafide settlers and earned the election. 

This gross act of usurpation aroused the indignation of the people of all 
parties throughout the Northern States : it was obvious that the slave power 
proposed to make Kansas a slave State whether a majority of the people of the 
~ " -. — - :: ' -.r -..". ::--;r . : f.i "±r : r ". : : 

- ■ - of outrages followed dose upon tins election. April jqpth, the press 
of the Parkville Lunnnary was destroyed and the editor driven away because 
'--. : . : - - r: :.~:: - : ::: iz:v:.~^ :/- I<Lis.s:-zr: .:.: :•::: :: Tiins!* _-_; r... 
30th a vigilance connnittee was organized at Leavenworth, and addressed by 
Chief Justice Lecomp, of the United States T erritoria l Court, and several citi- 

V -■-■■■:■.:-■.:: :-.: :.:.r :. ::..-:.:::• -:.::: :- ~:< 
MaT jjih Wmham Fhuupps was tarred and leathered, ridden on a rail and sold 
- r~: rem-. = : \:-::-l :.::.:::: zzt zrir. i* :.: -..:.- --:. ~ ~. ■ 

-..: ■ ". _ \ \-. J.: I:r; :".": —±~ ..'. ~.. lr: : ! J .■ Z I - i ±31- 

' ■-. v _' ' 1 ' .- - : :' . : : : t rr : : . : - : - : : : r : - .-. : : - : : : : z- : : . :" . : _. :. : : ~- • -. ..: :: 
government was removed to Shawnee, Missouri, about four miles from West- 
port, Ma On July 16th the Legislature convened at Shawnee. Missouri. The 

most important Statutes were: *Am art to gstaKlkJi a MiJImmu I Ihr thi» 1hrai>sarti«n 

■: : z :z.zz ': ~ sines? i:.: :; ~"^~~e its orders zzzz :~r> .-jz z:: :: zzzzzsz ::- 
:f":rf lztz ns: - i" : zz .'.-".'/ z .:: : 



the Erst act the Legislature assumed the riir~": oi ^>r~"-r zzz-r boards of 
county connmssioners and invested these boards with aiithority to ""appoint all 
sheriffs, coroners, assessors, collectors, justices of the peace, constables and all 

' • " ~ " - : . : " "*- - : ' : ' - : r ., ^ f : -. : - : r : t£ it- : : : r : . i : /. .: r : - : - - i : .-. t 

people of all power in connection with the anairs of government. The other 

- . ' " ::V.:i:rf - - : - r - - :/ r - 
::^r:;h:r:r:::-: :;:;-:: — r : : t: , t iLr :: it.i:~ 

The pro-slai m leaders in IfeNzri were not content with enacting laws 

ihty wished to hold the offices also. Mr. Jones, a citizen of 

- -7KWI. Missouri, was sheriff of Douglas County, of which I^wrence was the 

onoty Sfa criff Jones administered Ins office in a way to keep the citizens 

i Lawrence in a continual broiL In December. 1&55, under the guise of en- 

iavcmg a peace warrant, he caused about fifteen hundred armed Missomians to 

: -- '-' '-''■■- — '- ~-~.- ":::; i~t ivr.-nrri iTTT'.'-Si :: z-.i.~-z - -~r 

■ -.-ndtr his arms. whScb. ot cortrse. dney recused to da. Governor Sh 

who had just been appointed, arrived on tl^ scene in thne to avert bloodshed. 

The bonafide residents brought their home pontics with them when they 

sas, but the exciting and extraordinary scenes through which 

ha d pass ed from the spring of a £54 to December, rife, had broken down all 

" : " :; ~ -"~* ~~ '^r. :"r.r ~*;i: ~i — :: ;: -~-± reicCt z:— sr->r«-f f~:rl:r- 

an3der as a free State party of Kansas' And ""Bleeding Kansas" 

:- 



The free State men held a convention at Big Spring, September 5th. They 
passed resolutions repudiating the laws of the bogus Legislature and nominated 
Governor Reeder for delegate to Congress. September 17th another conven- 
tion was held at Topeka under the leadership of General James H. Lane and 
Charles Robinson. This convention decided to form a constitution and State 
government and petition Congress for admission into the Union. To this end an 
executive committee was formed with General Lane as chairman, an election 
was held, delegates were elected, and the constitutional convention met at Topeka 
October 23d. Governor Reeder was also elected as a delegate to Congress at 
the same election. 

On November nth the convention had completed its business, and sub- 
mitted the constitution for adoption by the people. The constitution provided for 
the election of State officers, a Legislature, etc., the 4th of March, 1856, being 
fixed as the date for organizing the State government. The constitution was 
adopted, candidates for the Legislature were elected, and a great convention was 
held at Lawrence to nominate State officers. Lane and Robinson were candi- 
dates. General Lane had served in the Mexican War and had distinguished 
himself under Gen. Taylor at Buena Vista. He had also served in Congress from' 
Indiana as a Democrat. Dr. Robinson was a Whig. Both were ardently in 
favor of making Kansas a free State. Dr. Robinson was nominated for Governor. 
In due time the election was held and State officers and a Legislature were 
elected. 

In the meantime the pro-slavery party had been active. The President had 
"been induced to remove Governor Reeder and appoint Wilson Shannon, of Ohio, 
Governor. He assumed office September 1st, 1855. 

On October 6th Dr. Stringfellow, of Missouri, who had been speaker of the 
bogus Kansas Legislature, wrote a letter to Alabama, which was published in 
the Montgomery Advertiser, calling for aid. 

November 14th a law and order convention was held at Leavenworth, which 
was attended by Governor Shannon and the Territorial judges. Resolutions were 
passed denouncing the free State movement. 

A number of free State men were killed. Dow was killed by Coleman at 
Hickory Point, November 21st. Coleman fled to Westport and put himself 
under the guidance of Mr. Jones, Sheriff of Douglas' County, Kansas. They 
secured a police warrant against one Branson, with whom Dow had boarded. 
Branson was arrested at night. Fifteen of his neighbors, including two men from 
Lawrence, being warned of his arrest, rallied and rescued him from Sheriff Jones. 
Sheriff Jones wrote the Governor that "an open rebellion had already com- 
menced" and called for 3,000 men "to carry out the laws." Governor Shannon 
issued an order calling out the militia. November 29th large bodies of organized 
and armed Missourians responded to the call, numbering about 1,500 men. 
Lawrence was the objective point. That town organized for defence under 
Robinson and Lane ; they threw up entrenchments and citizens from various 
parts of the Territory went to Lawrence to aid in its defence. Lawrence was 
besieged by the militia, under Richardson, the commander-in-chief. Thos. 
Barber, a free State man, was fired upon and killed as he rode from Lawrence 
towards his home. December 9th, 1855, Governor Shannon, Robinson and Lane 
held a conference, at which the Governor learned that Lawrence had taken no 
part in resisting Sheriff Jones. The "Treaty of Lawrence" was signed and the 
militia, much disgusted, returned to their homes. 

December 15th, 1855, Senator Atchison wrote to Georgia for aid. The letter 
was published in the Atlanta Examiner. December 18th, the jail at Leavenworth 
was burned by a pro-slavery mob, who rescued one of their men. December 20th 
the Territorial Register printing office, a free State paper at Leavenworth, was 
destroyed by a Missouri mob. 

January 24th, 1856, the President sent a message to Congress endorsing the 
bogus Legislature and declaring that the formation of the free State government 
was an act of rebellion. February nth the President issued a proclamation de- 
nouncing the State government organized by the free State movement, and on 
February 16th the President authorized Governor Shannon to employ United 
States troops to enforce the laws enacted by the bogus Legislature of Kansas. 

25 



_ fcLAJP rv V _ 

-;; _ ::: 7 z . _. : : ' \ — Z : . : ; : - 1 I : . it:. t 7 i . - - 

22, i%6 — Buoomotcvos: _ : rcaos* Max atju 11836 — Doie- 

cimic CoxvEzmo3: jo" SffaorcffiExiii, Mas: i„ 1S36 — IteMocmAnc Xi- 

T : tmms, Cr : "."-:: Ji sej i8gf — Roohjox Xjoii m 

Coxvesmox. PfflH-M»EtaTHUK. Jtvi :~. 18516 — Whk axi -jmebicast 
:tfD£AH«; - 

Tfae peop&e of the Xortfa bad taken mme of the deteonined court of the 

": -it Zi-i: i r i t =cl.t ZZr ; -t : ; .-_ :•:" : r _±rr7z:r 17 n : : 
: ; . t - - t - : t _■ - : i : : : t 7 ' ; t ~ — e: : : 77.: 777.7 : — n 
- 7' : ::, —.7-: :■— i : 771 ; -:.-::- : iz .n !,.:_ 
of armed men arting- in the interest of slavery. 
Thz Republican partv bad carried a majorat*- off tfae Congressional elections 
in i%4. but bad no national organisation. Onjanuary is i^u at Washing 
zaxL D. t ._ a call was issued by ttbe chairmen of nine Republican Slate Com- 
mittees 5ar an -ksdnnmaH convention at Fnt^bnv^a on die ^aad da y of February, 
=.: " : 7 ; . -; ■.— :: :■--:- .-.::^ - .: - 7177:777. :q-'-"-:i 1.77 : ;::.:.:: ::r 

7 - 7: - Z.i:, 7-7 ZIi_. i- - "7 : 7-7.77 ': : r :zr± i:: "":o: -r--: 
- i _ 7 i r Lzifi : : :: 7 : : . _ : ~ : .7 - 7 : : 7 • - z .7 1 :. 7 i zr : rz ~ zr - : : :r 
_ : . . - - 7 ~ ■ : - 7 : 7 7 : ' 7 : ■ : ' 1 : ::iZ 7 : :: : : : 7 ~ : " Z.i ~ ~ 7 ::_ . 7 
of Yermortt, mho nominated John A. Kmm^_ of Xem Y«ocfc- as temporary 
be was unammoaasly chosen. WSEam Penn Clark, of Ioma_ and 
. Stone, of Massac hi MJirl ULs mere ap p o iM Miie d secretaries. The coniendon 
by prayer by Ouen Lovcgoy.. of IHRmoiis 
: -7..-. -::■-:: :_Zr->: ZVl'^T IZiTTTZTTJEZ r-roine: 7 .7. 7 7 : : z r 
7.17.77 :r-777£7 7-7 7:7 7.7' ^77 7 ZZZiTjliZ I _7 77 7 ' 7 : 7 - 

ti: -7.7-7 177 7 _77'7.::- 17; Li —7-771777: r.z=.^Z z. :-r. :: 
tennka K_ TaMem. -co OBnro : Isaac Dovton* off XewrYosk; John 11 

I--" - .--- 1.7-7 .17 7: -777 77 77^^7Z^_r77775 

Mr. Blair mas escosted to tihe chair hr Fkesfion Kn^ of Xew Yodk and 
Jacob Brnheffbon 7 of Olno. Mr. BDamr did not make a speech, but psesented an 
i "The Repnbficans of Manfend to the SepnfaEcans of the 
lead to tfae convention. It mas a pumr&Ml aoa^nment of 
as compained nith doraociaor of the davs of 
Mr. Bfeoin. miao had been the exfitor of tne ~G3obe"~at the 
Jackson s a ifawww^ i Hati on. and had been the dose parau msB and political hiend of 

' 17 7~7l- 77. IZ " :•:!■ . 7 1 7 " : " ! . ~ 7 ZZ 7 •-.••.: ~ 

bfle men of tfae ccnnrcrr. These men iepresented all the ofld pasties: Fianck P. 

Vjsst. Horace Gffeefer. Preston Kimj n Zachaiiah Oiandiler. Joseph Meit Omen 

l~ Elemnson, Wnham tt C^bson. Joshua R. Giddings. Geo. W. 

^Z - "-'"■ '- ' -~- " . " -'-2 - : ~ - -" - -'• -" - " - - r : : '-:--■, 

Tfe conrentiQeB represented and voiced the sentiments of die 
where mho mere opposed to the repeal of the Missouri C< 
opposed :■:• ibt extension of slaierr into territory dedicated to freedom. . 

effected by the appomtment of a connmttee mitth amho ni t^ to 

- - l 7a of candMSates lor President and \lce-President to be 
:fae Repdbficans of the United Stales at the Xorcniber election^ 1836Z 





The committee on address presented a lengthy report which had been mainly 
prepared by Hon. Henry J. Raymond, editor of the New York Times. This 
address to the people of the United States was an able document and amongst 
other things contained the following: "We do therefore declare to the people 
of the United States as objects for which we unite in political action: i. We de- 
mand and shall attempt to secure the repeal of all laws which allow the introduc- 
tion of slavery into territory once consecrated to freedom and will resist by every 
constitutional means the existence of slavery in any of the Territories of the 
United States. 2. We will support by every lawful means our brethren in Kansas 
in their constitutional and manly resistance to the usurped authority of their law- 
less invaders and will give the full weight of our political power in favor of the 
immediate admission of Kansas to the Union as a free, sovereign and independent 
State." 

Thus the great national Republican party of the United States was organized 
in response to a mighty wave of public opinion in favor of freedom. 

This Pittsburgh Convention attracted the attention of the whole country; 
its action was a challenge to the Democratic party, and it became clear that a 
great political battle was to be fought in 1856. 

The Democratic party with a solid South was well organized and prepared 
for the conflict. 

While this convention in Pittsburgh was in session an important meeting 
was being held at Decatur, Illinois ; it is known as the Editorial Convention, and 
had its origin in a call issued by the Morgan Journal, edited by Mr. Paul Selby. 
The call read as follows : 

"Editorial Convention. All editors in Illinois opposed to the Nebraska Bill 
are requested to meet in convention at Decatur on the 22nd day of February for 
the purpose of making arrangements for the organization of the anti-Nebraska 
forces in this State for the coming contest. All editors favoring the movement 
will please forward a copy of their paper containing their approval, to the office 
of Illinois State Chronicle, Decatur." 

This call received the formal endorsement of twenty-five papers,, as follows : 
Journal, Jacksonville ; Chronicle, Winchester ; Chronicle, Decatur ; Whig, 
Quincy ; Press, Pittsfield ; Gazette, Lacon ; Tribune, Chicago ; Staats-Zeitung, 
Chicago ; Republican, Oquawka ; Republican, Peoria ; Prairie-State, Danville ; 
Advertiser, Rock Island ; Eultonian, Vermont ; Journal (Ger.), Quincy ; Beacon, 
Freeport ; Pantagraph, Bloomington ; True Democrat, Joliet ; Telegraph, Lock- 
port ; Gazette, Kankakee ; Guardian, Aurora ; Gazette, Waukegan ; Chronicle, 
Peru ; Advocate, Belleville ; Journal, Chicago ; and Journal, Sparta. A number 
of these papers had formerly supported the Democratic party. 

The following named editors were in attendance at the convention : N. Y. 
Ralston, Quincy Whig; Chas. H. Ray, Chicago Tribune; O. P. Wharton, Rock 
Island Advertiser ; E. C. Dougherty, Rockford Register ; T. J. Pickett, Peoria 
Republican ; George Schneider, Chicago Staats-Zeitung ; Chas. Faxon, Princeton 
Post; A. N. Ford, Lacon Gazette; B. F. Shaw, Dixon Telegraph; W. J. Ursey, 
Decatur Chronicle ; Paul Selby, Jacksonville Journal ; Simpson Whitely, Aurora 
Guardian ; E. VV. Blaisdell, Rockford Register ; D. L. Phillips, Jonesboro 
Gazette. Paul Selby was made chairman of the convention and W. J. Ursey 
secretary. 

This convention adopted a series of resolutions and appointed a State cen- 
tral committee with authority to call a State convention. 

In the evening after the convention adjourned the delegates were given a 
banquet at the Cassell House, in the parlors of which hotel the convention was 
held. 

A number of able speeches were made in response to toasts, but the speech 
of the evening was delivered by Abraham Lincoln, who had accepted an invitation 
to attend the banquet. 

His speech was able and eloquent ; he advocated a line of political policy 
then, strictly in accordance with the views he expressed two years later. He ap- 
proved and encouraged the movement for a State convention. In fact, Mr. Lin- 
coln remained away from the Pittsburgh convention for the sole purpose, by 
counsel and speech, to take part in the Editorial Convention at Decatur. 

27 



ill Illinois was held at Bloomington 

: fh< . : by the State central committee ap- 

$5 y the Editorial Convention held ;.: Decatur. 
- 1 gl a was signed as follows : 

Rockforrj Second District, John Evans Zidr 
D. F. Parks Joiiet Forath District. T. J. Picj-:T:: 
strict, E. A. I Sixth I istriet, William H. Hern- 

Springf -J.C. Pugh. Decatur. Eighth District. Joseph 

Gill-- At large Ira Z Wilkinson Rock Island 

The am:- ties en lorsed the movement for :rganizing 

a ne - - g€ at E k jrriington was large and enthusiastic. John 

M. 1 - wary chairman, made an able and eloquent address 

in opening - le president, with Richard M. Yates, John 

- ggles John [Hark, William Ross, D. L. Phillips, G. D. A 
Parks! Aimer C. Har g 1 J H. Marshall, vice-presidents and Henry 5 
Baker, Madis - 1 Wilson "ook; John 7. .. ; ::: Adams Washington 

LaS B. J. F. Hanna, Randolph, as secretaries 

ig> ticket was nominated: V r 31iam H. Bissell for Governor: 

Francis I : r L ■ --.tenant-Governor : O. M. Hat:'.: for Secretary of State: 

ns for Auditor; James Miller for Treasurer. Mr. Hoffman, a man 

- found ineligible for lack of required time ::' rr ; i:'.r:::f. and 

Johr. : Jiiincy was named in his place 

The ig itform was adopted: 

Res That foregoing aD former differe:::rs ::" opinions upon other 

t : t ourselves to unite in opposition to the present administration 

and to the party which nj. hoi Is an 1 supports it and to use all honorable and con- 

- tc rest the Government from the unworthy hands which now 
control it and to bring it back in its administration to the principles and prac:::r5 

Jefferson and their great and good compatriots of the Revolution. 
Resolved That foregoing all former differences of opinions upon other 
51 as we pledge >ursefvestc unite in opposition to the present administration 
vernment that under the ^Constitution Congress possesses the power 
to pr slavery in the Temtories and that, whilst we will maintain all nou- 

ghts : the South, we also hold tha: justice, humanity, the principles 
:: I ^claration ::" _:::':r:::7:::r and :::r national 
the purity and perpetuity of our Government require that that 
power shall be exert- I revent the extension of slaver}" into territory here- 
tofc re hi 

Resolved. 7. : the repeal :: the Missouri Compromise was unwise and in- 
jnrioi - pen and aggravated violation of the plighted faith of the States, and 

that the attempt oi the pres:::: administration to force slavery into Kansas against 
the kno the legal voters of that Territory is an arbitrary and tyrannous 

violation of tl g - le : jg :":rn themselves and that we will str nre 

by a'. Kansas and Nebraska the legal guaranty 

rich the- at the ::st of the violation of the 

Resolved. That we are devoted to the Union and will, to the last extremity, 

nng made by the dis-unionists of this admin- 

-- - -- tion, and that we will support the Constitution of 

r -he 5 its pi - si guarding it. as the sacred bond of our 

— rvation of the rights of ourselves and 

hred, That ? I the immediate admission of Kansas as a 

stitutioE adopted bv the people of said 

rhat the - - - ell as the Constitution of 

- well as political freedom, and 
B - ' ."■ ■ i or it of reKg 

: birth. 
guisl :• 1 men in the State attended this convention : 
rahamLirj g [ess mas J. Henderson and all 

28 



the vice-presidents and secretaries. Besides the delegates, the crowd was large - 
and enthusiastic. A number of persons made speeches, amongst them O. H. 
Browning and Richard Yates. 

Mr. Lincoln delivered the closing address. It was one of his noblest and 
best efforts ; it was extemporaneous, no stenographic record was made of it, but. 
those who heard it remember it as a thrilling oration of argument and eloquence. 
Mr. Lincoln had excited great influence in the selection of the candidates. His 
idea was to have men from both the Democratic and Whig parties whose position 
and standing would unite all the anti-Nebraska elements in the State. 

The people of Illinois were deeply interested in the political canvass of 1856. 
A new alignment in politics was to be made. All old party issues were for the 
time pushed aside, except the single question of the extension of slavery into the 
Territories. 

The new party made no assault upon slavery in the States ; that institution 
was firmly rooted in the financial, industrial, political and social organization of the 
Southern States and was protected by the Constitution and was beyond the reach, 
of Congress or the people of the free States. Illinois Republicans did not propose 
to try to disturb it where it existed. 

The Democratic convention of 1856 met at Springfield May 1st and nomi- 
nated the following ticket for State officers: William A. Richardson, Governor;. 
Richard Jones Hamilton, Lieutenant-Governer ; William H. Synder, Secretary 
of State ; Samuel K. Casey, Auditor ; John Moore, Treasurer ; J. H. St. Mathew, 
Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

Mr. Richardson was a man of recognized ability ; he was a close friend of 
Senator Douglas, had served six terms in Congress and was the leader in the 
House of Representatives in the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act. The ticket 
was a very strong one and insured the full support of the party. The Whig 
party made no nominations for State officers. The American or Know Nothing 
party nominated Buckner S. Morris for Governor ; T. B. Hickman for Lieuten- 
ant-Governor ; William H. Young for Secretary of State; Dewitt C. Barber for 
Auditor ; James Miller for Treasurer, and E. Jenkins for Superintendent of Public 
Instruction. 

The Democratic national convention met in Cincinnati June 2, 1856. Sena- 
tor Douglas of Illinois was a prominent candidate for President. The conven- 
tion, however, nominated James Buchanan of Pennsylvania for President and 
John C. Breckenridge for Vice-President. A lengthy platform was adopted. 
Upon the burning question of the extension of slavery into the Territories, the 
following declaration was made : ''That we may more distinctly meet the issue 
on which a sectional party subsisting exclusively on slavery agitation, now relies 
to test the fidelity of the people North and South, to the Constitution and Union." 

Resolved, That claiming fellowship with and desiring the co-operation of 
all who regard the preservation of the Union under the Constitution as the para- 
mount issue and repudiating all sectional parties and platforms concerning 
domestic slavery which seek to embroil the States and incite to treason and armed 
resistance to law in the Territories, and whose avowed purpose, if consummated, 
must end in civil war and dis-union, the American Democracy recognize and adopt 
the principles contained in the organic laws establishing the Territories of Ne- 
braska and Kansas as embodying the only sound and safe solution of the slavery 
question, upon which the great national idea of the people of this whole country 
can repose in its determined conservation of the Union, and non-interference of 
Congress with slavery in the Territories or in the District of Columbia. 

That this was the basis of the compromise of 1850, confirmed by both the 
Democratic and Whig parties in national conventions, ratified by the people in 
the election of 1852 and rightly applied to the organization of the Territories in 1 
1854. That by the uniform application of the Democratic principle to the organ- 
ization of Territories and the admission of new States, with or without domestic 
slavery, as they may elect, the equal rights of all the States will be preserved in- 
tact, the original compacts of the Constitution maintained inviolate, and the per- 
petuity and expansion of the Union insured to its utmost capacity of embracing 
in peace and harmony every future American State that may be constituted or 
annexed with a republican form of government. 

29 



Resolved, That we recognize the right of the people of all the Territories, 
including Kansas and Nebraska, acting through the legally and fairly expressed 
will of the majority of the actual residents, and whenever the number of their 
inhabitants justifies it, to form a Constitution, with or without domestic slavery, 
and be admitted into the Union upon terms of perfect equality with the other 
States. 

On March 26, 1856, a call was issued for a national Republican convention 
to meet at Philadelphia on the 17th day of June, 1856. This call read as follows: 

"The people of the United States, without regard to past political differences 
or divisions, who are opposed to the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, to 
the policy of the present administration to the extension of slavery into the Ter- 
ritories, in favor of the admission of Kansas as a free State, and restoring the 
action of the Federal Government to the principles of Washington and Jefferson, 
are invited by the national committee, appointed by the Pittsburgh convention 
on Feb. 22, 1856, to send from each State three delegates from every Congres- 
sional district and six delegates at large to meet at Philadelphia on the 17th day 
of June next for the purpose of recommending candidates to be supported for 
the offices of President and Vice-President of the United States". 

The call was signed by Edwin D. Morgan, of New York, chairman ; Francis 
P. Blair, Maryland ; John M. Niles, Connecticut ; David Wilmot, Pennsylvania ; 
Alfred P. Stone, Ohio ; E. S. Leland, Illinois ; William Spooner, Wisconsin, 
and a member from each State and Territory of the Union except seven Southern 
States. 

This convention met in Music Fund Hall, Philadelphia, on Tuesday, June 
17, 1856, at 11 o'clock a. m., and was in session three days. About two thousand 
delegates and alternates were in attendance. The following named States and 
Territories were represented : California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, In- 
diana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine. Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hamp- 
shire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia, Wis- 
consin, the District of Columbia and the Territories of Kansas, Minnesota and 
Nebraska. 

Edwin D. Morgan, chairman of the national committee, called the convention 
to order, in an earnest and eloquent speech. He closed by nominating Robert 
Emmet of New York, a kinsman of the great Irish patriot, for temporary chair- 
man. Geo. G. Fogg, of New Hampshire, and Thos. G. Mitchell, of Ohio, were 
appointed temporary secretaries. Geo. Hoadley of Ohio and Moses H. Grinnell 
escorted Judge Emmet to the chair. The chairman delivered an able address 
declaring that although fifty years a Democrat, "he denounced democracy rather 
than part with freedom." 

Illinois was represented by a strong delegation, composed of George 
Schneider, Jesse O. Norton, Cyrus Aldrich, W. H. L. Wallace, N, M. Knapp, John 
M. Palmer, John Olney, S. M. Church, N. B. Judd, Owen Lovejoy, C. B. Law- 
rence, W. B. Archer, and others. 

The usual committees were appointed. Col. Henry S. Lane of Indiana was 
made president of the convention and one vice-president from each State and 
Territory represented. Col. Lane delivered an eloquent address. He declared 
that "the anniversary of Bunker Hill is a fitting time, and the shades of Inde- 
pendence Hall the proper place, in which to inaugurate a new era in our history, 
the regeneration and independence of the North." He said that he had been a 
follower of Henry Clay, but the Nebraska swindle impelled him to sacrifice his 
old party predilections. Caleb B. Smith of Ohio, Owen Lovejoy of Illinois, and 
Henry Wilson of Massachusetts were called upon and addressed the convention. 
Hon. Edwin D. Morgan of New York was continued as chairman of the national 
committee. 

On the second day of the convention David Wilmot of Pennsylvania, chair- 
man of the committee on resolutions, presented the platform. 

The resolutions embodying the burning issues of the hour are given below. 

Resolved, That the Constitution confers upon Congress sovereign power 
over the Territories of the United States for their government, and that in the 
exercise of this power it is both the right and the imperative duty of Congress 
to prohibit in the Territories those twin relics of barbarism, polygamy and slavery. 



Resolved, That while the Constitution of the United States was ordained 
and established, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure 
domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general wel- 
fare, and secure the blessings of liberty, and contains ample provisions for the 
protection of the life, liberty and property of every citizen, the dearest constitu- 
tional rights of the people of Kansas have been fraudulently and violently taken 
from them; their Territory has been invaded by an armed force; spurious and 
pretended legislative, judicial and executive officers have been set over them, 
by whose usurped authority, sustained by the military power of the government, 
tyrannical and unconstitutional laws have been enacted and enforced ; the rights 
of the people to keep and bear arms have been infringed ; test oaths of an extra- 
ordinary and entangling nature have been imposed, as a condition of exercising 
the rights of suffrage and holding office ; the right of an accused person to a 
speedy and public trial by an impartial jury has been denied, the right of the 
people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unrea- 
sonable searches and seizures, has been violated ; they have been deprived of 
life, liberty and property without due process of law ; that the freedom of speech 
and of the press has been abridged ; the right to choose their representatives has 
been made of no effect ; murders, robberies and arsons have been instigated or 
encouraged, and the offenders have been allowed to go unpunished ; that all 
these things have been done with the knowledge, sanction, and procurement of 
the present national administration, and that for this high crime against the Con- 
stitution, the Union and humanity, we arraign the administration, the President, 
his advisers, agents, supporters, apologists and accessories, either before or after 
the facts, before the country and before the world, and that it is our fixed purpose 
to bring the actual perpetrators of these atrocious outrages and their accomplices, 
to a sure and condign punishment hereafter. 

Resolved, That Kansas should be immediately admitted as a State of the 
Union with her present free Constitution, as at once the most effectual way of se- 
curing to her citizens the enjoyment of the rights and privileges to which they are 
entitled, and of ending the civil strife now raging in her territory. 

The convention gave profound attention to the reading of the platform ; it 
was unanimously adopted with great enthusiasm. The declaration against the 
"twin relics of barbarism, polygamy and slavery", was greeted with tremendous 
applause. 

An informal ballot was taken for a candidate for President. It resulted as 
follows: Fremont, 359; McLean, 190; William H. Seward, 7; Charles Sumner, 
2; Nathaniel P. Banks, 1. 

A formal ballot was then taken. Fremont received 520 ; McLean, 37, and 
Seward, 1. The nomination was made unanimous by Chairman Lane, putting 
the question thus : "All who favor making John C. Fremont the unanimous 
candidate for the Presidency will signify the same by giving three cheers." In- 
stantly an American flag was drawn across the platform inscribed : "John C. 
Fremont for President." The convention adjourned until the next morning. 

Upon motion an informal ballot was taken for a candidate for Vice-President, 
Col. William B. Archer of Illinois and Judge Rufus P. Spaulding of Ohio acting 
as tellers. The vote resulted as follows: Dayton, 253; Lincoln, no; N. P. 
Banks, 46; David Wilmot, 43; Sumner, 35; Coleamer, 15; John H. King of 
New York, 9 ; Samuel C. Pomeroy of Kansas, 8 ; Thomas H. Ford of Ohio, 7 ; 
Cassius M. Clay, 3 ; Henry Carey, 3 ; Joshua R. Giddings, 2 ; Whitfield S. John- 
son, 2; Aaron S. Pennington, 1. 

Thomas H. Elliott of Massachusetts requested the convention to refrain from 
noting for Mr. Banks and Mr. Sumner, as they were needed in the House and 
Senate. Thaddeus Stephens withdrew the name of David Wilmot. 

A formal ballot was ordered, when John M. Palmer withdrew the name of 
Abraham Lincoln as a candidate for Vice-President and urged that the vote for 
William L. Dayton be made unanimous. Mr. Dayton received all the votes cast 
except 31 ; 20 of these were cast for Mr. Lincoln and n for six other persons. 
These votes were then withdrawn and the nomination was made unanimous. 

Thus Fremont and Dayton became the first candidates of the Republican 
party for President and Vice-President. 

31 



Millard Fillmore and Andrew Jackson Donaldson were nominated as can- 
didates for President and Vice-President, first, by the national convention of the 
American party held in Philadelphia Feb. 22, 1856, and later by the Whig party 
at the national convention held at Baltimore Sept. 17, .1856. 

The Whig platform reaffirmed the principles of that party and upon the great 
issue then exciting the public mind the following resolutions were adopted : 

"Resolved, That all who revere the Constitution and the Union must look 
with alarm at the parties in the field in the Presidential campaign. One claiming 
oniy to represent sixteen Northern States and the other appealing mainly to the 
passions and prejudices of the Southern States; that the success of either faction 
must add fuel to the flame which now threatens to wrap our dearest interests in a 
common ruin. 

Resolved, That the only remedy for an evil so appalling is to support a 
candidate pledged to neither of the geographical sections, nor arrayed in political 
antagonism, but holding both in a just and equal regard. We congratulate 
the friends of the Union that such a candidate exists in Millard Fillmore. 

Resolved, That in the present exigency of political affairs we are not called 
upon to discuss the subordinate questions of administration in the exercising of 
the constitutional power of the government. It is enough to know that civil 
war is raging and that the Union is in peril ; and we proclaim the conviction that 
the restoration of Mr. Fillmore to the Presidency will furnish the best if not the 
only means of restoring peace." 

The Whig party made a solemn declaration "that civil war is raging and that 
the Union is in peril", but its platform was non-committal upon the issues involved 
in the controversy in Kansas. The Democratic party and the Republican party 
were face to face upon that great issue ; the Southern Democracy declaring that 
the election of Fremont would be a just cause for and would be followed by dis- 
union ; while the Republican platform declared "that the federal Constitution, the 
rights of the States, and the union of the States, shall be preserved." 

The political canvass of 1856 was one of great excitement ; the people every- 
where were profoundly interested in the result. The Republican State ticket in 
Illinois was exceedingly strong. William H. Bissell had been a Democrat ; he 
had served with distinction in the Mexican War as Colonel of the Second Illinois 
Volunteers and had made his mark in Congress, not only as a man of great 
ability, but also as a man of courage, as shown in his controversy with Jefferson 
Davis, with whom he was on the eve of fighting a duel. The entire ticket was 
made up of popular men and the canvass brought out immense crowds all over 
the State. 

The Democrats were aggressive and confident. The Republicans were none 
the less active. The story of the outrages of the slave power, and the wrongs, 
of the Free State settlers in Kansas found willing ears all over the North. The 
health of Col. Bissell was such that he made but one speech during the canvass, 
but able men addressed large meetings everywhere. There was a very large vote 
at the election. When the votes w r ere counted it was found that Fremont had a 
majority in the sixteen Northern States; he had received 1,340,618 votes, and 
Buchanan 1,224,750, giving Fremont a majority in the popular vote of 115,868 
in the free States. 

The Republican State ticket was elected in Illinois. Col. Bissell received 
111,375 votes, being over 15,000 more than the vote for Fremont. James 
Buchanan, the Democratic candidate for President, carried the State, but Mr. 
Richardson, the Democratic candidate, was beaten for Governor, although he 
received 1,295 votes more than Buchanan. E. B. Washburne, John F. Farns- 
worth, Owen Lovejoy and Wm. Kellogg, Republicans, were elected to Congress. 

The Legislature was Democratic. The Republicans throughout the country 
felt that although they lost the Presidential election they had gained a great 
moral victory. The party had firmly entrenched itself in the hearts of a mighty 
array of intelligent and enthusiastic voters in the North and they felt that the 
issue of freedom in the Territories would be won. 

While these great political movements of the people, for the nomination and 
election of national and State officers, were going forward, there was no lull in 
the excitement and discord in Kansas. The contest there between freedom and 

32 



slavery emphasized and gave point to the political contests in all the Northern 
States. 

In April, 1856, the demands of Dr. Stringfellow and Senator Atchison for 
aid were responded to by the arrival of a regiment of armed men from Alabama, 
South Carolina and Georgia, commanded by Col. Buford, their declared purpose 
being to aid in driving out the free State men. These men and many Missourians 
were taken into pay by the marshal of the Territory. 

Judge Lecompte, holding court at Lawrence, charged the grand jury at Doug- 
lass County to find indictments for high treason against those who participated in 
organizing the State government. Indictments were found against Robinson, 
Lane, Reeder and others. These men left the Territory to avoid arrest, but 
Dr. Robinson, while descending the Missouri River, was identified and detained 
by a mob at Lexington, Missouri, and was sent back to Kansas, where, with six 
others, he was held a close prisoner for four months without bail on a charge 
of treason. 

On May 13th the United States Marshal besieged Lawrence with his force 
of militia for the purpose of arresting persons alleged to have aided ex-Governor 
Reeder in resisting arrest. The people in public meeting denied the fact of re- 
sistance alleged by the marshal and the besieging posse retired. On May 21st 
the deputy marshal visited Lawrence with a large force of armed men from Mis- 
souri, who were accompanied by Senator Atchison. No resistance was offered 
by the people. The deputy marshal made certain arrests. Sheriff Jones seized a 
cannon and arms. When this was done the army of invasion entered the town, 
Senator Atchison delivered a speech, and the work of destruction began. 

The Free State Hotel was battered with a cannon, blown up and burned. 
The presses of two newspapers were destroyed. Dr. Robinson's residence was 
burned and all the stores and other houses were searched and plundered. The 
damages were estimated at $150,000. Buford's men spread over the Territory 
for plunder and to drive the free State men from their homes. The free State 
men armed and assembled for defense. May 26th a fight occurrd at Pottawatamie, 
where three free State men and five pro-slavery men were killed. On June 2nd the 
free State men, under John Brown, attacked a body of pro-slavery men at Pal- 
myria, and captured thirty-one prisoners and a large, quantity of plunder. On 
the next day the free State men attacked another party at Franklin, which was 
armed with guns and a cannon ; one man was killed, two wounded and the stores 
captured. 

Mr. Whitfield, delegate to Congress, advanced into the Territory June 6th 
with a body of Missourians, but was driven back by Col. Sumner, with his U. S. 
dragoons. On June 7th Ossawotamie was sacked with great atrocity by a party 
of 170 pro-slavery men. 

June 20th a company of seventy emigrants from Chicago, while on the 
steamer "Star of the West", were robbed of their arms at Lexington; when thev 
reached Weston all their property was taken from them and they were sent down 
the river. On June 26th a party of emigrants from Massachusetts, on the steamer 
"Sultan", and on June 28th another party of emigrants from Illinois, were robbed 
of their property and forced to go down the river. July 4th the free State legisla- 
ture reassembled at Topeka, but was dispersed by Col. Sumner, U. S. A. 

The outrages along the Missouri River became so great that that route for 
Northern emigrants to Kansas was abandoned and the route through Iowa and 
Nebraska adopted. Many hundred persons entered Kansas by this route. 

During the months of July, August, September, October and November, 
1856, a number of invading forces from Missouri entered Kansas, led by leading 
men, determined to drive out the free State men, destroy their homes and capture 
their property. Houses were burned, stores were robbed, cattle and horses were 
taken and driven off and many men were killed. On their part the free State men 
formed companies and on many occasions attacked the invaders. Kansas was 
actually in the condition of civil war. The national administration had confirmed 
the usurpations of the slave power, and had seconded every effort to crush out 
the spontaneous movement of the people, to protest against those usurpations and 
lo petition Congress for redress. 

33 



The condition, however, became so alarming that Governor Shannon was 
removed and John W. Geary, of Pennsylvania, appointed Governor. He assumed 
office Sept. ii, 1856. Governor Geary was sincerely devoted to establishing peace 
and order in Kansas. He at once issued a proclamation disbanding the militia, 
which had been organized under the authority of Governor Shannon and acting 
Governor Woodson. The pro-slavery men were reluctant to obey these orders, 
and again laid siege to Lawrence, but the Governor, with great coolness and 
courage, accompanied by the dragoons, threw himself between the besiegers and 
the town and put an end to the contest. By the end of November, Governor 
Geary's policy had resulted in sending to their homes the armed men from Mis- 
souri, and the disbandment of the companies of free State men who had organized 
for self defense. But these pacific measures came too late to have any effect upon 
the elections. 



34 



CHAPTER VI. 

Governor William H. Bissell's Administration, 1857-1860. 

William H. Bissell was born in Yates County, New York, April 25, 181 1. 
He was by profession a physician. When he came to Illinois he settled in Mon- 
roe County, and entered upon the practice of medicine. He was a man oi pleas- 
ing address and popular manners, and impressed himself favorably upon his asso- 
ciates as a man of ability. 

In 1840 he was elected to the Legislature as a Democrat, and immediately 
took a leading part in public affairs. He developed great ability as a public 
speaker. This experience caused an important change in his life. He studied 
law, was admitted to the bar and was soon appointed state's attorney for his 
circuit. His rise as a lawyer was rapid. He soon reached the first rank in the 
profession, both in the preparation of cases and as an advocate. A man of educa- 
tion and of fine literary tastes, his speeches were not only forcible in argument 
and delivery, but elegant in diction. 

When the Mexican War broke out he raised a regiment for the service ; he 
was appointed colonel of the Second Illinois Infantry, this being one of the 
seven regiments of Illinois troops that participated in that war. Colonel Bissell 
proved himself to be a good soldier. He served under General Taylor in his 
great campaign in Mexico and distinguished himself in the battle of Buena Vista. 

In 1848, after his return from the war, he was elected to Congress and re- 
elected in 1850 and 1852. A leading position was accorded to him; he was at- 
tending to business, and was at once recognized as able and eloquent in debate. 
It was Colonel Bissell's fortune to be a member of Congress at a time when the 
slavery question agitated the country and seriously engaged the attention of 
Congress. In the course of the debate in the House Mr. Brown of Mississippi 
made a serious attack upon the Northern States in regard to slavery, and Mr. 
Seddon of Virginia, in a speech disparaged the courage of Northern troops at 
the battle of Buena Vista, claiming that Colonel Jefferson Davis' regiment of 
Mississippi volunteers saved the day. Colonel Bissell replied to those speeches. 
He defended the North against Mr. Brown's assault in a masterly manner. In 
reply to the claims of Mr. Seddon, he said : "I affirm distinctly, sir, that at the 
time the Second Indiana Regiment gave way through an unfortunate order of 
their colonel, the Mississippi regiment, for whom the claim is gratuitously set 
up, was not within a mile and a half of the scene of action, nor yet had fired a gun 
or pulled a trigger. I affirm further, sir, that the troops which at that time met 
and resisted the enemy, and thus, to use the gentleman's own language, 'snatched 
victory from the jaws of defeat/ were the Second Kentucky, the Second Illinois 
and part of the First Illinois Regiments. It gives me no pleasure, sir, to be 
compelled to allude to this subject, nor can I see the necessity or propriety of its 
introduction in this debate. It having been introduced, however, I could not sit 
in silence and witness the infliction of such cruel injustice upon men, living and 
dead, whose well-earned fame I were a monster not to protect. The true, brave 
hearts of too many of them, alas, have already mingled with the soil of a foreign 
country ; but their claims upon the justice of their countrymen can never cease, 
nor can my obligations to them be ever forgotten or disregarded. 

"No, sir, the voice of Hardin, that voice which so often has been heard 
in this hall, as mine now is, though far more eloquently, the voice of Hardin, 
yea, and McKee and the accomplished Clay, each wrapped now in his bloody 

35 



shroud, their voices would reproach me from the grave had I failed in this act 
of justice to them and to others who fought and fell by their side. 

"You Avill suspect me, Mr. Chairman, of having warm feelings on this sub- 
ject. Sir, I have, and have given them utterance as a matter of duty. In all this, 
however, I by no means detract from the gallant conduct of the Mississippi 
regiment. At other time and places on that bloody field they did all that their 
warmest admirers could desire. But let me ask again, why was the subject 
introduced into this debate ? Why does this gentleman say 'troops of the North 
gave way' when he means only a single regiment? Why is all this, but for the 
purpose of disparaging the North for the benefit of the South? Why, but for 
furnishing materials for that ceaseless, never-ending theme of Southern 
chivalry ?" 

After vindicating the Northern States from aggressions upon the South, 
Colonel Bissell concluded by saying, "We are ready to meet you now on any 
fair grounds and fight with you side by side for your rights and ours ; and defend 
those rights under the constitution from encroachment in any quarter. But, sir, 
we want to hear no more about disunion. We are attached to the Union — aye, 
devotedly are we attached to it. We regard it as the ark of safety for the Ameri- 
can people. W r e know that the realization of the hopes for human freedom 
throughout the world depends upon its perpetuity. And shall we ruthlessly 
crush those hopes forever? Shall that beacon light which our fathers raised to 
cheer and guide the friends of freedom be extinguished by us? Extinguish it 
if you will, but know that when you do it the world is enshrouded in darkness 
more frightful than Egyptian night. I know the people of my State. I know the 
people of the great West and Northwest, and I know their devotion to the 
American Union, and I feel warranted in saying in my place here that when you 
talk to them about destroying this Union, there is not a man throughout that 
vast region who will not raise his hand and swear by the Eternal God, as I do 
now, it shall never be done if our army can save it. Illinois proffered to the 
country nine regiments to aid in the vindication of her rights in the war with 
Mexico. And should danger threaten the Union from any source, or in any 
quarter, in the North or in the South, she will be ready to furnish twice, thrice, 
yes, four times that number to march where that danger may be, to return when 
it is past or return no more." 

This speech gave great offense to Southern members and resulted in Senator 
Jefferson Davis challenging Colonel Bissell to fight a duel. Although the settle- 
ment of difficulties in this way was contrary to public opinion in the North and 
particularly in Illinois, Colonel Bissell immediately accepted the challenge, 
choosing as the weapon to be used the army musket, to be loaded with a ball and 
three buck-shot, the combatants to take position forty yards apart, with the 
liberty to advance to ten. 

This action, no doubt, took Colonel Davis and his Southern friends by sur- 
prise. President Taylor, the father-in-law of Davis, was a friend and admirer of 
Colonel Bissell, and was unwilling to have the duel come off. By the interposition 
of friends, the matter was settled by Colonel Bissell making the statement in 
regard to the Mississippi regiment : "I am willing to award them the credit 
due to their gallant and distinguished services in that battle." This sentiment, 
it will be observed, was contained in the text of the offensive speech, and in fact 
constituted no withdrawal whatever, but the friends of Colonel Davis were willing 
to accept it, and the difficulty was settled. 

This episode brought Colonel Bissell into great prominence throughout the 
country. His attitude on the then pending questions clearly indicated his un- 
willingness to support the unreasonable demands of the slave power. His nom- 
ination and election as Governor showed his great personal popularity. 

Governor Bissell was inaugurated Jan. 12, 1857. In consequence of his crip- 
pled condition, the ceremony took place at the Executive Mansion. The Demo- 
crats had a majority in both branches of the Legislature. The ill feeling of the 
campaign was carried into the Legislature, and both Houses were kept in a 
state of unrest and excitement during the whole of the session. Upon the mo- 
tion to print the Governor's address, a violent attack was made upon him on the 
ground that he was ineligible to take the oath of office, because of having ac- 

36 




WILLIAM H. B1SSELL. 



37 



cepted the challenge of Jefferson Davis to fight a duel. John A. Logan took 
the lead in this attack ; the Governor was ably defended by Isaac N. Arnold, C. B. 
Denio, and others. They claimed that the alleged offense was committee outside 
the State of Illinois, and beyond the jurisdiction of the Constitution. While 
partisan feeling was invoked against the Governor because of this act, there was 
a strong undercurrent of respect because of the splendid courage he had exhib- 
ited in the affair. The most important contest in the Legislature was over the 
Apportionment bills. Each party presented a measure for re-districting the 
State. The Democratic measure passec both Houses, and with an Appropriation 
Bill was forwarded to the Governor, who by mistake signed the Apportionment 
Bill, thinking it was the Appropriation Bill, and returned it to the House ; finding 
his mistake he sent a message recalling the bill, which being refused, he for- 
warded to the House a message vetoing the act. The House refused to receive 
the message, and ordered the bill to be filed with the Secretary of State. The 
Republicans filed a protest against this action. 

These proceedings created great excitement amongst the members and inter- 
fered seriously with the orderly transaction of business. The only important 
measures passed at this session were the laws to establish a normal university 
near Bloomington, and a new penitentiary building at Joliet. The session ad- 
journed February 19, without a quorum. Among the many prominent members 
of that Legislature who became influential factors in the Republican party were 
Norman B. Judd, Burton C. Cook, Thomas J. Henderson, G. A. D. Parkes, John 
A. Logan, Samuel W. Moulton, Isaac N. Arnold, E. C. Ingersoll, Shelby M. 
Cullom, William Lathrop, Moses M. Bane, anc L. S. Church. 

At the election of 1858, James Miller was re-elected State Treasurer and 
Newton Bateman was elected Superintendent of Public Schools. Again the State 
of Illinois was carried by the Republican State ticket, and again a majority of 
the Legislature was elected by the Democratic party, thereby securing to Judge 
Douglas a re-election to the United States Senate. The House of Representa- 
tives was organized in January, 1859, by the election of William R. Morrision, 
Speaker. This Legislature was distinguished for the ability of its members. 
Henry W. Blodgett, Ebenezer Peck, Leonard Swett, Alonzo W. Mack, Stephen 
A. Hurlbert, and Andrew J. Kuykendall are a few of those who have occupied 
prominent positions in the country. The Supreme Court of the State having 
upheld the action of Governor Bissell in vetoing the Apportionment Bill of the 
last session, the Democrats of the Legislature decided to pass an Apportionment 
Bill. A bill strictly on partisan lines was prepared by the Democratic com- 
mittee ; an analysis showed that the Democratic counties with a population of 
<\J7,6j&, were given 41 Representatives, while the Republican counties with a 
population of 646,748, were given only 34 Representatives. The Republicans 
contested the passage of this bill at every step. The future legislative supremacy 
of the Democratic party in the State centered in this measure, and everything 
was subordinated to it, the Democrats being determined to pass the bill. The 
bill was passed February 15, anc presented to the Governor for his action. On 
February 22, the Governor sent to the Flouse a message vetoing the bill. The 
majority of the Republican members, knowing that the veto message would be 
presented, left the hall. The private secretary of the Governor presented himself 
to the House with the message and began reading it. He was interrupted by the 
Speaker, who declared that there was no quorum present. The Speaker directed 
the sergeant-at-arms to remove the private secretary, but amid great confusion 
the reading of the message was concluded and left in the hands of the page to 
be delivered to the Speaker. The Speaker refused to receive the document and 
the private secretary declined to accept the return of it. The message was placed 
upon the Speaker's desk, who indignantly threw it upon the floor. Upon a call 
of the House it appeared that there was no quorum present, and the House ad- 
journed amid great excitement. A few Republican members had been left be- 
hind to watch the interests of their party. These gentlemen, viz : Hurlbert, Swett, 
Mack, Church, and John A. Davis, prepared and filed a protest against the action 
of the Speaker and of the House in refusing to receive the Governor's veto. This 
protest was entered upon the Journal. Democratic members also prepared a pro- 
test against the action of the Republican members, which was signed by Messrs. 

.-8 






Campbell, Barrett, Detrich, Sloss, James M. Davis, and Green. No quorum ap- 
peared, and on February 24 the Legislature adjourned sine die. 

Appropriations had been made early in the session for continuing the work 
on the Joliet Penitentiary ; for paying the interest on the public debt and for the 
support of the charitable institutions at Jacksonville, so no serious inconvenience 
resulted from this sudden adjournment of the Legislature. During the session 
an exciting and somewhat amusing incident occurred. It was understood that 
*m effort would be made to amend the Chicago charter; the Republicans be- 
lieved that it would be a partisan measure in the interest of the Democracy, so 
they decided to resist its passage. They were not advised who would introduce 
the bill, but were watching diligently for it. At one of the evening sessions, Mr. 
Hicks, of Gallatin County, arose, holding a large package in his hand. . A murmur 
instantly was heard in the hall — "Here it comes !" "There is the new Chicago 
Charter!" etc. Mr. Hicks was recognized by the Speaker, and introduced "A 
Bill to amend the Chicago Charter." Pandemonium instantly broke loose. The 
Speaker directed the reading of the bill by the title. A demand was made to read 
the bill in full. The clerk began the reading of the bill, but was interrupted mo- 
mentarily by dilatory motions of every conceivable kind. Filibustering continued 
until three o'clock in the morning, when, by agreement, the bill was referred to 
a committee, from whose files it was never taken. 

It was during this session of the Legislature that the fraud in the refunding 
of over $388,000 of Illinois and Michigan scrip was discovered. This scrip was 
issued as a temporary loan, and was afterwards redeemed, but by neglect not 
cancelled. During Governor Mattison's administration, the two packages con- 
taining the old canal scrip were forwarded to Springfield for storage in the base- 
ment of the Capitol. The uncancelled scrip was stolen, and it was shown that 
some of it had been purchased on the market in Springfield. About $100,000 
of this scrip was refunded in State bonds, which had been deposited as security 
with the Treasurer for bank note issues, and over $223,000 of the scrip had been 
redeemed in cash. Governor Mattison had received all the bond's and cash upon 
this scrip. The discovery of this fraud created a great sensation at Springfield 
and throughout the State. Governor Mattison's standing as a man, and as a 
public officer, was above reproach, and his political opponents were reluctant to 
believe that he, knowingly, participated in this fraud. As soon as the facts be- 
came known, through a Senate committee composed of Messrs. Cook, Kuyken- 
dall and Applington, Governor Mattison, in a letter to the committee, stated that 
he "had unconsciously and innocently been made the instrument through whom 
a gross fraud upon the State had been attempted," and offered to indemnify the 
State against loss. An act was passed to indemnify the State, and under its pro- 
visions Governor Mattison executed a mortgage upon real estate to secure the 
debt. The administration of Governor Bissell was in every way a success, not 
only in respect to the business of his own office, but in connection with the 
business of all of the departments. It was during this administration that the 
great movement began for the enlargement and improvement of the school facil- 
ities of the State and the extension and improvement of the charitable and penal 
institutions. 

At the time of the election of Governor Bissell a free banking law was in 
force in Illinois. The banks incorporated under this system were authorized to 
issue circulating notes secured by the deposit of bonds issued by any of the 
States of the Union. A great number of banks were organized, and over eleven 
million dollars of circulation was issued ; the majority of the banks were located 
in out-of-the-way and obscure places, obviously to make it inconvenient for the 
presentation of the notes for redemption. The majority of these corporations 
were banks of issue only — they did not receive deposits or loan money — their 
profits accrued from the interest on the bonds deposited to secure the circulation. 
When the panic of 1857 occurred, a number of the States whose bonds were held 
as security for circulation failed to pay their interest ; as a result the bonds depre- 
ciated in value and the circulating notes followed the downward course of the 
bonds. These "Wild Cat" banks (as they were called) failed, and were wound 
up by the Auditor of the State ; this business was conducted by Hon. Jesse K. 
Dubois, Auditor. In the course of the liquidation of these banks the note holders 

39 



lost about five million dollars. This experience of the people of Illinois induced 
them, later on, to prohibit in their Constitution the incorporation of banks with 
authority to issue circulating notes. 

Governor Bissell's health steadily gave way. He died March 18, i860, and 
was succeeded in office by Lieutenant-Governor John Wood, who with ability 
filled the unexpired term. 

John Wood, of Quincy, Illinois, elected Lieutenant-Governor on the Repub- 
lican ticket with Governor Bissell, was born in Moravia, Cayuga County, New 
York, December 20, 1798. Dr. Daniel Wood, his father, was a surgeon and cap- 
tain in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. 

John Wood removed to Illinois in 1819; in 1822 he built a log house on 
the land upon which the city of Quincy now stands. Upon the death of Gov- 
ernor Bissell, March 18, i860, Lieutenant-Governor Wood was sworn in as 
Governor, and filled the office with great ability until succeeded by Governor 
Yates, January 14, 1861. He was appointed by Governor Yates a member of 
the Peace Commission which met in Washington, February, 1861. He was also 
appointed quartermaster general for Illinois. In 1864 Governor Wood raised 
the 13th Regiment of Illinois Volunteers — 100-day men — and was soon in active 
service at Memphis, Tenn. He filled every position with ability and fidelity. 

Governor Wood was enterprising and public spirited. He was a benevo- 
lent and noble-hearted man. He acquired a large estate, built an elegant resi- 
dence, had a wide circle of friends, and died with the respect of all, June 4, 1880. 



40 



CHAPTER VII. 

Douglas and Lincoln, 1858 — The Great Joint Debate — Important Ques- 
tions Discussed — On the Declaration of Independence — On Slav- 
ery Extension. 

It was the duty of the people of Illinois in 1858 to elect a Legislature and 
certain State officers. That Legislature was to elect a successor of Stephen A. 
Douglas in the United States Senate. The Republicans had carried the State two 
years before and had high hopes of electing this Legislature. 

The Republicans held a State Convention at Springfield, June 16th, and 
nominated Miller and Bateman as candidates for Treasurer and School Superin- 
tendent. The convention also nominated Abraham Lincoln as a candidate for the 
United States Senate. This action was taken not alone to express a preference for 
him, but for the purpose of giving Mr. Lincoln the unquestioned leadership of the 
Republican party during the political contest of that year. Mr. Lincoln appeared 
before the convention and in accepting the nomination delivered a speech of great 
ability and power. 

The slavery question was the issue, and the only issue of the hour. In the 
course of that speech Mr. Lincoln gave utterance to those prophetic words which 
proved to be the horoscope of the republic. He said : "We are now far into the 
fifth year since a policy was instituted with the avowed object and confident 
promise of putting an end to slavery agitation. Under the operation of that 
policy that agitation has not only not ceased, but has constantly augmented. 
In my opinion it will not cease until a crisis has been reached and passed. 'A 
house divided against itself cannot stand.' I believe this government cannot 
endure permanently half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be 
dissolved. I do not expect the house to fall, but I do expect it will cease to be 
divided. It will become all one thing, or all the other. Either the opponents of 
slavery will arrest the further spread of it and place it where the public mind shall 
rest in the belief that it is in the course of ultimate extinction, or its advocates 
will push it forward till it shall become alike lawful in all the States, old as well 
as new, North as well as South." 

Continuing his speech, Mr. Lincoln gave a graphic account of what had been 
done during the preceding four years to bring about the agitation and discord 
on the slavery question then existing. He alleged that it was the result of that 
"now almost complete legal combination — piece of machinery so to speak — com- 
pounded of the Nebraska doctrine and the Dred Scott decision." He stated the 
grounds upon which he charged preconcert among the builders of that machinery. 
He said: "The people were to be left perfectly free, 'subject only to the Constitu- 
tion.' What the Constitution had to do with it, outsiders could not see. Plainly 
enough now, it was an exactly fitted niche for the Dred Scott decision to after- 
ward come in and declare the perfect freedom of the people to be just no freedom 
at all. Why was the amendment, expressly declaring the right of the people, 
voted down? Plainly enough now, the adoption of it would have spoiled the 
niche for the Dred Scott decision. Why was the court decision held up? Why 
even a Senator's individual opinion withheld, till after the presidential election? 
Plainly enough now, the speaking out then would have damaged the 'perfectly 
free' argument upon which the election was to be carried. Why the outgoing 
President's felicitation on the endorsement? Why the delay of a reargument? 
Why the incoming President's advance exhortation in favor of the decision? 
These things look like the cautious patting and petting of a spirited horse, pre- 

41 



paratory to mounting him, when it is dreaded that he may give the rider a fall. 
And why the hast)* after-endorsement of the decision, by the President and others ? 
We cannot absolutely know that all these exact adaptations are the result of pre- 
concert. But when we see a lot of framed timbers, different portions of which 
we know have been gotten out at different times and places and by different 
workmen— Stephen, Franklin, Roger, and James, for instance — and when we 
see these timbers joined together, and see they exactly make the frame of a house 
or a mill, all the tenons and mortices exactly fitting, and all the lengths and pro- 
portions of the different pieces exactly adapted to their respective places, and 
not a piece too many or too few — not omitting even the scaffolding, or, if a single 
piece be lacking, we see the place in the frame exactly fitted and prepared yet 
to bring such piece in — in such a case, we find it impossible not to believe that 
Stephen and Franklin and Roger and James all understood one another from 
the beginning, and all worked upon a common plan or draft drawn up before 
the first blow was struck." 

He also called attention to the fact that by the Nebraska bill the people of a 
State, as well as a Territory, were to be left ''perfectly free," "subject only to the 
Constitution," and that the object of lugging a ''State" into this merely Terri- 
torial law was to enable the United States Supreme Court in some subsequent 
decision to declare, when the public mind has been sufficiently imbued with Judge 
Douglas' notion of not caring "whether slavery, be voted up or voted down," 
that "the Constitution of the United States does not permit a State to exclude 
slavery from its limits," which would make slavery "alike lawful in all the States." 

On the evening of July 9th Senator Douglas addressed a large and enthusi- 
astic meeting in Chicago; Mr. Lincoln was present. The Senator alluded to 
his opposition to the bill to admit Kansas as a slave State under the Lecompton 
Constitution ; he declared that he opposed "the Lecompton monstrosity solely on 
the ground that it was a violation of the fundamental principles of free govern- 
ment ; on the ground that it was not the act and deed of the people of Kansas ; 
that it did not embody their will ; that they were averse to it ;" and hence he 
"denied the right of Congress to force it upon them, either as a free State or a 
slave State." 

Said he : "I deny the right of Congress to force a slaveholding State upon 
an unwilling people. I deny their right to force a free State upon an unwilling 
people. I deny their right to force a good thing upon a people who are unwilling 
to receive it. The great principle is the right of every community to judge and 
decide for itself, whether a thing is right or wrong, whether it would be good or 
evil for them to adopt it ; and the right of free action, the right of free thought, 
the right of free judgment upon the question is dearer to every true American 
than any other under a free government. * * * It is no answer to this 
argument to say that slavery is an evil, and hence should not be tolerated. You 
must allow the people to decide for themselves whether it is good or evil." He 
then adverted to the arraignment of himself by Mr. Lincoln, and took direct issut 
with that gentleman on his proposition that, as to freedom and slavery, "the 
Union will become all one thing or all the other ;" and maintained on the con- 
trary, that "it is neither desirable nor possible that there should be uniformity in 
the local institutions and domestic regulations of the different States of this 
Union.' 1 

Mr. Douglas charged that Air. Lincoln was making "a crusade against the 
Supreme Court of the United States on account of the Dred Scott decision," he 
took exception to "the reason assigned by Mr. Lincoln for resisting the decision 
of the Supreme Court in the Dred Scott case — because it deprives the negro of 
the privileges, immunities and rights of citizenship which pertain, according to 
that decision, only to the white man/' Air. Douglas said: "I am free to say to 
you that in my opinion this government of ours is founded on the White basis. 
It was made by the White man for the benefit of the White man, to be admin- 
istered by White men, in such manner as they should determine. It is also true 
that a Xegro, an Indian, or any other man of inferior race to a White man, should 
he permitted to enjoy, and humanity requires that he should have, all the rights, 
privileges, and immunities which he is capable of exercising consistent with the 
safety of society. * * * But you may ask me what are these rights and these 

42 



privileges? My answer is, that each State must decide for itself the nature and 
extent of these rights. * * * Without indorsing the wisdom of that decision, 
I assert that Virginia has the same power by virtue of her sovereignty to protect 
slavery within her limits as Illinois has to banish it forever from our own borders. 
I assert the right of each State to decide for itself on all these questions, and I 
do not subscribe to the doctrine of my friend, Mr. Lincoln, that uniformity is 
either desirable or possible. I do not acknowledge that the States must all be 
free or must all be slave. I do not acknowledge that the Negro must .have civil 
and political rights everywhere or nowhere. * * * I do not acknowledge 
any of these doctrines of uniformity in the local and domestic regulations in the 
different States. * * * Mr. Lincoln goes for a warfare upon the Supreme 
Court of the United States because of their judicial decision in the Dred Scott 
case. I yield obedience to the decisions in that court — to the final determination 
of the highest judicial tribunal known to our Constitution. He objects to the 
Dred Scott decision because it does not put the Negro in the possession of the 
rights of citizenship on an equality with the White man. I am opposed to Negro 
equality. * * * I would extend to the Negro, and the Indian, and to all 
-dependent races every right, every privilege, and every immunity consistent with 
the safety and welfare of the White races ; but equality they never should have, 
either political or social, or in any other respect whatever. * * * My friends, 
you see that the issues are distinctly drawn." 

On the next evening, July ioth, Mr. Lincoln also addressed a large meeting, 
in reply to Senator Douglas. On July 16th Senator Douglas spoke at Bloom- 
ington, Mr. Lincoln being present. They both addressed large meetings at 
Springfield July 17th ; the one in the afternoon, the other at night. 

On July 24th Mr. Lincoln wrote Senator Douglas proposing a joint debate. 
Mr. Douglas agreed to the proposition, and on July 31st it was arranged that 
they should have seven meetings for joint discussions, each to occupy an hour 
and a half at each meeting, the opening speech to be one hour, the closing speech 
half an hour, the opening speeches to be alternated, Mr. Douglas to open the 
debate at the first meeting. They agreed to meet at the following places and 
times : Ottawa, Aug. 21st; Freeport, Aug. 27th ; Jonesboro, Sept. 15th ; Charles- 
ton, Sept. 13th; Galesburg, Oct. 7th; Ouincy, Oct. 13th; Alton, Oct. 15th. 

Senator Douglas' determined opposition to the passage of the bill for the 
admission of Kansas as a slave State under the Lecompton Constitution had 
elicited warm commendation from the Republican press. Mr. Greeley, speaking 
through the New York Tribune, said of Mr. Douglas : "No public man in our 
day has earned a nobler fidelity and courage ;" that "if Lincoln's election was to be 
secured by a coalition between Republicans and a little faction of postmasters, 
tide waiters, and federal office seekers, who for the sake of their dirty pudding, 
present and hoped for, pretend to approve the Lecompton fraud, it would be 
regretted by Republicans of other States." But there was no coalition between 
the Republicans and Buchanan Democrats ; their antagonism was too great to 
admit of any affiliation whatever. 

The campaign of Senator Douglas was aggressive, and his supporters were 
earnest and enthusiastic. Every effort was made to arouse the interest of the 
people in his behalf. At every meeting banners waved, cannons roared, and 
bands of martial music sounded. 

The supporters of Mr. Lincoln while less ostentatious in their demonstra- 
tions, were none the less enthusiastic. Great concourses of people turned out to 
hear these champions. The debate, in the interest it excited throughout the 
country, became a national affair and was watched with profound attention. It 
was confidently believed by many that Mr. Lincoln was overmatched in the 
contest, but that impression was soon dispelled. He soon showed that he was 
a master in the art of debate, was fully equipped for controversy, and was able 
to lift the issues above the petty strife of small politicians into an atmosphere of 
profound statesmanship. His felicitous reply to the charge of opposition to the 
Dred Scott decision attracted universal attention and gave great satisfaction to 
his friends. The joint debate between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas, 
during the political canvass of 1858, has taken its place permanently in the 
political literature of the country. These men were representative leaders of their 

43 



parties. They were both resourceful and adroit in the art of attack and defence, 
and they had studied the philosophy of the issues involved so as to be able to 
present the strong points of their own positions and the weak sides of their 
opponents. It is not the plan of this work to give space for the twenty-one 
speeches delivered during that debate, but to present the issues that arose in that 
memorable contest. 

Senator Douglas opened the debate — he gave a brief history of the position 
taken by the Democratic and Whig parties upon the slavery question, showing 
that both parties supported the compromise measures of 1850, which he insisted 
were carried out in the Xebraska-Kansas bill, which declared that "It is the true 
intent and meaning of this act not to legislate slavery into any State or Territory, 
or to exclude it therefrom, but to leave the people thereof perfectly free to form 
and regulate their domestic institutions in their own way, subject only to the 
Federal Constitution." He claimed that up to that time "there had been no 
division in this country in regard to that principle except the opposition of the 
Abolitionists." He charged that in 1854 Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Trumbull made 
a bargain to the effect that "Lincoln should have Shield's place in the Lnited 
States Senate, which was then about to become vacant, and that Trumbull should 
have my seat when my term expired ;" that "Lincoln went to work to Abolitionize 
the old Whig party all over the State, pretending that he was then as good a 
Whig as ever, and Trumbull went to work in his part of the State, preaching 
Abolitionism in its milder and lighter form, and trying to Abolitionize the Demo- 
cratic party, and bring old Democrats, handcuffed and bound hand and foot, into 
the Abolition camp." 

Mr. Douglas then read certain resolutions which had been adopted at a 
mass convention in Springfield in October. T854. for the purpose, as he said, 
of putting certain questions to Mr. Lincoln. He said : "I desire to know whether 
Mr. Lincoln to-day stands as he did in 1854 in favor of the unconditional repeal 
of the fugitive slave law ; against the admission of any more slave States into the 
L'nion, even if the people want them ; against the admission of a new State into 
the Lnion with such a constitution as the people of that State may see fit to 
make ; whether he stands to-day pledged to the abolition of slavery in the Dis- 
trict of Columbia : to the prohibition of the slave trade between the different 
States; to prohibit slavery in all the Territories of the Lnited States, north as 
well as south of the Missouri compromise line : whether he is opposed to the 
acquisition of any more territory unless slavery is prohibited therein." "I ask 
Abraham Lincoln these questions in order that when I trot him down to lower 
'Egypt' I may put the same questions to him. My principles are the same every- 
where. I can proclaim them alike in the North, the South, the East and the 
West. My principles will apply wherever the Constitution prevails and the 
American flag waves. I desire to know whether Mr. Lincoln's principles will 
bear transportation from Ottawa to Jonesboro. I put these questions to him 
to-day distinctly, and ask an answer." 

Senator Douglas took up Mr. Lincoln's speech of June 16th, in which he 
expressed the belief that "this government cannot endure permanently half slave 
and half free," and asked : "Why can it not exist divided into free and slave 
States? Washington, Jefferson, Franklin. Madison, Hamilton, Jay, and the 
great men of that day made this Government divided into free States and slave 
States and left each State perfectly free to do as it pleased on the subject of 
slavery. Why can it not exist on the same principles on which our fathers made 
it?" He said: "I believe that this new doctrine preached by Lincoln and his 
party will dissolve the L^nion. if it succeeds. They are trying to array all the 
Northern States, in one body, against the South : to excite a sectional war 
between the free States and the slave States, in order that the one or the other 
may be driven to the wall." 

Mr. Lincoln referred to the alleged senatorial deal between himself and Mr. 
Trumbull ; he declared it was a gross and palpable misrepresentation and not 
true. In regard to the resolutions read by Mr. Douglas as the Republican 
platform of 1854. he stated: "I never had anything to do with them, and I think 
that Trumbull never had. Judge Douglas cannot show that either of us ever 
did have anything to do with them. As to himself, he had refused to go into 

44 




t/ 




/^PtCo 



45 



the Springfield convention and went away from Springfield when the convention 
was in session to attend court in Tazewell County." He denied the charge of 
"Lincoln agreeing to Abolitionize and sell out the old Whig party." Mr. Lincoln 
read from a printed speech made by him at Peoria to show the position he took in 
1854. In that speech, referring to the repeal of the Missouri compromise, he 
said: "I think, and shall try to shew, that it is wrong; wrong in its direct effect, 
letting slavery into Kansas and Nebraska, and wrong in its prospective principle, 
allowing it to spread to every other part of the wide world where men can be 
found inclined to take it. This declared indifference, but, as I must think, covert 
real zeal for the spread of slavery, I cannot but hate. I hate it because of the 
monstrous injustice of slavery itself. I hate it because it deprives our republican 
example of its just influence in the world — enables the enemies of free institu- 
tions, with plausibility, to taunt us as hypocrites — causes the real friends of free- 
dom to doubt our sincerity, and especially because it forces so many really good 
men amongst ourselves into an open war with the very fundamental principles 
of civil liberty — criticising the Declaration of Independence, and insisting that 
there is no right principle of action but self-interest. * * * When Southern 
people tell us they are no more responsible for the origin of slavery than we, I 
acknowledge the fact. When it is said that the institution exists, and that it is 
very difficult to get rid of it in any satisfactory way, I can understand and appre- 
ciate the saying. I surely will not blame them for not doing what I should not 
know how to do myself. If all earthly power were given me, I should not know 
what to do, as to the existing institution. My first impulse would be to free all 
the slaves, and send them to Liberia — to their own native land. But a moment's 
reflection would convince me that whatever of high hope (as I think there is) 
there may be in this, in the long run, its sudden execution is impossible. * * * 
What then ? Free them all, and keep them among us as underlings ? Is it quite 
certain that this betters their condition ? I think I would not hold one in slavery 
at any rate ; yet the point is not clear enough to me to denounce people upon. 

"What next? Free them, and make them politically and socially our equals?' 
My own feelings will not admit of this ; and if mine would, we well know that 
those of the great mass of white people will not. Whether this feeling accords 
with justice and sound judgment, is not the sole question, if, indeed, it is any 
part of it. A universal feeling, whether well or ill-founded, cannot be safely 
disregarded. We cannot, then, make them equals. It does seem to me that 
systems of gradual emancipation might be adopted ; but for their tardiness in this 
I will not undertake to judge our brethren of the South ; when they remind us 
of their constitutional rights, I acknowledge them, not grudgingly, but fully and 
fairly; and I would give them any legislation for the reclaiming of their fugitives, 
which should not, in its stringency, be more likely to carry a free man into slavery, 
than our ordinary criminal laws are to hang an innocent one. 

"But all this, to my judgment, furnishes no more excuse for permitting 
slavery to go into our own free territory than it would for reviving the African 
slave trade by law. The law which forbids the bringing of slaves from Africa, 
and that which has so long forbid the taking of them to Nebraska, can hardly 
be distinguished on any moral principle ; and the repeal of the former could find 
quite as plausible excuses as that of the latter. * * * 

"I will say here, while upon this subject, that I have no purpose, directly 
or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the States where it 
exists. I believe I have no lawful right so to do, and I have no inclination to do 
so. I have no purpose to introduce political and social equality between the 
white and black races. There is a physical difference between the two, which, in 
my judgment, will probably forever forbid their living together upon the footing 
of perfect equality, and inasmuch as it becomes a necessity that there must be 
a difference, I, as well as Judge Douglas, am in favor of the race to which I 
belong having the superior position. 

"I have never said anything to the contrary, but I hold that, notwithstanding 
all this, there is no reason in the world why the negro is not entitled to all the 
natural rights enumerated in the Declaration of Independence — the right to life, 
liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I hold that he is as much entitled to these 
as the white man. I agree with Judge Douglas, he is not my equal in many 

46 



respects — certainly not in color, perhaps not in moral or intellectual endowment. 
But in the right to eat the bread, without the leave of anybody else, which his 
own hand earns, he is my equal and the equal of Judge Douglas, and the equal of 
every living man." 

Senator Douglas in his closing speech exhibited irritation at the charge of 
conspiracy preferred by Mr. Lincoln. He charged that Mr. Lincoln had failed 
to answer the questions propounded to him, that he had "dodged the issue." Re- 
ferring to the charge of conspiracy between Presidents Pierce, Buchanan, Judge 
Taney and himself, Senator Douglas said he "would deprive Lincoln of the op- 
portunity of ever repeating it again, by declaring that it was, in all its bearings, 
an infamous lie. * * * I am not green enough," continued Mr. Douglas, "to 
let him make a charge which he acknowledges he does not know to be true, and 
then take up my time in answering it, when I know it to be false, and nobody 
else knows it to be true. I have not brought a charge of moral turpitude against 
him. When he, or any other man, brings one against me, instead of disproving 
it, I will say that it is a lie, and let him prove it, if he can. * * * Mr. Lincoln 
wants to know why the word 'State' as well as 'Territory' was put into the 
Nebraska bill. I will tell him. It was put there to meet just such false arguments 
as he has been adducing. That first, not only the people of the Territories should 
do as they pleased, but that when they come to be admitted as States, they should 
come into the Union with or without slavery, as the people determined. I meant 
to knock in the head this abolition doctrine of Mr. Lincoln's, that there shall be no 
more slave States, even if the people want them. And it does not do for him 
to say, or for any other Black Republican to say, that there is nobody in favor 
of the doctrine of no more slave States, and that nobody wants to interfere with 
the right of the people to do as they please. 

"What was the origin of the Missouri difficulty and the Missouri compro- 
mise? The people of Missouri formed a constitution as a slave State, and asked 
admission into the Union, but the Freesoil party of the North being in a majority, 
refused to admit her because she had slavery as one of her institutions. Hence 
this first slavery agitation arose upon a State, and not upon a Territory — and 
yet Mr. Lincoln does not know why the word State was placed in the Kansas- 
Nebraska bill. The whole abolition agitation arose on that doctrine of prohibiting 
a State from coming in with slavery or not, as it pleased; and that same doctrine 
is here in this Republican platform of 1854; it has never been repealed; and 
every Black Republican stands pledged by that platform, never to vote for any 
man who is not in favor of it. 

"Yet Mr. Lincoln does not know that there is a man in the world who is in 
favor of preventing a State from coming in as it pleases, notwithstanding the 
Springfield platform says that they, the Republican party, will not allow a State 
to come in under such circumstances. He is an ignorant man. Now you see 
that upon these very points I am as far from bringing Mr. Lincoln up to the line 
as I ever was before. He does not want to avow his principles. I do want to 
avow mine, as clear as sunlight in midday. 

"Democracy is founded upon the eternal principle of right. The plainer 
these principles are avowed before the people, the stronger will be the support 
which they w T ill receive. I only wish I had the power to malce them so clear that 
they would shine in the heavens for every man, woman and child to read. The 
first of these principles that I would proclaim would be in opposition to Mr. 
Lincoln's doctrine of uniformity between the different States, and I would declare 
instead the sovereign right of each State to decide the slavery question as well as 
all other domestic questions for themselves, without interference from any other 
State or power whatsoever. When that principle is recognized, you will have 
peace and harmony and fraternal feeling between all the States of this Union ; 
until you do recognize that doctrine, there will be sectional warfare agitating 
and distracting the country." 

Mr. Lincoln made the opening and closing speeches in the second joint 

debate ; he had forborne to reply categorically to Mr. Douglas' questions, until 

he could prepare questions to be answered by the Senator. Mr. Lincoln said: 

"I now propose that I will answer any of the interrogatories, upon condition that 

, he will answer questions from me not exceeding the same number. I give him: 

47 



an opportunity to respond. The Judge remains silent. I now say that I will 
answer his interrogatories, whether he answers mine or not; and that after I 
have done so, I shall propound mine to him." Mr. Lincoln then took up and 
answered seriatum Judge Douglas' questions, as follows : 

Question I. "I desire to know whether Lincoln to-day stands, as he did 
in 1854, in favor of the unconditional repeal of the fugitive slave law?" 

Answer. "I do not now, nor ever did stand in favor of the unconditional 
repeal of the fugitive slave law." 

Q. 2. "I desire him to answer whether he stands pledged to-day, as he did 
in 1854, against the admission of any more slave States into the Union, even if the 
people want them?" 

A. "I do not now, nor ever did, stand pledged against the admission of 
any more slave States into the Union." 

Q. 3. "I want to know whether he stands pledged against the admission 
of a new State into the Union with such a constitution as the people of that State 
may see fit to make ?" 

A. "I do not stand pledged against the admission of a new State into the 
Union, with such a constitution as the people of that State may see fit to make." 

Q. 4. "I want to know whether he stands to-day pledged to the abolition 
of slavery in the District of Columbia ?" 

A. "I do not stand to-day pledged to the abolition of slavery in the District 
of Columbia." 

Q. 5. "I desire him to answer whether he stands pledged to the prohibition 
of the slave trade between the different States ?" 

A. "I do not stand pledged to the prohibition of the slave trade between the 
different States." 

Q. 6. "I desire to know whether he stands pledged to prohibit slavery in all 
the Territories of the United States, north as well as south of the Missouri com- 
promise line?" 

A. "I am impliedly, if not expressly, pledged to a belief in the right and 
duty of Congress to prohibit slavery in all the United States Territories." 

Q. 7. "I desire him to answer whether he is opposed to the acquisition of 
any new Territory unless slavery is first prohibited therein?" 

A. "I am not generally opposed to honest acquisition of territory ; and, in 
any given case, I would, or would not, oppose such acquisition, accordingly as 
I might think such acquisition would, or would not, aggravate the slavery ques- 
tion among ourselves." 

Having answered as to whether he was or was not "pledged" on these 
various points, Mr. Lincoln proceeded: "But I am not disposed to hang upon 
the exact form of his interrogatory. I am rather disposed to take up at least 
some of these questions and state what I really think upon them. 

"As to the first one, in regard to the fugitive slave law, I have never hesitated 
to say, and I do not now hesitate to say, that I think, under the Constitution of 
the United States, the people of the Southern States are entitled to a Congressional 
fugitive slave law. Having said that, I have had nothing to say in regard to the 
existing fugitive slave law, further than that I think it should have been framed 
so as to be free from some of the objections that pertain to it, without lessening 
its efficiency. 

"In regard to the other question of whether I am pledged to the admission 
of any more slave States into the Union, I state to you very frankly that I would 
be exceedingly sorry ever to be put in a position of having to pass upon that 
question. I should be exceedingly glad to know that there would never be 
another slave State admitted into the Union ; but I must add that if slavery shall 
be kept out of the Territories during the Territorial existence of any one given 
Territory, and then the people shall — having a fair chance, and a clear field, when 
they come to adopt the constitution — do such an extraordinary thing as to adopt 
a slave constitution, uninfluenced by the actual presence of the institution among 
them, I see no alternative, if we own the country, but to admit them into the 
Union. 

"The third interrogatory is answered by the answer to the second, it being, 
.as I conceive, the same as the second. 

48 



"The fourth one is in regard to the abolition of slavery in the District of 
Columbia. In relation to that, I have my mind very distinctly made up. I should 
be exceedingly glad to see slavery abolished in the District of Columbia. I 
believe that Congress possesses the constitutional power to abolish it. Yet, as* 
a member of Congress, I should not, with my present views, be in favor of en- 
deavoring to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia unless it would be upon 
these conditions : First, that the abolition should be gradual ; second, that it 
should be on a vote of the majority of qualified voters in the district ; and third, 
that compensation should be made to unwilling owners. With these three con- 
ditions, I confess I would be exceedingly glad to see Congress abolish slavery 
in the District of Columbia, and, in the language of Henry Clay, 'sweep from our 
Capital that foul blot upon our nation.' 

"In regard to the fifth interrogatory, I must say here that as to the question 
of the abolition of the slave trade between the different States, I can truly answer, 
as I have, that I am pledged to nothing about it. 

"I now proceed to propound to the Judge the interrogatories, so far as 1 
have framed them, only reaching to number four. The first one is : 

''Question I. If the people of Kansas shall, by means entirely unobjectionable 
in all other respects, adopt a State constitution, and ask admission into the Union 
under it, before they have the requisite number of inhabitants according to the 
English bill — some ninety-three thousand — will you vote to admit them? 

"Q. 2. Can the people of a United States Territory, in any lawful way, 
against the wish of any citizen of the United States, exclude slavery from its 
limits prior to the formation of a State constitution ? 

"Q. 3. If the Supreme Court of the United States shall decide that States 
cannot exclude slavery from their limits, are you in favor of acquiescing in, 
adopting and following such decision, as a rule of political action? 

"Q. 4. Are you in favor of acquiring additional territory, in disregard of how 
such acquisition may affect the nation on the slavery question ?" 

Mr. Douglas answering- these questions, said: "First, he (Mr. Lincoln) de- 
sires to know if the people of Kansas shall form a constitution by means entirely 
proper and unobjectionable, and ask admission into the Union as a State, before 
they have the requisite population for a member of Congress, whether I will vote 
for that admission. * * * I hold it to be a sound rule, of universal applica- 
tion, to require a Territory to contain the requisite population for a member of 
Congress, before it is admitted as a State into the Union. I made that proposition 
in the Senate in 1856, and I renewed it during the last session, in a bill providing 
that no Territory of the United States should form a constitution and apply for 
admission until it had the requisite population. 

"On another occasion I proposed that neither Kansas nor any other Terri- 
tory should be admitted until it had the requisite population. Cong'ress did not 
adopt any of my propositions containing this general rule, but did make an 
exception in Kansas. I will stand by that exception. Either Kansas must come 
in as a free State, with whatever population she may have, or the rule must be 
applied to all the other Territories alike. I therefore answer at once, that it 
having been decided that Kansas has people enough for a slave State, I hold that 
she has enough for a free State. 

"I hope Mr. Lincoln is satisfied with my answer ; and now I would like to get 
his answer to his own interrogatory — whether or not he will vote to admit Kansas 
before she has the requisite population? I want to know whether he will vote 
to admit Oregon before that Territory has the requisite population ? Mr. Trum- 
bull will not, and the same reason that commits Mr. Trumbull against the admis- 
sion of Oregon commits him against Kansas, even if she should apply for ad- 
mission as a free State. * * . * I would like Mr. Lincoln to answer this 
question. I would like him to take his own medicine. If he differs with Mr. 
Trumbull let him answer his argument against the admission of Oregon, instead 
of poking questions at me. 

"The next question propounded to me by Mr. Lincoln is : Can the people of a 
Territory in any lawful way, against the wishes of any citizen of the United States, 
exclude slavery from their limits prior to the formation of a State constitution? 
I answer emphatically, as Mr. Lincoln has heard me answer a hundred times 

49 



from every stamp in TOnois. that: in my opmkm. the people of a Territory can, 
r lawful means, exclude slavery from their limits prior to the formation of a 
State constitution. Mr. Lincoln knew that I had answered that question over 
and over again. He heard me argue the Nebraska bill on that principle all over 
the State in 1854. in 1S55 and m 1856. and he has no excuse lor pretending to 
be in doubt as to my position on that question. 

""It matters not what way the Supreme Court may hereafter decide as to the 
abstract question whether slavery may or may not go into a Territory under 
tbe Constitution, the people have the bwful means to introduce or exclude it as 
7m ; --:- '-'- '-'. - mm : \ mm =li m: mm:: nnm :-. m; :r m - : m mrn~ :t:: 
::: ;; :: :i - : ; mm : : ; . : m. ; : ..m :- mm :m 7 : :: m mm :-: z ■:..:■.-.. :n~ mm 
rady be established by the local Legislature* and if the people are opposed to 
slavery they will elect Representatives to that body who will by unhiendly Iegis- 
.-.- . .-. T.-t :: ..:■. ...; ;m mm : .: -; mr mm:::: .: mm 7m:r nrn :s~ I: :n :7m : :m 
trary. they are lor it. their legislation will favor its extension. Hence; no matter 
what the decision of the Supreme Court may be on that abstract question,, still 
nm :mm : '7 >:•::'.: : : :m: • n .: - ..-.- t 7 err:: :r :r .2 mee Term:::- is rerfe:: in : 
-"'-.-.; .rT: .::::: :i- 77mmm: ... I "J" -■-- — -~- '■'-'— menm m mmmr m:- 
mm::: : n : 1 : :■:_::: 

7 .-.t :.. ■...:'. mm.mmn f.im ]7r 7 mni m m. 1 m 7 m ; 7.n : ::■:::: r 7 

the Supreme Court of the United States shall decide that a State of this Union 
cannot exclude slavery from its own hunts, will I submit to it? I am amazed 
tliat Lincoln should ask such a question. ~ He nright as well ask me, 

suppose Mr. Lincoln should steal a horse, would I sanction it; and it would 
be as genteel in me to ask him. in the event he stole a horse, what ought to be 
done with Inm. He casts an imputation upon the Supreme Court of the United 
States, by supposing that they would violate die Constitution of the United States. 
I tell Inm that such a thing is not possible. It would be an act of moral treason 
that no man on the bench could ever descend to. Mr. Lincoln himself wool 
never, in Ms partisan feelings, so far forget what was right as to be guilty of 
such an act. 

The fourth question of Mr. Lincoln is. are you in favor of acquiring addi- 
tional territory, in disregard as to hew such acquisition may affect the Union 
on the slavery questions? This question is very ingeniously and cunnin gly put 
The Black Republican creed lays it down expressly that under no circumstances 
• l7 -:-.[ -- mm mmmn".:- mnms mmer; -rn:;m: .m mm : m : : ::mm 
I ask Mr. J ik*DQ.Ik whether foe is in Savor at that praf>c*siitiOQL. Are you f addressing 
Mr. Lincoln) opposed to the acquisition of any more territory, under any cir- 
cumstances, unless slavery is prohibited in it? That he does not Eke to answer. 

-\Vh«i I ask him whether he stands up to that article in the platform of ms 
party, he turns. Yankee fashion, and without answering it. asks me whether I 
am in favor of acquiring territory without regard to how it may affect the Union 
on the slavery question. I answer that whenever it becomes necessary, in our 
gaomth and progress, to acquire more territory, that I am in favor of it. without 
reference to the question of slavery — and when we have acquired it. I wul leave 
the people free to do as they p&ase, either to make it slave or free territor 
-7 : refer 

"Ttr is idle to tell me or you that we have territory enough- Our Esthers 
supposed that we had enough when our territory extended to the Mississippi 
River, but a few years' giowHh and expansion satisfied them that we needed more. 
- - 7 7 : fmm -7- - - fr: m 7m 7^: : nm:7 :::!:: - 7- --.::. :: :7m I -mm 
Possessions. was acquired. Then we acquired Oregon, then California, and Xew 
Mexko. We have enough now for the present, but tms is a young and growing 
nation. It swarms as often as a hive of bees, and as new swarms are turned out 
each year, there must be hives in which they can gather and make their honey. 
~.z-: mm me mm r ir.i rrri'i. :.? ::.i *.i~ ::" :':ii z ..in :r f 

7 : ; . r : 7 " : 7 

:i : • ---;-ni- "7. ..: -- -:-; ':•:.:":::; n^ m mr. :7m:i 

far shah thou go. and no further.* Any one of you gentlemen mriight as well say 
to a son twelve years old that he is mg enough, and must not grow any larger, 
mm m rrier :: :m mm - mm n: : m 1 mm;: mmrr: mm :: •:::; mm :; mi 



present size. What would be the result ? Either the hoop must burst and be rent 
asunder, or the child must die. So it would be with this great nation.* * * 
There is a constant torrent pouring into this country that requires more land, 
more territory upon which to settle ; and, just as fast as our interests and our 
destiny require additional territory in the north, in the south, or on the islands of 
the ocean, I am for it, and when we acquire it, will leave the people, according 
to the Nebraska bill, free to do as they please on the subject of slavery and every 
other question. I trust now that Mr. Lincoln will deem himself answered on his 
four points. * * *" 

To give the reader a clear view of the opinions expressed by Senator Douglas 
and Mr. Lincoln in this great debate upon the question of slavery, the power of 
the national, State and Territorial governments over the question of slavery, the 
rights of slaveholders, and the duty towards the negro race, the following extracts 
covering the principal points in the discussions are taken from their 
speeches : 

Mr. Douglas said : "The Abolition party really think that under the Declara- 
tion of Independence the negro is equal to the white man, and that negro equality 
is an inalienable right conferred by the Almighty, and hence that all human laws 
in violation of it are null and void. With such men it is no use for me to argue. 
I hold that the Declaration of Independence had no reference to negroes at all 
when they declared all men to be created equal. They did not mean negro, nor 
the savage Indian, nor the Fiji Islanders, nor any other barbarous race. They 
were speaking of white men. They alluded to men of European birth and Euro- 
pean descent — to white men, and to none others, when they declared that doc- 
trine. * * *" 

Mr. Lincoln said: "I believe the entire records of the world, from the date 
of the Declaration of Independence up to within three years ago, may be searched 
in vain for one single affirmation, from one single man, that the negro was not 
included in the Declaration of Independence. I think I may defy Judge Douglas 
to show * * * that any living man upon the whole earth ever said so until 
the necessities of the present policy of the Democratic party, in regard to slavery, 
had to invent that affirmation. And I will remind Judge Douglas and this audi- 
ence that while Mr. Jefferson was the owner of slaves — as undoubtedly he was — 
in speaking upon this very subject, he used the strong language that 'he trembled 
for his country when he remembered that God was just,' and I will offer the 
highest premium in my power to Judge Douglas if he will show that he, in all 
his life, ever uttered a sentiment at all akin to that of Jefferson. 

"I think the authors of that notable instrument intended to include all men, 
but they did not mean to declare all men equal in all respects. They did not 
mean to say that all men were equal in color, size, intellect, moral development, 
or social capacity. They defined with tolerable distinctness in what they did 
consider all men equal — equal in certain inalienable rights, among which are life, 
liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This they said, and this they meant. They 
did not mean to assert the obvious untruth, that all were then actually enjoying 
that equality, or yet, that they were about to confer it immediately upon them. 
In fact they had no power to confer such a boon. They meant simply to declare 
the right, so that the enforcement of it might follow as fast as circumstances 
should permit. They meant to set up a standard maximum for free society which 
should be familiar to all ; constantly looked to, constantly labored for, and even, 
though never perfectly attained, constantly approximated, and thereby constantly 
spreading and deepening its influence and augmenting the happiness and value 
of life to all people, of all colors, everywhere. 

"I assert that Judge Douglas and all his friends may search the whole records 
of the country, and it will be a matter of great astonishment to me if they shall 
be able to find that one human being three years ago had ever uttered the 
astounding sentiment that 'all men,' in the Declaration, did not include the negro. 
Do not let me be misunderstood. I know that more than three years ago there 
were men who, finding this assertion constantly in the way of their schemes to 
bring about the ascendancy and perpetuation of slavery, denied the truth of it. 
I know that Mr. Calhoun, "and all the politicians of his school, denied the truth 
of the Declaration. 

.51 



"And when this new principle — this new proposition that no human being 
ever thought of three years ago — is brought forward, I combat it as having an 
evil tendency, if not an evil design. I combat it as having a tendency to dehuman- 
ize the negro — to take away from him the right of ever striving to be a man. I 
combat it as being one of the thousand things constantly done in these days to 
prepare the public mind to make property, and nothing but property, of the negro 
in all the States of this Union." 

ON THE DRED SCOTT DECISION. 

Mr. Lincoln said : "Another of issues he says that is to be made with me, 
is upon his devotion to the Dred Scott decision, and my opposition to it. I have 
expressed heretofore, and I now repeat, my opposition to the Dred Scott decision ; 
but I should be allowed to state the nature of that opposition. * * * What is 
fairly implied by the term Judge Douglas has used, 'resistance to the decision?' 
I do not resist it. If I wanted to take Dred Scott from his master, I would be 
interfering with property and that terrible difficulty that Judge Douglas speaks of, 
of interfering with property, would arise. But I am doing no such thing as that, 
but all that I am doing is refusing to obey it, as a political rule. If I were in 
Congress, and a vote should come up on a question whether slavery should be 
prohibited in a new Territory, in spite of the Dred Scott decision, I would vote 
that it should. That is what I would do. 

"What are the uses of decisions of courts? They have two uses. As rules 
of property they have two uses. First, they decide upon the question before the 
court. They decide in this case that Dred Scott is a slave. Nobody resists that. 
Not only that, but they say to everybody else, that persons standing just as Dred 
Scott stands, are as he is. That is, they say that when a question comes up upon 
another person, it will be so decided again, unless the court decides in another 
way — unless the court overrules its decision. Well, we mean to do what we can 
to have the court decide the other way. That is one thing we mean to try to do. 

"The essence of the Dred Scott case is compressed into the sentence which I 
will now read : 'Now, as we have already said in an earlier part of this opinion, 
upon a different point, the right of property in a slave is distinctly and expressly 
affirmed in the Constitution.' I repeat it : 'The right of property in a slave is 
distinctly and expressly affirmed in the Constitution.' 

"What is it to be 'affirmed' in the Constitution ? Made firm in the Constitu- 
tion — so made that it cannot be separated from the Constitution without breaking 
the Constitution — durable as the Constitution, and part of the Constitution. Now, 
remembering the provision of the Constitution which I have read, affirming that 
that instrument is the supreme law of the land ; that the judges of every State 
shall be bound by it, any law or constitution of any State to the contrary not- 
withstanding ; that the right of property in a slave is affirmed in that Constitution, 
is made, formed into, and cannot be separated from it without breaking it ; 
durable as the instrument ; part of the instrument — what follows as a short and 
even syllogistic argument from it? 

"I think it follows — and I submit to the consideration of men capable of 
arguing, whether as I state it, in syllogistic form, the argument has any fault 
in it — that : 

"Nothing in the constitution or laws of any State can destroy a right dis- 
tinctly and expressly affirmed in the Constitution of the United States. 

"The right of property in a slave is distinctly and expressly affirmed in the 
Constitution of the United States. 

"Therefore nothing in the constitution or laws of any State can destroy the 
right of property in a slave. 

"I believe that no fault can be pointed out in that argument. Assuming the 
truth of the premises, the conclusion, so far as I have capacity at all to understand 
it, follows inevitably. There is a fault in it, as I think ; but the fault is not in 
the reasoning; but the falsehood in fact is a fault of the premises. I believe that 
the right of property in a slave is not distinctly and expressly affirmed in the 
Constitution, and Judge Douglas thinks it is. I believe that the Supreme Court 
and the advocates of that decision may search in vain for the place in the Consti- 
tution where the right of (property in) a slave is distinctly and expressly affirmed. 

52 




STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS. 



S3 



"I say, therefore, that I think one of the premises is not true in fact. But 
it is true with Judge Douglas. It is true with the Supreme Court, who pronounced 
it. They are estopped from denying it, and being estopped from denying it, the 
conclusion follows that the Constitution of the United States being the supreme 
law, no (State) constitution or law can interfere with it. It being affirmed in 
the decision that the right of property in a slave is distinctly and expressly 
affirmed in the Constitution, the conclusion inevitably follows that no State law or 
constitution can destroy that right." 

Senator Douglas in reply said : "I have a few words to say upon the Dred 
Scott decision, which has troubled the brain of Mr. Lincoln so much. He insists 
that that decision would carry slavery into the free States, notwithstanding that 
the decision says directly the opposite ; and goes into a long argument to make 
you believe that I am in favor of, and' would sanction the doctrine that would 
allow slaves to be brought here and held as slaves contrary to our constitution 
and laws." 

Mr. Lincoln said : "We have in this nation this element of domestic slavery. 
It is a matter of absolute certainty that it is a disturbing element. It is the 
opinion of all the great men who have expressed an Opinion upon it, that it is a 
dangerous element. We keep up a controversy in regard to it. That controversy 
necessarily springs from differences of opinion, and if we can learn exactly — can 
reduce to the lowest elements — what that difference of opinion is, we perhaps 
shall be better prepared for discussing the different systems of policy that we 
would propose in regard to that disturbing element. 

"I suggest that the difference of opinion, reduced to its lowest terms, is no 
other than the difference between the men who think slavery a wrong and those 
who do not think it a wrong. The Republican party think it wrong; we think 
it is a moral, a social and a political wrong. We think it is a wrong not confining 
itself merely to the persons or the States where it exists, but that it is a wrong 
in its tendency, to say the least, that extends itself to the existence of the whole 
nation. Because we think it wrong, we propose a course of policy that shall deal 
with it as a wrong. We deal with it as with any other wrong, in so far as we can 
prevent its growing any larger, and so deal with it that in the run of time there 
may be some promise of an end to it. 

"We have a due regard to the actual presence of it amongst us, and the 
difficulties of getting rid of it in any satisfactorv way, and all the constitutional 
obligations thrown about it. I suppose that in reference both to its actual 
existence in the nation, and to our constitutional obligations, we have no right 
at all to disturb it in the States where it exists, and we profess that we have no 
more inclination to disturb it than we have the right to do it. 

"We go further than that; we don't propose to disturb it where, in one 
instance, we think the Constitution would permit us. We think the Constitution 
would permit us to disturb it in the District of Columbia. Still we do not propose 
to do that, unless it should be in terms which I don't suppose the nation is very 
likely soon to agree to — the terms of making the emancipation gradual, and com- 
pensating the unwilling owners. 

''Where we suppose we have the constitutional right, we restrain ourselves 
in reference to the actual condition of the institution and the difficulties thrown 
about it. We also oppose it as an evil, so far as it seeks to spread itself. We 
insist on the policy that shall restrict it to its present limits. We don't propose 
in doing this we violate anything due to the actual presence of the institution or 
anything due to the constitutional guaranties thrown around it." 

Upon this question Mr. Douglas said: "I hold, and the party with which I 
am identified hold, that the people of each State, old and new, have the right 
to decide the slavery question for themselves, and when I used the remark that 
I did not care whether slavery was voted up or down, I used it in the connection 
that I was for allowing Kansas to do just as she pleased on the slavery question. 
* * * Why cannot Abraham Lincoln, and the party with which he acts, speak 
out their principles so that they may be understood ? Why do they claim to be 
one thing in one part of the State, and another in the other part? 

"In his Springfield speech Mr. Lincoln there told his Abolition friends that 
this government could not endure permanently, divided into free and slave 

54 



States as our fathers made it, and that it must become all free or all slave, other- 
wise the government could not exist. How, then, does Lincoln propose to^save 
the Union, unless by compelling all the States to become free, so that the house 
shall not be divided against itself? He intends making them all free; he will 
preserve the Union in that way, and yet, he is not going to interfere with slavery 
anywhere it now exists f How is he going to bring it about? Why, he will 
agitate ; he will induce the North to agitate until the South shall be worried out 
and forced to abolish slavery. 

"Let us examine the policy by which that is to be done. He first tells you 
that he would prohibit slavery everywhere in the Territories. He would then 
confine slavery within its present limits. When he thus gets it confined and sur- 
rounded, so that it cannot spread, the natural laws of increase will go on until 
the negroes will be so plenty that they cannot live on the soil. He will hem them 
in until starvation seizes them, and by starving them to death, he will put slavery 
in the course of ultimate extinction. If he is not going to interfere with slavery 
in the States, but intends to interfere and prohibit it in the Territories, and thus 
smother slavery out, it naturally follows that he can extinguish it only by ex- 
tinguishing the negro race, for his policy would drive them to starvation. This 
is the humane and Christian remedy that he proposes for the great crime of 
slavery ! 

"He tells you that I will not argue the question whether slavery is right or 
wrong. I tell you why I will not do it. I hold that under the Constitution of 
the United States, each State of this Union has a right to do as it pleases on the 
subject of slavery. * * * I do not choose to occupy the time allotted to me 
in discussing a question that we have no right to act upon. I thought that you 
desired to hear us upon the questions coming within constitutional power or 
action. Lincoln will not discuss these." 

In the closing debate at Alton, Mr. Douglas said : "My friends there never 
was a time when it was as important for the Democratic party, for all national 
men, to rally and stand together, as it is today. We find all sectional men giving 
up past differences and combating the one question of slavery, and when we 
find sectional men thus uniting, we should unite and resist them and their treason- 
able designs. 

"Such was the case in 1850, when Clay left the quiet and peace of his home, 
and again entered upon public life to quell agitation and restore peace to a 
distracted Union. Then, we Democrats, with Cass at our head, welcomed Henry 
Clay, whom the whole nation regarded as having been preserved by God for the 
times. He became our leader in that great fight, and we rallied around him the 
same as the Whigs rallied around Old Hickory in 1832, to put down Nullifica- 
tion. Thus, you see, that whilst Whigs and Democrats fought fearlessly in old 
times about banks, the tariff, distribution, the specie-circular, and the sub- 
treasury, all united as a band of brothers when the peace, harmony, or integrity 
of the Union was imperilled. 

"It was in 1850, when Abolition had even so far divided this country, North 
and South, as to endanger the peace of the Union, Whigs and Democrats united 
in establishing the compromise measures of that year, and restoring tranquility 
and good feeling. These measures passed on the joint action of the two parties. 
They rested on the great principle that the people of each State and each Territory 
should be left perfectly free to form and regulate their domestic institutions to 
suit themselves. You Whigs and we Democrats justified them in that principle. 

"In 1854, when it became necessary to organize the Territories of Kansas 
and Nebraska, I brought forward the bill on the same principle. In the Kansas- 
Nebraska Bill you find it declared to be the true intent and meaning of the act 
not to legislate slavery into any State or Territory, nor to exclude it therefrom, 
but to leave the people entirely free to form and regulate their domestic institu- 
tions in their own way. I stand on that same platform in T858, that I did in 1850, 
1854, and 1856. * * * * 

"I hold that there is no principle on earth more sacred to all the friends 
of freedom than that which says that no institution, no law, no constitution, should 
be forced on an unwilling people, * * * * and I assert that the Kansas and 
Nebraska Bill contains that principle. It is the great principle contained in that 

55 



bill. It is the principle on which James Buchanan was made President ; without 
that principle he never would have been made President of the United States. 

"I will never violate or abandon that doctrine if I have to stand alone. I 
have resisted the blandishments and threats of power on the one side, and seduc- 
tion on the other, and have stood immovably for that principle, fighting for it 
when assailed by Northern mobs, or threatened by Southern hostility. I have 
defended it against the North and the South, and I will defend it against whoever 
assails it, and I will follow it wherever its logical deductions lead me. I say to 
you that there is but one hope, one safety for this country, and that is to stand 
immovably by that principle which declares the right of each State and each Ter- 
ritory to decide these questions for themselves. This Government was founded 
on that principle, and must be administered in the same sense in which it was 
founded." 

Mr. Lincoln, referring to the action of the makers of the Constitution, said : 
"Let me ask why they made provision that the source of slavery — the African 
slave trade — should be cut oft' at the end of twenty years? Why did they make 
provision that in all the new territory we owned at the time, slavery should be 
forever inhibited ? Why stop its spread in one direction and cut off its source 
in another, if they did not look to its being placed in the course of ultimate ex- 
tinction ? 

"Again, the institution of slavery is mentioned in the Constitution of 
the United States only two or three times, and in neither of these cases does 
the word 'slavery' nor 'negro race' occur ; but covert language is used each time, 
and for a purpose full of significance." 

He quoted the language of the Constitution touching the prohibition of the 
African slave trade, the basis of representation and direct taxation and the re- 
clamation of fugitive slaves — in each of which the word "persons", not "slaves" 
nor "negroes", is used, while it is applicable only to slaves or negroes. "In all 
three of these places," continued he, "being the only allusions to slavery in the 
instrument, covert language is used. Language is used not suggesting that 
slavery existed or that the black race were among us. And I understand the 
contemporaneous history of those times to be, that covert language was used 
with a purpose, and that purpose was that in our Constitution, which it was hoped 
and is still hoped, will endure forever — when it should be read by intelligent and 
patriotic men, after the institution of slavery had passed from among us — there 
should be nothing on the face of the great Charter of Liberty suggesting that 
such a thing as negro slavery ever existed among us. 

"This is a part of the evidence that the fathers of the Government expected 
and intended that it should be in the course of ultimate extinction. And when I 
say that I desire to see the further spread of it arrested, I only say I desire to 
see that done which the fathers have first done. When I say I desire to see 
it placed where the public mind will rest in the belief that it is in the course of 
ultimate extinction, I only say I desire to see it placed where they placed it. 

"It is not true that our fathers, as Judge Douglas assumes, made this Gov- 
ernment part slave and part free. Understand the sense in which he puts it. He 
assumes that slavery is a rightful thing within itself — was introduced by the 
framers of the Constitution. The exact truth is, that they found the institution 
existing among us, and they left it as they found it. But in making the Govern- 
ment they left this institution with many clear marks of disapprobation upon it. 
They found slavery among them, and they left it among them because of the 
difficulty — the absolute impossibility of its immediate removal. 

"And when Judge Douglas asks me why we cannot let it remain part slave 
and part free, as the fathers of the Government made it, he asks a question based 
upon an assumption which is in itself a falsehood ; and I turn upon him and ask 
him the question: When the policy that the fathers of the Government had 
adopted in relation to this element among us was the best policy in the world — 
the only wise policy — the only policy that we can ever safely continue upon — that 
will ever give us peace, unless this dangerous element masters us all and becomes 
a national institution — I turn upon him and ask him why he did not leave it 
alone? I turn and ask him why he was driven to the necessity of introducing a 
new policy in regard to it? 

56 



"He has himself said he introduced a new policy. He said so in his speech 
on the 25th of March of the present year, 1858. I ask him why he could not let 
it remain where our fathers had placed it ? I ask, too, of Judge Douglas and his 
friends, why we shall not again place this institution upon the basis on which the 
fathers left it ? I ask you — where he infers that I am in favor of setting the free 
and slave States at war — when the institution was placed in that attitude by those 
who made the Constitution, did they make any war ? If we had no war out of it 
when thus placed, wherein is the ground of belief that we shall have war out 
of it, if we return to that policy? Have we had any peace upon this matter, 
springing from any other basis ? I maintain that we have not. I have proposed 
nothing more than a return to the policy of the fathers. 

"The real issue in this controversy — the one pressing upon every mind — is 
the sentiment on the part of one class that looks upon the institution of slavery 
as a wrong, and of another class that does not look upon it as a wrong. 

"The sentiment that contemplates the institution of slavery in this country 
as a wrong is the sentiment of the Republican party. It is the sentiment around 
which all their actions, all their arguments, circle — from which all their proposi- 
tions radiate. They look upon it as being a moral, social, and political wrong; 
and while they contemplate it as such, they nevertheless have due regard for its 
actual existence among us, and the difficulties of getting rid of it in any satis- 
factory way, and to all the constitutional obligations thrown about it. Yet, hav- 
ing a due regard for these, they desire a policy in regard to it that looks to its 
not creating any more danger. They insist that it should, as far as may be, be 
treated as a wrong, and one of the methods of treating it as a wrong is to make 
provision that it shall grow no larger. 

"They also desire a policy that looks to a peaceful end of slavery, at some 
time, as being wrong. * * * * What is it that we hold most dear amongst 
us ? Our own liberty and prosperity. What has ever threatened our liberty and 
piosperity save and except this institution of slavery? If this be true, how do 
you propose to improve the condition of things by enlarging slavery — by spread- 
ing it out and making it bigger? You may have a wen or cancer upon your 
person and not be able to cut it out lest you bleed to death ; but surely it is no 
way to cure it, to engraft it and spread it over your whole body ! That is no 
proper way of treating what you regard as a wrong. You see this peaceful way 
of dealing with it as a w T rong — restricting the spread of it, and not allowing it to 
go into new countries where it has not already existed — that is the peaceful way, 
the old-fashioned way, the way in which the fathers themselves set us the 
example." 

Mr. Douglas, in closing the memorable debate, said : "Mr. Lincoln tries to 
avoid the main issue by attacking the truth of my proposition, that our fathers 
made this Government divided into free and slave States, recognizing the right of 
each to decide all its local questions for itself. Did they not thus make it? 

"It is true that they did not establish slavery in any of the States, or abolish 
it in any of them ; but finding thirteen States, twelve of which were slave and one 
free, they agreed to form a Government uniting them together, as they stood 
divided into free and slave States, and to guaranty forever to each State the 
right to do as it pleased on the slavery question. Having thus made the Gov- 
ernment, and conferred this right upon each State forever, I assert that this Gov- 
ernment can exist as they made it, divided into free and slave States, if any one 
State chooses to retain slavery. 

"He says that he looks forward to a time when slavery shall be abolished 
everywhere. I look forward to a time when each State shall be allowed to do 
as it pleases. If it chooses to keep slavery forever, it is not my business, but its 
own ; if it chooses to abolish slavery, it is its own business — not mine. I care more 
for the great principle of self-government, the right of the people to rule, than I 
do for all the negroes in Christendom. I would not endanger the perpetuity of 
this Union, I would not blot out the great inalienable rights of the white men 
for all the negroes that ever existed ! 

"Hence, I say, let us maintain this Government on the principles that our 
fathers made it, recognizing the right of each State to keep slavery as long as 
its people determine, or to abolish it when they please. * * * Our fathers, I 

57 



say, made this Government on the principle of the right of each State to do as it 
pleases in its own domestic affairs, subject to the Constitution ; and allowed the 
people of each to apply to every new change of circumstances such remedy as 
they may see lit to improve their condition. This right they have for all time 
to come. 

"Mr. Lincoln went on to tell you that he does not at all desire to interfere 
with slavery in the States where it exists, nor does his party. I expected him 
to say that down here. Let me ask him, then, how he expects to put slavery in 
the course of ultimate extinction everywhere, if he does not intend to interfere 
with it in the States where it exists? * * * * 

"His idea is that he will prohibit slavery in all the Territories, and thus force 
them to become free States. * * * _ * He will extinguish slavery in the 
Southern States as the French general exterminated the Algerians when he 
smoked them out. He is going to extinguish slavery by surrounding the slave 
States, hemming in the slaves and starving them out of existence, as you smoke 
a fox out of his hole. He intends to do that in the name of humanity and Chris- 
tianity, in order that we may get rid of the terrible crime and sin upon our 
fathers, of holding slaves. 

"Mr. Lincoln makes out that line of policy and appeals to the moral sense of 
justice and to the Christian feeling of the community to sustain him. He says 
that any man who holds to the contrary doctrine is in the position of the king 
who claimed to govern by Divine right. Let us examine for a moment and see 
what principle it was that overthrew the Divine right of George the Third to 
govern us. 

"Did not these Colonies rebel because the British Parliament had no right 
to pass laws concerning our property and domestic and private institutions with- 
out our consent? We demanded that the British Government should not pass 
such laws unless they gave us representation in the body passing them — and this 
the British Government insisted on doing — we went to war, on the principle that 
the home government should not control and govern distant colonies without 
giving them a representation. 

"Now, Mr. Lincoln proposes to govern the Territories without giving them 
a representation, and call on Congress to pass laws controlling their property 
and domestic concerns without their consent and against their will. Thus, he 
asserts for his party the identical principle asserted by George III. and the Tories 
of the Revolution ! 

"I ask you to look into these things, and then tell me whether the Democ- 
racy or the Abolitionists are right? I hold that the people of a Territory, like 
those of a State (I use the language of Mr. Buchanan in his letter of acceptance), 
have the right to decide for themselves whether slavery shall or shall not exist 
within their limits. The point upon which Chief Justice Taney expresses his 
opinion is simply this, that slaves being property, stand on an equal footing with 
other property, and consequently that the owner has the same right to carry that 
property into a Territory that he has any other, subject to the same conditions. 

"If the people want the institution of slavery they will protect and encourage 
it ; but if they do not want it they will withhold that protection, and the absence 
of local legislation protecting slavery excludes it as completely as a positive pro- 
hibition. You slaveholders of Missouri might as well understand what you know 
practically, that you cannot carry slavery where the people do not want it. All 
you have a right to ask is, that the people shall do as they please ; if they want 
slavery let them have it ; if they do not want it, allow them to refuse to 
encourage it. 

"If we will only live up to this great fundamental principle (of non-interfer- 
ence), there will be peace between the North and the South. * * * * The only 
remedy and safety is that we shall stand by the Constitution as our fathers made 
it ; obey the laws as they are passed, while they stand the proper test ; and sustain 
the decisions of the Supreme Court, and the constituted authorities." 

It is an interesting fact to record in connection with this debate, that when 
Mr. Lincoln had prepared the series of questions he proposed to put to Judge 
Douglas, he called together a number of his prominent friends for consultation 

58 



and submitted the questions to them ; they all advised against propounding the 
questions, but Mr. Lincoln, after stating his reasons, decided to have the Senator 
respond to his list of questions. The speeches were made, and Senator Douglas 
promptly and fully answered the questions. 

The one question to which Mr. Lincoln was most anxious for an answer was 
as follows: "Can the people of a United States Territory, in any lawful way, 
against the wish of any citizen of the United States, exclude slavery from their 
limits prior to the formation of a State Constitution?" 

Mr. Douglas' answer to that question was: "It matters not what way the 
Supreme Court may hereafter decide as to the abstract question whether slavery 
may or may not go into a Territory under the Constitution, the people have the 
lawful means to introduce it or exclude it as they please, for the reason that 
slavery cannot exist a day or an hour anywhere, unless it is supported by local 
police regulations. Those police regulations can only be established by the local 
legislature, and if the people are opposed to slavery they will elect representatives 
to that body who will by unfriencly legislation effectually prevent the introduc- 
tion of it into their midst." 

After the meeting some of Mr. Lincoln's friends expressed regret that he 
had put the question to Senator Douglas; he replied promptly: "Well, Judge 
Douglas may beat me for the Senator, but he cannot be elected President." He 
had the sagacity to foresee that this answer would forever alienate the Southern 
Democratic leaders from judge Douglas. 

This opinion was fully justified, for when Congress met in December follow- 
ing, Senator Jefferson Davis introduced and had passed by the Senate a series of 
resolutions, one of which is as follows : 

"That neither Congress nor a Territorial Legislature, whether by direct 
legislation or legislation of an indirect and unfriendly character, possesses power 
to annul or impair the Constitutional right of any citizen of the United States to 
take his slave-property into the common Territories, and there hold and enjoy 
the same while the Territorial condition remains." 

So absorbing was the question of slavery in the politics of the country in 
1858 that no other issue was discussed by Lincoln and Douglas. Each made a 
passing allusion to the acquisition of additional territory by the Lnited States, 
but no issue was made upon the question. 

The tariff question, the financial question, the homestead question, were all 
pushed aside, the public mind was solely occupied with the issue between slavery 
and freedom. 

This debate was listened to by tens of thousands and read by millions of 
people. Senator Douglas was recognized everywhere as a man of great natural 
ability, thoroughly versed in public affairs, and one of the most powerful men in 
debate in the United States. In Abraham Lincoln he had met his equal, in 
breadth of historical knowledge, in clearness, logic and power of statement, in 
attack and defence Lincoln showed himself to be a masterhand ; he lifted the 
debate at once to the plane of noble and progressive statemanship. His reputa- 
tion as a sound thinker, a man of splendid intellectual poise and of great ability, 
was at once established throughout the Northern States. 

It is proper to say that the friends of both of these great men were well sat- 
isfied with the canvass ; the conflicting opinions of political parties had been pre- 
sented clearly and forcibly. The people went to the polls and cast their ballots 
according to their convictions. 

The Republicans elected their State officers by a vote of 125.430 against 
121,609 f° r tne Democratic candidates, but the Democrats carried the Legislature. 
On joint ballot the Democrats had 54 votes and the Republicans 46 votes. Mr. 
Douglas was re-elected to the Senate of the United States. 

The Republicans elected four Congressmen, namely, E. B. Washburne, 
John F. Farnsworth, Owen Lovejoy and William Kellogg. These gentlemen 
canvassed their districts with great spirit : in fact, they were all men of splendid 
ability, but the canvass between Lincoln and Douglas overshadowed all others. 
Air. Lincoln's speeches were accepted throughout the country as a clear exposi- 
tion of Republican doctrine, and they became the keynote of future Republican 
national platforms. 

59 



The election of a Legislature favorable to his return to the Senate was re- 
garded by Judge Douglas and his friends as a great personal and political triumph. 

In returning to the national capital, Senator Douglas made a circuit of the 
country and was received with great enthusiasm by the people at St. Louis, Mem- 
phis, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington. He 
was the political idol of the hour. He had antagonized the national administration 
upon the question of admitting Kansas as a slave State, and had unquestionably 
carried the great body of the Democracy with him. Mr. Douglas was now the 
undisputed leader of the Democratic party. 



60 



CHAPTER VIII. 

BUCHANAN'S ADMINISTRATION. 

Majority of Cabinet from Southern States — President Yields to 
Their Demands to Make Kansas a Slave State, the Leading Meas- 
ure of the Administration — The Le Compton Constitution. 

James Buchanan was elected President by a most determined and aggressive 
campaign. While many prominent and influential men had abandoned the Demo- 
cratic party and aided in organizing the Republican party, the leaders of the 
Democracy entered the lists with confidence. Mr. Buchanan carried Pennsylvania 
by a majority of 83,200, California by 31,507, Indiana by 24,295, New Jersey by 
18,605, an d Illinois by 9,159. He was supported by a strong working majority 
in both branches of Congress. While in 1854 the Anti-Nebraska sentiment had 
reduced the Democratic membership of the lower house of Congress from 159 
(.0 83, at the election of 1856 the Demo'cratic membership of the House of Rep- 
resentatives had been increased to 131, giving a majority of 25. Democratic 
leaders felt that they had weathered the political storm, and that with a wise 
and satisfactory administration, the Democratic party would renew its strength 
and enter upon a long lease of power. 

Mr. Buchanan was a man of recognized ability ; he had great experience in 
public affairs. Pennsylvania, his home State, always anti-slavery, had supported 
him with great enthusiasm, and it was believed that the sound judgment and 
conservatism of that people would be reflected in his administration. 

President Buchanan entered office with the good will and confidence of the 
whole American people. He had the earnest and cordial support of Senator 
Douglas, who was a most potent factor in Democratic politics. 

The majority of the members of the Cabinet were selected from the South- 
ern States ; men of prominence and experience in public life. They represented 
the advanced ideas of the Southern Democracy upon the constitutional right 
of slave holders to take their slaves into the Territories as other property; and 
upon the constitutional rights of States to secede from the Union. Upon these 
two great questions Mr. Buchanan was as potter's clay in the hands of these 
earnest and determined political managers. Their decision was that Kansas must 
be made a slave State, and the whole power of the administration was directed to 
accomplish that end. The free State movement under the Topeka Constitution 
was firmly resisted ; the effort of the bona fide settlers to relieve themselves 
from the laws and officers imposed upon them, by invasion and usurpation, was 
characterized by the President and his Cabinet as rebellion and treason. The 
fact that more than nine-tenths of the settlers had, through public meetings and 
delegate conventions, protested against these usurpations ; and that men of all 
parties in the Territory, including Democrats of prominence and character, had 
united in the free State movement, claiming that the citizens of the Territory 
possessed the inherent right of self-government and the ris:ht of petition for the 
redress grievances, had no weight whatever with the President and his advisors. 
The pro-slavery party had been able by invasion and usurpation to seize the 
law-making and executive machinery of the Territory, and the administration 
was determined to uphold their authority to the end. 

By an act of the Territorial Legislature passed Feb. 17, 1857, a census was 
ordered to form the basis for districting the territory for the election of sixty 
delegates to frame a constitution. There were thirty-four counties,, but the census 

61 



was taken in only fifteen, laying near the border of Missouri and the sixty dele- 
gates were allotted to these counties. The pro-slavery party controlled the elec- 
tion machinery and all the delegates were pro-slavery men. The convention 
framed a pro-slavery constitution, which provided that no change should be made 
prior to 1864 and that at the election for the adoption of the constitution all white 
male inhabitants of the Territory of Kansas in said Territory upon the day of the 
election were entitled to vote. The returns of the election were to be sent to the 
President of the convention, who was to canvass the vote. The form of submit- 
ting the constitution to vote was : 

"For the constitution with slavery." "For the constitution without slavery." 
The vote as reported after months of delay was : "For the constitution with 
slavery," 6,226; "For the constitution without slavery," 569. The Lecompton 
constitution was transmitted to President Buchanan by John Calhoun, President 
of the convention (who was also Surveyor General of the Territory), with a 
recommendation that it be forwarded to Congress. 

On Feb, 2, 1858, the President sent a lengthy message to Congress with the 
constitution, recommending that Kansas be admitted into the Union. In speak- 
ing of the agitation in Kansas the President said : "Already the affairs of the 
Territory have engaged an undue proportion of the public attention. They have 
sadly affected the friendly relations of the people of the States with each other and 
alarmed the fears of patriots for the safety of the Union." 

In regard to the slavery question, he said : "It has been solemnly adjudged by 
the highest judicial tribunal known to our laws, that slavery exists in Kansas by 
virtue of the Constitution of the United States, Kansas is therefore at this moment 
as much a slave State as Georgia or South Carolina. Without this, the equality 
of the sovereign States composing the Union would be violated and the use and 
enjoyment of a Territory acquired by the common treasure of all the States would 
be closed against the people and the property of nearly half the members of the 
Confederacy. Slavery can, therefore, never be prohibited in Kansas except by 
means of a constitutional provision, and in no other manner can this be obtained 
so promptly, if the majority of the people desire it, as by admitting it into the 
Union under its present constitution." 

This message was referred to the Committee on Territories, of which Sen- 
ator Douglas of Illinois was Chairman. Senator Douglas presented a memorial 
from the officers of the Free State Government provided for by the Topeka consti- 
tution, protesting against the admission of Kansas under the Lecompton constitu- 
tion, which was also referred to the committee and ordered printed. Senator 
Trumbull of Illinois'took the floor and made an able speech, arraigning the admin- 
istration upon its Kansas policy. In this speech Mr. Trumbull said : "The origin 
of all difficulties in Kansas, since its organization as a Territory, was the first 
usurpation — the carrying of the election of March 3, 1855, by violence and install- 
ing in authority a set of usurpers. That this was done any man at all acquainted 
with the history of Kansas affairs knows to be true. This being so, the enactments 
of the usurpers do not deserve to be dignified by the name of law. The President 
of the United States has brought his army to sustain this usurpation. There was 
no way for the people of Kansas to escape from this despotism, except by setting 
up a government for themselves in opposition to it." 

Senator Green, from the Committee on Territories, reported a bill for the 
admission of Kansas as a slave State under the Lecompton constitution. Senator 
Douglas submitted a minority report. He opposed the admission of Kansas 
under the Lecompton constitution upon the ground that it was not the act and 
deed of a majority of the bona fide citizens of the Territory, but had been adopted 
as the result of violence and usurpation. Mr. Douglas was a thorough believer in 
the doctrine of popular sovereignty. He believed that the people of a Territory 
had the right to form a constitution and framework of republican government 
according to the wishes of a majority of the people, but he did not believe in 
the use of force, fraud and violence as a means of establishing slavery in the Ter- 
ritory of Kansas. Mr. Douglas voted against the bill when it came before the 
Senate, and opposed every proposition looking to have that Territory admitted 
into the Union under that constitution, including what was known as the English 
bill, which passed Congress April 30, 1858, as a conference report. This bill sub- 

62 



mitted the Constitution to a vote of the people of Kansas and at the election, held 
for that purpose, the Lecompton Constitution was rejected. 

The strong opposition offered by Senator Douglas to the forcing of slavery 
into Kansas against the will of a majority of the bona fide residents of the territory, 
and his aid in defeating the Lecompton Constitution caused a breach between the 
Senator and Buchanan's administration. In 1858 the whole power and influence 
of the administration was exerted fdr the defeat of the Senator for re-election; 
but the attitude of the administration on the Kansas question was so odious to 
the great majority of the voters of Illinois that there was no affiliation between 
the Republicans and administration Democracy, known in the parlance of the day 
as "Danites." 

The struggle in Kansas colored almost every act of any importance connected 
with Buchanan's administration. Looking back over the events of that period 
it is now perfectly clear that the members of Mr. Buchanan's cabinet from the 
Southern States were preparing for secession. The Treasury Department was run 
during the entire four years with a large deficiency and no steps were taken in 
Congress to remedy this evil by making provision for additional revenues. Instead 
of this, bills were passed from time to time authorizing the issuing of interest 
bearing Treasury notes and other forms of public debt. The fact is, the Govern- 
ment in a time of peace was being run on credit. 

The Secretary of War, in 1859, began the transfer of muskets and other war 
equipments from Springfield, Mass., arsenal and from Harper's Ferry to the 
Southern States. The Mobile Advertiser, speaking upon this subject, said: 
"During the past year 135,430 muskets have been quietly transferred from the 
northern arsenal at Springfield alone to those in the Southern States. We are 
much obliged to Secretary Floyd for the foresight he has thus displayed in dis- 
arming the North, and equipping the South for this emergency. There is no 
telling the quantity of arms and munitions which were sent South from other 
northern arsenals." 

In the latter part of i860 the Secretary of War stationed most of the regular 
army at remote points, and much of it in the Southern States ; at the same time 
the Secretary of the Navy sent our naval vessels to distant stations ; large amounts 
of coin were left in the New Orleans mint and other places of deposit in the South ; 
while the Attorney General couM find no power in the Constitution of the United 
States for the preservation of the Union and the enforcement of the laws against 
secession, these men occupying the chief executive offices of the Government, 
sworn to support the Constitution and whose duty it was to enforce the laws, 
interposed no objections whatever to the revolutionary measures to break up the 
Government and to seize and hoid the public property in the Southern States. As 
the administration neared its close it seemed that the hour had struck for the 
destruction of the Republic. 



63 



CHAPTER IX. 

Republican State Convention, Decatur. May 9. i860 — Republican Na- 
tional Convention, Chicago.. May 16, i860 — Democratic National 
Convention, Charleston, April 23. Baltimore. June 18. i860 — The 
Breckenridge Convention — Lincoln's Inaugural Address. 

Illinois had so increased in wealth and population that she was now the 
fourth state of the Union, and the political influence of her people had grown in 
like proportion. The Republican Party four years before was just taking form. 
The Convention of that year, while it contained many delegates, was largely a 
mass Convention, but now the party was thoroughly organized, and in the Con- 
vention of i860 had regular delegates from every County in the State except 
Pulaski. The Convention met at Decatur. May 9. and Judge Joseph Gillespie was 
chosen as President. Many distinguished men were in attendance, among whom 
were Browning. Hurlbert. Oglesb\\ Palmer. Peck. Wentworth, Judge Logan, 
and Lincoln. Richard Yates of Morgan, Xorman B. Judd of Cook, and Leonard 
Swett of McLean, were candidates for Governor. All able, all popular. On the 
fourth ballot Yates received 363 votes and was nominated. Francis A. 
Hoffman for Lieutenant Governor. Jesse K. Dubois for Auditor. Ozias M. 
Hatch for Secretary of State. William Butler for Treasurer, and Xewton Bate- 
man for State Superintendent of Public Instruction, were duly nominated. This 
Convention selected as Presidential Electors. John M. Palmer. Leonard Swett. 
Allen C. Fuller. William B. Plato. Lawrence YYeldon. William P. Kellogg. James 
Stark. James C. Conkling. Henry P. H. Bromwell. Thomas G. Allen, and John 
Olney, and as delegates to the Republican National Convention. Xorman B. 
Judd. Gustavus Koerner, David Davis. Orvil H. Browning. Jason Marsh, Solon 
Cummings. George Schneider. George T. Smith. Burton C. Cook. Oliver L. 
Davis. Henry Grove. E. W. Hazard, William Ross, James S. Irwin. Stephen T. 
Logan. Xathan X. Knapp. Thomas A. Marshall. William P. Dole. F. S. Ruther- 
ford. David K. Green. James C. Sloo, and David L. Phillips. 

The Convention passed a resolution instructing the Delegates to cast their 
vote as a unit, and to use all honorable means to secure the nomination of Abra- 
ham Lincoln as the Republican candidate for President. 

The Democratic Convention met at Springiield June 13, i860. Hon. William 
McMurtry presided. James C. Allen of Crawford County was nominated for 
Governor, his competitors being S. A. McMaster. J. L. D. Morrison. Xewton 
Cloud, and Walter B. Scates. Lewis W. Ross was nominated for Lieutenant 
Governor. G. H. Campbell for Secretary of State. Bernard Arntzen for Auditor, 
Hugh Maher for Treasurer, and E. R. Roe for Superintendent of Public Instruc- 
tion. This was a strong ticket, they were earnest friends of Senator Douglas, and 
brought out the entire strength of the party. The supporters of President Bu- 
chanan, a mere handful of ofhce holders throughout the State, separated them- 
selves from the regular Democratic organization, and nominated T. M. Hope 
and Thomas Snell as candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor. The 
friends of Bell and Everet held a Convention and nominated John B. Stuart for 
Governor and Henry S. Blackburn for Lieutenant Governor. There were, there- 
fore, four candidates in the field for Governor ; the real issue, however, was be- 
tween Yates and Allen, both able and popular men. Each made a canvass of the 
entire State. Large audiences assembled to hear them. The election was held 
and Governor Yates was triumphantly elected. The Republican State ticket and 
the Presidential Electoral ticket carrying the State by about 13.000 majority. 

64 



On Dec. 29, 1859, the National Republican Committee issued the following 
call : "A National Republican Convention will meet at Chicago on Wednesday 
the 16th day of May next at 12 o'clock noon." 

The Convention was called to order by Governor Morgan. At the conclu- 
sion of his address he nominated David Wilmot of Pennsylvania for temporary 
Chairman. Upon taking the Chair/ Mr. Wilmot delivered an able and eloquent 
speech. Frederick Hassanvek of Ohio, Theodore M. Pomeroy of New York, 
and Henry T. Blow of Missouri, were elected temporary Secretaries. The usual 
Committees on permanent organization, credentials, rules and order of business, 
and resolutions were appointed. Hon. Geo. Ashman of Massachusetts was made 
President, with a Vice-President from each State represented in the Convention. 
Hon. David Davis was chosen Vice-President for Illinois. Mr. Ashman delivered 
an impassioned speech impeaching the Democratic administration. He proved 
himself to be an able presiding officer. 

On the second day of the Convention the committees made their reports. 
Mr. Wilmot objected to the delegates from certain Southern States, declaring 
that they represented no constituencies as those States were certain to give their 
electoral votes for the Democratic candidate. After considerable discussion the 
report of the committee on credentials was accepted, except as to the Texas 
delegation, which was later admitted with six votes. 

The membership of the Convention being now settled, the report of the 
Committee on Rules was. taken up. The fourth rule, as reported, provided : 
''That 304 votes, being a majority of the whole number, were all the States of the 
Union represented, should be necessary to nominate." William D. Kelley of 
Pennsylvania presented a minority report that a majority of the votes of the 
Convention, being 233, "should nominate." The minority report was adopted by 
a vote of 333 yeas, to 118 nays. 

The platform was reported by Judge William L. Jessop of Pennsylvania, 
Chairman of the Committee on Resolutions. The platform was received with 
great satisfaction and enthusiasm. Pennsylvanians expressed great pleasure 
with the twelfth resolution, upon the question of the Tariff. Mr. Giddings of 
Ohio offered an amendment to be inserted after the first resolution as follows : 
"That we solemnly reassert the self-evident truth that all men are endowed by 
their Creator with certain inalienable rights, amongst which are those of life, 
liberty and the pursuit of happiness ; that Governments are instituted among men 
to secure the enjoyment of these rights." He supported his amendment by a 
short, but earnest speech. Mr. Carter of Ohio opposed the amendment, claiming 
the same ideas were embodied in the second resolution. Mr. Giddings' motion 
was put and declared lost. Whereupon Mr. Giddings both in sorrow and anger 
left the Convention. 

When the reading of the resolutions was concluded, Geo. William Curtis of 
New York, arose and in reply to an inquiry, "What is the question before the 
house?" the Chair informed him "It is upon the adoption of the report." Mr. 
Curtis then offered an amendment to the second resolution, a quotation from the 
Declaration of Independence substantially as presented by Mr. Giddings, and 
supported it with an earnest speech. The appeal of Mr. Curtis carried the Con- 
vention with him and his amendment was incorporated into the platform. The 
vote on platform was taken about six o'clock in the evening and its adoption 
excited the enthusiasm not only of the delegates, but the great audience in at- 
tendance. More than ten thousand people united in giving expression to an 
unbounded approbation. 

The platform adopted by the Convention deserves to be kept in perpetual 
remembrance by Republicans. Its most important resolutions are quoted below: 

"That the maintenance of the principles promulgated in the Declaration of 
Independence and embodied in the Federal Constitution, 'That all men are 
created equal ; that they are endowed bv their Creator with certain inalienable 
rights ; that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness ; that to 
secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just 
powers from the consent of the governed,' is essential to the preservation of our 
republican institutions ; and that the Federal Constitution, the rights of the States, 
and the Union of the States, must and shall be preserved. 

65 



"That to the union of the States this Nation owes its unprecedented increase 
in population, its surprising development of material resources, its rapid augmen- 
tation of wealth, its happiness at home and its honor abroad ; and we hold in ab- 
horrence all schemes for disunion, come from whatever source they may ; and 
we congratulate the countrv that no Republican member of Congress has uttered 
or countenanced the threats of disunion so often made by Democratic members 
without rebuke and with applause from their political associates ; and we de- 
nounce those threats of disunion, in case of a popular overthrow of their ascen- 
dancy, as denying the vital principles of free government, and as an avowal of 
contemplated treason, which it is the imperative duty of an indignant people 
sternly to rebuke and forever silence. 

"That the maintenance inviolate of the rights of the States, and especially the 
right of each State to order and control its own domestic institutions according 
to its own judgment exclusively, is essential to that balance of power on which 
the perfection and endurance of our political fabric depends ; and we denounce 
the lawless invasion, by armed force, of the soil of any State or Territory, no 
matter under what pretext, as among the gravest of crimes. 

"That the new dogma.. that the Constitution, of its own force, carries slavery 
into any or all of the Territories of the United States, is a dangerous political 
heresy, at variance with explicit provisions of the instrument itself, with con- 
temporaneous exposition, and with legislative and judicial precedent — is revolu- 
tionary in its tendency, and subversive of the peace and harmony of the country. 

"That the normal condition of all the territory of the United States is that 
of freedom ; that as our Republican fathers when they had abolished slavery in 
all our rational territory, ordained that 'no person shall be deprived of life, liberty 
or property, without due process of law." it becomes cur duty by legislation, 
whenever such legislation is necessary, to maintain this provision of the Con- 
stitution against all attempts to violate it; and we deny the authority of Congress, 
of a Territorial legislature, or of any individuals, to give legal existence to 
slavery in any territory of the United States. 

"That Kansas should, of right, be immediately admitted as a State under 
the Constitution recently formed and adopted by her people, and accepted by the 
House of Representatives. 

"That, while providing revenue for the support of the General Government 
by duties on imports, sound policy requires such an adjustment of these imports 
as to encourage the development of the industrial interest of the whole country ; 
and we commend that policy of national exchanges which secures to the working 
men liberal wages, to agriculture remunerative prices, to mechanics and manu- 
facturers an adequate reward for their skill, labor, and enterprise, and to the 
Nation commercial prosperity and independence." 

The Convention adjourned until Friday morning at ten o'clock. When the 
great mass of people passed out from the convention hall and scattered to their 
hotels, the thousands of citizens, men and women, who had been unable to obtain 
entrance to the hall became thoroughly infected with the enthusiastic excitement 
and the city became the scene of a most extraordinary exhibition of joyful agita- 
tion. 

It was recognized from the start that while a number of candidates would 
be presented to the Convention the contest really lay between William A. Seward 
of New York, and Abraham Lincoln of Illinois. The friends of both these candi- 
dates were unsparing in their efforts in personally presenting the claims of these 
candidates. Mr. Seward had the support of many able men from his own State, 
viz: Governor Edward D. Morgan, William M. Evarts, Thurlow Weed. Preston 
King, Geo. William Curtis. Moses H. Grinnell. James Watson Webb, John A. 
King, James W. Nye, and others. They and their friends were confident of 
securing the nomination of Mr. Seward. But Mr. Lincoln also had a large num- 
ber of influential friends working for his nomination. David Davis, Stephen T. 
Logan, O. H. Browning. Norman B. Judd. Burton C. Cook, and a host of others 
were untiring in their efforts in his behalf, assisted by able men from other States. 

The Convention was called to order Friday morning. Every available inch 
of space in the hall was occupied and thousands of people were unable to obtain 
admission. The nominations were made with few words. Seven candidates were 

66 



named. When the vote was called delegates from the following named States and 
Territories voted: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode 
Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, 
Missouri, Michigan, Illinois, Texas, Wisconsin, Iowa, California, Minnesota, 
Oregon, Kansas, Nebraska, and District of Columbia. 

Upon the first ballot the candidates received the following votes : William 
H. Seward of New York 173^2, Abraham Lincoln of Illinois 102, Simon Came- 
ron of Pennsylvania 50^2, Salmon P. Chase of Ohio 49, Edward Bates of Missouri 
49, William L. Dayton of New Jersey 14, John McLean of Ohio 12, Jacob Col- 
lamer of Vermont 10, Benjamin F. Wade of Ohio 3, John C. Fremont of Cali- 
fornia 1, Charles Sumner of Massachusetts 1, Jacob M. Reed of Pennsylvania I. 
Mr. Lincoln received the solid vote of Illinois. 

On the second ballot the vote stood: Seward 184^2, Lincoln 181, Chase 
42^, Bates 35, Dayton 10, McLean 8, Cameron 2, Clay 2. Whole number 465, 
necessary to a choice 233. On this vote Mr. Lincoln received 14 votes from 
Ohio ; on the first ballot he received but 8. 

The third ballot was ordered; the result was as follows: Lincoln 231^2, 
Seward 180, Bates 22, McLean 5, Dayton 1, Clay 1. Mr. Lincoln lacked 1^ 
votes of a nomination. 

Before the result was announced David K. Carter of Ohio arose ; he an- 
nounced the change of four votes of Ohio to Lincoln. The work was done, Abra- 
ham Lincoln had received a majority of the votes and was nominated. Instantly 
the action of Mr. Carter was greeted with enthusiastic applause, which was con- 
tinued for several minutes. When the Convention was brought to order a number 
of other changes of votes were made, so that when the vote was announced it 
stood Lincoln 364 votes. Hon. William M. Evarts, Chairman of the New York 
delegation, took the floor and in an eloquent speech moved to make the nomina- 
tion unanimous, which was done. When the fact was made known to the assem- 
bled multitude outside of the Flail that "Honest old Abe" had been nominated 
the enthusiasm and excitement was unbounded. The Convention took a recess 
for dinner. 

When the Convention met nominations for Vice-President were made. Up- 
on the first ballot the vote stood: Hannibal Hamlin of Maine 194, Cassius M. 
Clay of Kentucky 100, John Hickman of Pennsylvania 57, Andrew H. Reeder, 
late Governor of Kansas, 51, Nathaniel P. Banks of Massachusetts 38, Henry 
Winter Davis of Maryland 28, Sam Houston of Texas 12, William L. Dayton of 
New Jersey 3, John M. Read of Pennsylvania 1. On the second ballot Hamlin re- 
ceived 367 votes, Clay 86, and Hickman 13. The nomination of Mr. Hamlin was 
made unanimous upon the motion of Geo. D. Blakely of Kentucky, and Caleb 
B. Smith. Mr. McCrillis of Maine, in a brief speech accepting the nomination for 
Mr. Hamlin, declared "that the people will inscribe on their banner 'Lincoln and 
Hamlin, Union and Victory.' " 

The Convention had done its work. It had announced its principles and had 
selected two men of great capacity and of undoubted patriotism to bear its ban- 
ner. These men were fitting representatives of the great parties from which the 
membership of the Republican party was drawn. Mr. Lincoln had been an en- 
thusiastic follower of Henry Clay while Mr. Hamlin had followed the leadership 
of Andrew Jackson. 

On May 19, i860, the Constitutional Union Convention met at Baltimore 
and nominated John Bell of Tennessee for President and Edward Everett of 
Massachusetts for Vice-President. 

The Convention adopted a brief platform declaring: "That it is both the 
part of patriotism and of duty to recognize no political principles other than the 
Constitution of the Country, the Union of the States, and the enforcement of the 
laws." No reference was made to the political issues which were aividing and 
agitating the country. 

A National Convention was called by the Democratic National Committee 
to meet at Charleston, S. C, April 23, i860, for the purpose of nominating candi- 
dates for President and Vice-President. The Convention met, was duly organized 
by electing Caleb dishing of Massachusetts President and a Vice-President from 
each State. Senator Douglas of Illinois was the leading candidate, but enough 

67 



::ts ■:': :is: ::: ::::e: :L::i::a:rs :: rreve::: :::? :::r:::::a: :::: ::::ie: :::e : :- 
thirds rule. After taking fifty-seven ballots without nominating candidates, dur- 
ing which time the delegates from several Southern States withdrew, the Con- 
vention adjourned to meet at Baltimore June 18, i860, to finish its work. During 
the recess 7 onventions had been held in the States of Louisiana, Mississippi, Ala- 
bama, Florida. Texas. South Carolina and Arkansas, to fill the vacancies created 
by the withdrawal at Charleston of a number of delegatr s 

At Baltimore all the States and Territories were represented in the Conven- 
tion. The platform reaffirmed the Cincinnati platform of 1856 and declared that : 
"Inasmuch as differences of opinion exist in the Democratic party as to the nature 
and extent of the powers of a Territorial legislature, and as to the powers and 
duties of Congres s imder the Constitution of the United States, over the institu- 
tion of slaver}" within the Territory 

7 solved, That the Democratic party will abide by the decisions of the 
Supreme Court of the United States on the question of Constitutional la 

The Convention continued in session from the 18th to the 23rd of June. 
Stephen A. Douglas of Illinois wa = :: ::;::.i:t: :':: r'rrsiir::: a::: I'.r::;a:::::: ?_::- 
patrick. Senator from Alabama, was nominated for Vice-President. Mr. Fitz- 
patrick declined the nomination and Herschel V. Johnson of Georgia was chosen 
by the Democratic National Committee to fill the vacaec 

The delegates who withdrew from the Charleston Convention organized at 
Charleston and adjourned to meet in Baltimore June 11, i860, for the purpose of 
nominating candidates for President and Vice-President. This Convention, aug- 
mented in numbers by delegates from other States, continued in session from 
June 1 1 until June 28, i860, and adopted the following platform upon the issues 
then pending: 

"Resolved, That the platform adopted by the Democratic party at Cincinnati 
be affirmed, with the following explanatory resolutions: 

"1. That the government of a Territory, organized by an act of Congress, 
is provisional and temporary ; and, during its ence, all citizens of the United 

States have an equal right to settle, with their property in the Territory, without 
their rights, either of person or property, being destroyed or impaired hy Con- 
gressional or Territorial legislation. 

z That it is the duty of the Federal Government in all its departments to 
protect when necessary the rights c: perse ::s aiol :r;: er:y ::: :/.- 7-rr:::r:fs :::: 
wherever else its Constitutional authority extends. 

That when the settlers in a Territory having an adequate population 
form a State Constitution in pursuance of law, the right of sovereignty com- 
mences, and, being consummated by admission into the Union, they stand on an 
equal footing with the people of the other States, and the State thus organized 
ought to be admitted into the Federal Union whether its Constitution prohibits or 
rc : : gnizes :he institution :■: slavery 

The Convention nominated John C. Breckenridge of Kentucky for President 
and Joseph Lane of Oregon for Vice-President. This action effected a division 
of the Democratic party. The Southern Democracy were unwilling to support 
Mr. Douglas for the Preside: - o rig::: 

character and influence a^i::: ; : :/_■; ii::::ss::r. :: Kir.si; ::::i~: :::e 1:::::::::: 
Constitution and had declared that the people of a Territory through their Terri- 
torial Legislature might exclude Slavery from a Territory by unfriendly legisla- 
tion. 

It will be obser ed that these two Democratic Conventions were in session 
in Baltimore at the same time. The Breckenridge Convention contained dele- 
gates who announced the most advanced ideas of secession. Public meetings 
were held in front of the hotels night after night, at which prominent Southern 
men — delegates to the Convention — declared the determination of the people of 
the Southern States tc se rede from the Union in the event Abraham Lincoln was 
elected President. These speeches stirred up great excitement and enthusiasm 
amongst their hearr'r 

a dispassionate onlooker, the situation seemed to be critical. These men 
headers of public 
were in earnest. They made no pretense of love for the Union; they declared 



that it was to the interest of the South to set up for themselves and that the secur- 
ity of their rights required and justified the secession movement. On the question 
of the legal right of the State to secede, they professed to be perfectly clear — the 
Union was simply a confederation of independent States and that any State could 
at its pleasure, dissolve the partnership. The perpetuation and extension of 
Slavery was the paramount issue, and secession was the true remedy for all of 
their alleged grievances. Every effort to harmonize the party proved abortive. 
Mr. Douglas was quite as objectionable to them as a Presidential Candidate, as 
Mr. Lincoln. 

After the nomination of Mr. Douglas the Convention adjourned. Many of 
the delegates went over to Washington and plans were made for the coming cam- 
paign. In the evening a large concourse of people called at Senator Douglas' 
house with a band of music to serenade him and congratulate him upon his nom- 
ination. From the steps of his residence he delived a speech, thanking them for 
the courtesy extended to him, and also giving expression to his views upon the 
political situation of the hour. Referring to the withdrawal of delegates from the 
Democratic National Convention and the nomination of Breckenridge and Lane, 
Mr. Douglas said: "Secession is disunion. Secession from the Democratic party 
means secession from the Union. Those who enlist under the secession banner 
now will be expected on the 4th of March next to take arms against the consti- 
tuted authorities on certain conditions. We have been told that in a certain event 
the South must forcibly resist the inauguration of the President elect. While we 
find those who are loudest in this threat of such resistance engaged in a scheme 
to divide and destroy the Democratic party, and thereby secure the election of 
the Republican candidate. Does not this line of policy look to disunion? In- 
telligent men must be presumed to understand the tendency and consequences of 
their own actions. Can the seceders fail to perceive that their efforts to divide and 
defeat the Democratic party, if successful, must lead directly to the secession of 
the Southern States ? I trust that they will see what must be the result of such a 
policy, and return to the organization and platform of the party before it is too 
late to save the Country. The Union must be preserved. The Constitution must 
be maintained inviolate." 

Mr. Douglas was profoundly impressed with the threatening attitude of the 
political leaders of the Southern States. Many persons regarded their threats of 
secession and disunion as mere braggadocio ; not so with Mr. Douglas, he knew 
that these men were in earnest, and were determined to dissolve the Union. 

The present writer .had attended as an alternate the Convention which nom- 
inated Mr. Douglas, and therefore had an opportunity of witnessing the political 
demonstration in Baltimore. On Sunday night, after the adjournment of the 
Convention, he called upon Mr. Douglas in company with delegates John A. 
Logan and William H. Green. We spent some two hours with the senator. That 
interview will never be forgotten by me. Mr. Douglas declared that the division 
of the Democratic Party was intended to secure the election of Abraham Lincoln. 
That no concession could have been made in the Democratic Convention to 
satisfy the Southern leaders ; they were determined to break up the Union, and 
proposed to make the election of Lincoln the cause and justification for secession. 
He characterized the movement as a conspiracy to break up the Union. He said 
the only way to circumvent these plans was to arouse a patriotic sentiment in the 
South and carry the Southern States against Breckenridge. He declared it as 
his purpose to visit the South and make a personal canvass of those States in the 
interest of the Union. 

Senator Douglas did carry out the plan outlined in that interview. He did 
canvass the Southern States and made a noble plea for the Union, but the die 
was cast, the influences for Mr. Breckenridge were irresistible and he carried all 
the Gulf States. Mr. Douglas was criticised at the time for making the tour and 
addressing the people ; but he did the act from a profound sense of public duty. 
He had a higher appreciation of the dangers then hovering over the country than 
any Northern man, and he attempted to avert them by an appeal to the patriotism 
— the love of the Union of the people of the South. 

The canvass all over the country was able, and brought out the people in 
great crowds. While the platforms touched upon other questions of interest to 

69 



the country, the vital question, the question that absorbed the attention of the 
people everywhere, was the extension of Slavery into the Territories of the United 
States. 

The election was held, and Abraham Lincoln was elected. The electoral votes 
were counted February 13, 1861. Lincoln and Hamlin received 180 votes, Breck- 
enridge and Lane received 72 votes. Bell and Everett received 39 votes, Douglas 
and Johnson received 12 votes. 

The popular vote stood as follows: Lincoln 1,865,913, Douglas 1,374,664, 
Breckenridge 848.404, Bell 591,900. In Illinois Yates received 172,196 votes, 
Allen 159.253. 

Richard Yates was inaugurated Governor, January 14, 1861, in the pres- 
ence of a joint session of the Legislature, which met January 7th. The Senate 
was presided over by Lieutenant-Governor Hoffman, with Campbell \Y. Waite, 
Secretary, and Richard T. Gill, Sergeant-at-Arms. The House of Representatives 
elected Shelby M. Cullom, Speaker, Henry Wayne, Clerk, and Caswell P. Ford, 
Doorkeeper. 

The secession movement had already begun ; the dissolution of the L T nion 
seemed imminent. Illinois was a border State, extending farther south into 
slave territory than any other free State ; the position of the people and Gov- 
ernment upon the momentous questions involved was of paramount importance. 
If the people of Illinois had been willing to acquiesce in the withdrawal of the 
Southern States from the Union and submit to the dismerberment of the repub- 
lic, her leadership in January, 1861. favoring that solution of the national trou- 
bles, would, no doubt, have been followed by a number of other free States, and 
all the slave-holding States would have unquestionably seceded from the Union 
and joined the Southern Confederacy. But Governor Yates boldly met this 
issue in his inaugural address to the Legislature. He declared himself in favor 
of the preservation of the Union and against the doctrine of secession and dis- 
union. He insisted upon obedience to and the enforcement of the laws of the 
1_ nted States. He declared that the doctrine of a president in conformity with 
law was no ground for the release of a State from its obligations to the Union. 
He argued that the Mississippi Yalley, from the nature of things, must forever 
remain a country under the general jurisdiction of one Government. He pre- 
dicted that the Lmion would be preserved and that the Nation would emerge from 
the present crisis "more glorious, renowned and free than ever before." 

It was an able address and stirred patriotism to the core and met hearty re- 
sponse from the people. 

The Legislature was Republican in both Houses, having one majority in 
the Senate and seven majority in the House. Some of the ablest and safest men 
in the State were members of this Legislature, such as Richard J. Oglesby, S. A. 
Hurlbut, J. Young Scammon. William B. Ogden, A. W. Mack, Washington 
Bushnell, William Jayne. L. S. Church. William R. Archer, J. . Russell Jones, 
Lawrence Weldon, William H. Green, Thomas W. Harris, Arthur G. Burr. A. 
J. Kuykendall, J. W. Singleton, Shelby M. Cullom, Theodore F. Hurd and many 
others. 

The great absorbing question of the hour — Secession — was discussed at 
length and with ability. Joint resolutions were adopted by the two Houses de- 
claring that the State of Illinois was willing to join in calling a convention to 
amend the Constitution of the United States, but that the Federal Lmion must 
be preserved and the Constitution and laws administered as they are. This 
debate and this action placed the State of Illinois in the front rank of States 
favoring the preservation of the Union. Mr. Lincoln had not yet left his home 
for Washington. He was a deeply interested and an earnest observer of the 
drift of public opinion. The action of Governor Yates and the Legislature met 
a hearty response from the people, and this strengthened Mr. Lincoln in under- 
taking the arduous task before him. 

The State of Yirginia having by resolution of her Legislature invited the 
States to send commissioners to a Peace Conference to meet at Washington 
City on February 2, 1861, Stephen F. Logan. John M. Palmer, John Wood, 
Burton C. Cook and Thomas J. Turner were appointed to represent Illinois at 
the conference. 

70 






71 



Richard Yates, who was now inducted into the office of Governor of Illinois, 
was of English origin, his American ancestors having settled in Virginia. 

His father, Henry Yates, was an early pioneer of Kentucky, where he re- 
mained for a number of years, but his anti-slavery sentiments finally caused 
him to emigrate to Illinois in 183 1. He settled at Springfield and pursued the 
business of a merchant. The son, Richard Yates, was born in Warsaw, Galla- 
tin County, Kentucky, January 18, 1815, and came to Illinois with his father 
when a youth of sixteen years of age. He graduated from the Illinois College 
in 1835. His name appears on the records of that institution as one of the first 
two graduates. 

He studied law at Jacksonville, Illinois, with that distinguished man, John 
J Harden, who served in Congress and fell at the battle of Buena Vista, leading 
his regiment, the 1st Illinois Infantry, against the enemy. 

In 1842 Richard Yates was elected to the Illinois Legislature as a Whig and 
w r as twice re-elected, in 1844 and 1846. His ability was at once recognized. He 
made many friends, and was exceedingly popular with his own party. In 1850 
he was nominated as candidate for Congress in the district which had been repre- 
sented by Hardin, Baker and Lincoln, but which had, in 1848, sent Major 
Thomas L. Harris, a Democrat, to Congress. Major Harris was a candidate 
for re-election. These candidates appeared before the people in joint debate. 
The canvass was able and active. Yates was elected, and was the only Whig 
representative in Congress from Illinois. Mr. Yates was re-elected in 1852. His 
service in Congress was able and brilliant. He took his position against the 
repeal of the Missouri Compromise, and delivered an eloquent speech on that 
subject. He was defeated for Congress in 1854 by his old antagonist, Major 
Harris. In 1856 he assisted actively in organizing the Republican party, and was 
a vice-president of the first Republican convention of Illinois, held at Bloom- 
ington. 

As Governor during the Civil War he administered the affairs of the State 
with distinguished ability and endeared himself to the soldiers and the people in 
general. In 1865 he was elected United States Senator, and served with ability 
during the reconstruction period, and was succeeded by General Logan in 187 1. 
He died November 27, 1873, holding, at that time, the office of Railroad Com- 
missioner for the Government. 

On March 4, 1861, Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated President of the 
United States. In company with James Buchanan, the out-going President, he 
was driven from the Executive Mansion to the Capitol. A mighty concourse of 
people had assembled to witness the scene. Upon a platform erected in front of 
the center portico of the Capitol, Mr. Lincoln was received by Members of both 
Houses of Congress and Members of the Supreme Court. Mr. Buchanan, Chief 
Justice Taney, Senator Douglas, Senator Baker and others, stood beside him 
when he took the oath of office. 

Before taking the oath President Lincoln was introduced to the audience by 
Senator Baker of Oregon, and delivered his inaugural address as follows : 
"Fellow Citizens of the United States : — 

''In compliance with the custom as old as the Government itself, I appear 
before you to address you briefly and to take in your presence the oath pre- 
scribed by the Constitution of the United States to be taken by the President be- 
fore he enters on the execution of his office. 

"I do not consider it necessary at present for me to discuss those matters of 
administration about which there is no special anxiety or excitement. 

"Apprehension seems to exist among the people of the Southern States that 
by the accession of a Republican Administration their property and their peace 
and personal security are to be endangered. There has never been any reasonable 
cause for such apprehension. Indeed, the most ample evidence to the contrary 
has all the while existed and been open to their inspection. It is found in nearly 
all the published speeches of him who now addresses you. I do but quote from 
one of those speeches when I declare that 

" 'I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution 
of slavery in the States where it exists. I believe I have no lawful right to do 
so, and I have no inclination to do so.' 

72 



"Those who nominated and elected me did so with full knowledge that I had 
made this and many similar declarations and had never recanted them ; and more 
than this, they placed in the platform for my acceptance, and as a law to them- 
selves and to me, the clear and emphatic resolution which I now read : 

" 'Resolved, That the maintenance inviolate of the rights of the States, and 
especially the right of each State to order and control its own domestic institu- 
tions according to its own judgment exclusively, is essential to that balance of 
power on which the perfection and endurance of our political fabric depend ; and 
we denounce the lawless invasion by armed force of the soil of any State or Ter- 
ritory, no matter under what pretext, as among the gravest of crimes.' 

"I now reiterate these sentiments, and in doing so I only press upon the 
public attention the most conclusive evidence of which the case is susceptible that 
the property, peace, and security of no section are to be in any wise endangered 
by the now incoming Administration. I add, too, that all the protection which, 
consistently with the Constitution and the law T s, can be given will be cheerfully 
given to all the States when lawfully demanded, for whatever cause, as cheerfully 
to one section as to another. 

"There is much controversy about the delivering up of fugitives from service 
or labor. The clause I now read is as plainly written in the Constitution as any 
other of its provisions : 

" 'No person held to service or labor in one State, under the laws thereof, 
escaping into another, shall in consequence of any law or regulation therein be 
discharged from such service or labor, but shall be delivered up on claim of the 
party to whom such service or labor may be due.' 

"It is scarcely questioned that this provision was intended by those who made 
it for the reclaiming of what we call fugitive slaves ; and the intention of the law- 
giver is the law. All members of Congress swear their support to the whole 
Constitution — to this provision as much as to any other. To the proposition, 
then, that slaves whose cases come within the terms of this clause 'shall be de- 
livered up' their oaths are unanimous. Now, if they would make the effort in good 
temper, could they not with nearly equal unanimity frame and pass a law by 
means of which to keep good that unanimous oath ? 

"There is some difference of opinion whether this clause should be enforced 
by national or by State authority, but surely that difference is not a very material 
one. If the slave is to be surrendered, it can be of but little consequence to him 
or to others by which authority it is done. And should any one in any case be 
content that his oath shall go unkept on a merely unsubstantial controversy as 
to how it shall be kept ? 

"Again, in any law upon this subject ought not all the safeguards of liberty 
known in civilized and humane jurisprudence to be introduced, so that a free man 
be not in any case surrendered as a slave ? And might it not be well at the same 
time to provide by law for the enforcement of that clause in the Constitution 
which guarantees that 'the citizens of each State shall be entitled to all privileges 
and immunities of citizens in the several States ?' 

"I take the official oath to-day with no mental reservations and with no pur- 
pose to construe the Constitution or laws by any hypercritical rules ; and while I 
do not choose now to specify particular acts of Congress as proper to be enforced, 
I do suggest that it will be much safer for all, both in official and private stations, 
to conform to and abide by all those acts which stand unrepealed than to violate 
any of them trusting to find impunity in having them held to be unconstitutional. 

"It is seventy-two years since the first inauguration of a President under 
our National Constitution. During that period fifteen different and greatly dis- 
tinguished citizens have in succession administered the executive branch of the 
Government. They have conducted it through many perils, and generally with 
great success. Yet, with all this scope of precedent, I now enter upon the same 
task for the brief constitutional term of four years under great and peculiar diffi- 
culty. A disruption of the Federal Union, heretofore only menaced, is now for- 
midably attempted. 

"I hold that in contemplation of universal law and of the Constitution the 
Union of these States is perpetual. Perpetuity is implied, if not expressed, in the 
fundamental law of all national governments. It is safe to assert that no gov- 
ernment proper ever had a provision in its organic law for its own termination. 



Continue to execute all the express provisions of our National Constitution, and 
the Union will endure forever, it being impossible to destroy it except by some 
action not provided for in the instrument itself. 

"Again, if the United States be not a government proper, but an association 
of States in the nature of contract merely, can it, as a contract, be peaceably un- 
made by less than all the parties who made it? One party to a contract may 
violate it — break it, so to speak — but does it not require all to lawfully rescind it ? 

"Descending from these general principles, we find the proposition that in 
legal contemplation the Union is perpetual, confirmed by the history of the 
Union itself. The Union is much older than the Constitution. It was formed, in 
fact, by the Articles of Association in 1774. It was matured and continued by 
the Declaration of Independence in 1776. It was further matured, and the faith 
of all the then thirteen States expressly plighted and engaged that it should be 
perpetual, by the Articles of Confederation in 1778. And finally, in 1787, one 
of the declared objects for ordaining and establishing the Constitution was 'to 
form a more perfect Union.' 

"But if destruction of the Union by one or by a part only of the States be 
lawfully possible, the Union is less perfect than before the Constitution, having 
lost the vital element of perpetuity. 

"It follows from these views that no State upon its own mere motion can 
lawfully get out of the Union ; the resolves and ordinances to that effect are 
legally void, and that acts of violence within any State or States against the 
authority of the United States are insurrectionary or revolutionary, according 
to circumstances. 

"I therefore consider that in view of the Constitution and the laws the Union 
is unbroken, and to the extent of my ability I shall take care, as the Constitution 
itself expressly enjoins upon me, that the laws of the Union be faithfully executed 
in all the States. Doing this I deem to be only a simple duty on my part, and I 
shall perform it so far as practicable, unless my rightful masters, the American 
people, shall withhold the requisite means or in some authoritative manner direct 
the contrary. I trust this will not be regarded as a menace, but only as the 
declared purpose of the Union that it will constitutionally defend and maintain 
itself. 

"In doing this there needs to be no bloodshed or violence, and there shall 
be none unless it be forced upon the national authority. The power confided 
to me will be used to hold, occupy and possess the property and places belonging 
to the Government and to collect the duties and imposts ; but beyond what may 
be necessary for these objects, there will be no invasion, no using of force against 
or among the people anywhere. Where hostility to the United States in any 
interior locality shall be so great and universal as to prevent competent resident 
citizens from holding the Federal offices, there will be no attempt to force 
obnoxious strangers among the people for that object. While, the strict legal 
right may exist in the Government to enforce the exercise of these offices, the 
attempt to do so would be so irritating and so nearly impracticable withal that I 
deem it better to forego for the time the uses of such offices. 

"The mails, unless repelled, will continue to be furnished in all parts of the 
Union. So far as possible the people everywhere shall have that sense of perfect 
security which is most favorable to calm thought and reflection. The course here 
indicated will be followed unless current events and experience shall show a mod- 
ification or change to be proper, and in every case and exigency my best discre- 
tion will be exercised, according to circumstances actually existing and with a 
view and a hope of a peaceful solution of the national troubles and the restoration 
of fraternal sympathies and affections. 

"That there are persons in one section or another who seek to destroy the 
Union at all events and are glad of any pretext to do it, I will neither affirm nor 
deny ; but if there be such, I need address no word to them. To those, however, 
who really love the Union may I not speak ? 

"Before entering upon so grave a matter as the destruction of our national 
fabric, with all its benefits, its memories, and its hopes, would it not be wise to 
ascertain precisely why we do it ? Will you hazard so desperate a step while there 
is any possibility that any portion of the ills you fly from have no real existence ? 

74 



Will you, while the certain ills you rly to are greater than all the real ones you rly 
from, will you risk the commission of so fearful a mistake? 

"All profess to be content in the Union if all constitutional rights can be main- 
tained. Is it true, then, that any right plainly written in the Constitution has 
been denied? I think not. Happily, the human mind is so constituted that no 
party can reach to the audacity of doing this. Think, if you can, of a single 
instance in which a plainly written provision of the Constitution has ever been 
denied. If by the mere force of numbers a majority should deprive a minority of 
any clearly written constitutional right, it might in a moral point of view justify 
revolution ; certainly would if such right were a vital one. But such is not our 
case. All the vital rights of minorities and of individuals are so plainly assured to 
them by affirmations and negations, guaranties and prohibitions, in the Consti- 
tution that controversies never arise concerning them. But no organic law can 
ever be framed with a provision specifically applicable to every question which 
may occur in practical administration. No foresight can anticipate nor any 
document of reasonable length contain express provisions for all possible ques- 
tions. Shall fugitives from labor be surrendered by national or by State 
authority? The Constitution does not expressly say. May Congress prohibit 
slavery in the Territories ? The Constitution does not expressly say. Must 
Congress protect slavery in the Territories ? The Constitution does not ex- 
pressly say. 

"From questions of this class spring all our constitutional controversies, and 
we divide upon them into majorities and minorities. If the minority will nor 
acquiesce, the majority must, or the Government must cease. There is no other 
alternative, for continuing the Government is acquiescence on one side or the 
other. If a minority in such case will secede rather than acquiesce, they make 
a precedent which in turn will divide and ruin them, for a minority of their own 
will secede from them whenever a majority refuses to be controlled by such 
minority. For instance, why may not any portion of a new confederacy a year 
or two hence arbitrarily secede again, precisely as portions of the present Union 
now claim to secede from it? All who cherish disunion sentiments are now 
being educated to the exact temper of doing this. Is there such perfect identity 
of interests among the States to compose a new uni m as to produce harmony 
only and prevent renewed secession ? 

"Plainly the central idea of secession is the esser ce of anarchy. A majority 
held in restraint by constitutional checks and limitations, and always changing 
easily with deliberate changes of popular opinions c nd sentiments, is the only 
true sovereign of a free people. Whoever rejects it does of necessity fly to 
anarchy or to despotism. Unanimity is impossible. The rule of a minority, as 
a permanent arrangement, is wholly inadmissible ; so that, rejecting the majority 
principle, anarchy or despotism in some form is all that is left. 

"I do not forget the position assumed by some that constitutional questions 
are to be decided by the Supreme Court, nor do I deny that such decisions 
must be binding in any case upon the parties to a suit as to the object of that 
suit, while they are also entitled to a very High respect and consideration in all 
parallel cases by all other departments of the Government. And while it is ob- 
viously possible that such decision may be erroneous in any given case, still the 
evil effect following it, being limited to that particular case, with the chance that 
it may be overruled and never become a precedent for other cases, can better be 
borne than could the evils of a different practice. At the same time, the candid 
citizen must confess that if the policy of the Government upon vital questions 
affecting the whole people is to be irrevocably fixed by decisions of the Supreme 
Court, the instant they are made in ordinary litigation between parties in per- 
sonal actions the people will have ceased to be their own rulers, having to that 
extent practically resigned their Government into the hands of that eminent 
tribunal. Nor is there in this view any assault upon the court or the judges. It 
is a duty from which they may not shrink to decide cases properly brought before 
them, and it is no fault of theirs if others seek to turn their decisions to political 
purposes. 

"One section of our country believes slavery is right and ought to be ex- 
tended, while the other believes it is wrong and ought not to be extended. This 

75 



is the only substantial dispute. The fugitive slave clause oi the Constitution 
and the law for the suppression of the foreign slave trade are each as well 
enforced, perhaps, as any law can ever be in a community where the moral sense 
of the people imperfectly supports the law itself. The great body of the people 
abide by the dry legal obligation in both cases, and a few break over in each. 
This, I think, cannot be perfectly cured, and it would be worse in both cases 
after the separation of the sections than before. The foreign slave trade, now 
imperfectly suppressed, would be ultimately revived without restrictions in one 
section, while fugitive slaves, now only partially surrendered, would not be sur- 
rendered at all by the other. 

"Physically speaking, we cannot separate. We cannot remove our respective 
sections from each other nor build an impassable wall between them. A husband 
and wife may be divorced and go out of the presence and beyond the reach of 
each other, but the different parts of our country cannot do this. They cannot 
but remain face to face, and intercourse, either amicable or hostile, must continue 
between them. Is it possible, then, to make that intercourse more advantageous 
or more satisfactory after separation than before? Can aliens make treaties 
easier than friends can make laws? Can treaties be more faithfully enforced 
between aliens than laws can among friends ? Suppose you go to war, you cannot 
fight always ; and when, after much loss on both sides and no gain on either, 
you cease fighting, the identical old questions as to terms of intercourse are 
again upon you. 

"This country, with its institutions, belongs to the people who inhabit it. 
Whenever they shall grow weary of the existing Government, they can exercise 
their constitutional right of amending it or their revolutionary right to dismember 
or overthrow it. I cannot be ignorant of the fact that many worthy and patriotic 
citizens are desirous of having the National Constitution amended. While I make 
no recommendation of amendments, I fully recognize the rightful authority of the 
people over the whole subject, to be exercised in either of the modes prescribed 
in the instrument itself; and I should, under existing circumstances, favor rather 
than oppose a fair opportunity being afforded the people to act upon it. I will 
venture to add that to me the convention mode seems preferable, in that it allows 
amendments to originate with the people themselves, instead of only 
permitting them to take or reject propositions originated by others, not espe- 
cially chosen for the purpose, and which might not be precisely such as they 
would wish to either accept or refuse. I understand a proposed amendment to the 
Constitution — which amendment, however, I have not seen — has passed Con- 
gress, to the effect that the Federal Government shall never interfere with the 
domestic institutions of the States, including that of persons held to service. 
To avoid misconstruction of what I have said, I depart from my purpose not to 
speak of particular amendments so far as to say that, holding such a provision 
to now be implied constitutional law, I have no objection to its being made 
express and irrevocable. 

"The Chief Magistrate derives all his authority from the people, and they 
have conferred none upon him to fix terms for the separation of the Stares. The 
people themselves can do this also if they choose, but the Executive as such 
has nothing to do with it. His duty is to administer the present Government as it 
came to his hands and to transmit it unimpaired by him to his successor. 

"Why should there not be a patient confidence in the ultimate justice of the 
people? Is there any better or equal hope in the world? In our present differ- 
ences, is either party without faith of being in the right ? If the Almighty Ruler 
of Nations, with His eternal truth and justice, be on your side of the North, or 
on yours of the South, that truth and that justice will surely prevail by the judg- 
ment of this great tribunal of the American people. 

"By the frame of the Government under which we live this same people 
have wisely given their public servants but little power for mischief, and have 
with equal wisdom provided for the return of that little to their own hands at 
very short intervals. While the people retain their virtue and vigilance no 
administration by any extreme of wickedness or folly can very seriously injure 
the Government in the short space of four years. 

"My countrymen, one and all, think calmly and well upon this whole sub- 

76 



ject. Nothing valuable can be lost by taking time. If there be an object To 
hurry any of you in hot haste to a step which you would never take deliberately, 
that object will be frustrated by taking time ; but no good object can be frustrated 
by it. Such of you as are now dissatisfied still have the old Constitution unim- 
paired, and, on the sensitive point, the laws of your own framing under it ; while 
the new Administration will have no immediate power, if it would, to change 
either. If it were admitted that you who are dissatisfied hold the right side in the 
dispute, there still is no single good reason for precipitate action. Intelligence, 
patriotism, Christianity, and a firm reliance on Him who has never yet forsaken 
this favored land are still competent to adjust in the best way all our present 
difficulty. 

"In your hands, my dissatisfied fellow-countrymen, and not in mine, is the 
momentous issue of civil war. The Government will not assail you. You can 
have no conflict without being yourselves the aggressors. You have no oath 
registered in heaven to destroy the Government, while I shall have the most 
solemn one to 'preserve, protect, and defend it.' 

"I am loath to close. We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be 
enemies. Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of 
affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battle-field and 
patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land will 
yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, 
by the better angels of our nature." 

The will of the people as expressed at the ballot box had been observed. 
The executive power of the Government of the United States, according to the 
forms of law, had peacefully passed from the hands of James Buchanan to the 
hands of Abraham Lincoln. These two men on the 4th day of March, 1861, stood 
at the conjunction of two great epochs in American life, American law and Amer- 
ican history. The one marked the end of slavery, the end of the legal doctrine 
of State supremacy, and the close of Democratic domination. The other marked 
the dawn of universal freedom, the constitutionality, the utility and the grandeur 
of a perpetual Union, and the opening of the masterful career of the Republican 
party. 

The world was moving, a new order of things was coming in, that of initia- 
tive, development and progress. The Republican party was to be its exponent 
and leader. 



77 



CHAPTER X. 

SECESSION. 

Action of the Churches — The Secession Movement — Peace Congress — 
Article XIII — Congressional Action — The Morrill Tariff Law. 

Xo better evidence can be produced of the great conflict of opinions on 
the slavery question than the attitude and action on this subject of the churches, 
North and South. The Methodist Episcopal Church took the lead in opposition 
to slavery. The General Conference of 1824 enacted that "no slaveholder shall 
be eligible to any official station in our church hereafter where the laws of the 
State in which he lives will admit of emancipation and permit the liberated slaves 
to enjoy freedom/' In 1844 an attempt was made to enforce this rule against 
Bishop Andrews of Georgia ; the movement was resisted upon the ground that 
it was an infringement upon the rights of Southern members of the church, and 
steps were immediately taken to organize a church in the South. In 1845 trie 
Methodist Episcopal Church South was organized, with a membership of 500,000 
persons and succeeded to the church property and literary institutions of the 
former organization. This church fully recognized the rightfulness of slavery 
and dealing in slaves. All the churches of the South stood staunchly by the insti- 
tution of slavery. 

In November, i860, immediately after the election of Abraham Lincoln as 
President, the Alabama State Convention of Baptists unanimously passed a 
declaration setting forth that the Union had "failed, in important particulars, to 
answer the purpose for which it was created." This declaration closed with the 
following announcement : "While as yet no particular mode of relief is before 
us on which to express an opinon, we are constrained, before separating to our 
several homes, to declare to our brethren and fellow citizens, before mankind 
and before our God, that we hold ourselves subject to the call of proper authority 
in defence of the sovereignty and independence of the State of Alabama, and of 
her right as a sovereign, to withdraw from the Union and to make any arrange- 
ment which her people in constitutional assemblies may deem best for securing 
their rights, and in this declaration we heartily, deliberately, unanimously and 
solemnly unite." Other churches pursued the same course, indicating clearly 
that the churches, like the leaders in politics, regarded the election of Abraham 
Lincoln as sufficient justification for dissolving the Union. 

The fact of Lincoln's election was settled within twenty-four hours after the 
polls were closed ; the telegraph carried the news to all parts of the country, 
and the press was full of the particulars. In the South the announcement of the 
result of the election was a signal for secession. In South Carolina the Presiden- 
tial electors were chosen by the Legislature on November 6, i860, and they 
voted for Breckenridge and Lane for President and Vice-President. Governor 
Gist, in his message to the Legislature, recommended that in the event Abraham 
Lincoln was elected President a convention of the people of the State be called 
to consider and determine the mode and measure of redress. His opinion was 
that the only alternative left was the "secession of South Carolina from the Union." 

South Carolina led the way in the secession movement ; on November 7th 
the United States officials at Charleston resigned their offices. On November 10th 
James H. Hammond and James Chesnut, Jr., United States Senators, resigned 
their seats in the Senate. A convention was called to meet December 17th, the 
delegates to be elected December 6, i860. The State convention met December 
17, i860, and passed unanimously an ordinance of secession. 

78 



Francis W. Pickens had been elected Governor and he appointed a cabinet 
consisting of a Secretary of State, Secretary of War, Secretary of the Treasury, 
Postmaster General and Secretary of the Interior. On December 24th the Gov- 
ernor issued a proclamation announcing the repeal of the ordinance of May 2 0> 
1788, and the "dissolution of the uriion between the State of South Carolina and 
other States under the name of the United States of America." Commissioners 
were appointed by the Governor to treat with the United States Government for 
the possession of its property in South Carolina. Commissioners were also ap- 
pointed to visit other slaveholding States to secure co-operation in the secession 
movement and a Southern Congress was proposed. 

On November 8, i860, the Legislature of Georgia met, pursuant to adjourn- 
ment, and on the 18th action was taken calling a convention of the people. One 
million dollars was appropriated for military purposes. January 17, 1861, the 
State convention met and January 19th an ordinance of secession was passed, 
yeas 208, nays 89. 

Mississippi, Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Texas, North Carolina, 
Tennessee and Virginia followed the leadership of South Carolina and Georgia. 
Conventions were called and secession ordinances adopted. January 21, 1861, 
the Senators and Representatives in Congress from Georgia, Mississippi, Florida 
and Alabama withdrew from their seats. January 18, 1861, Virginia appropriated 
$1,000,000 for the defence of the State. 

Delegates were appointed to a Congress to meet at Montgomery, Alabama. 
February 4, 1861, Howell Cobb of Georgia (just returned from Buchanan's Cab- 
inet as Secretary of the Treasury) was elected President. February 8th a pro- 
visional constitution was adopted. 

February 8th Jefferson Davis was elected Provisional President and Alex- 
ander H. Stephens, vice-president. February 18th President Davis was inaugu- 
rated. P'ebruary 21st the following named officers were appointed as thg Cabinet : 
Robert Toombs, Secretary of State ; C. G. Memminger, Secretary of the Treas- 
ury ; L. Pope Walker, Secretary of War ; Stephen R. Mallory, Secretary of the 
Navy; Judah P. Benjamin, Attorney General; John H. Reagan, Postmaster 
General. 

During the progress of this movement, commissioners were sent by the 
various States to Washington to negotiate with Mr. Buchanan's administration 
for a transfer of the property of the United States situated in the seceded States. 
Failing in this, the custom houses, postoffices, mint, forts, arsenals, muskets, 
cannon, ammunition, vessels, quartermaster's and commissary stores and United 
States hospitals, over 200,000 muskets and rifles, 144 cannon and $650,000 in gold 
and silver coin were seized. All of these were turned over to the Confederate 
State Government. 

It must not be supposed that there were no citizens in the Southern States 
who were opposed to secession ; on the contrary, in a number of the States there 
were many leading men who were devoted to the Union and who believed that 
secession was not a wise remedy for the redress of the alleged grievances of the 
South. Where the question of secession was submitted to vote thousands of men 
cast their ballots against the movement. In seven of the States the question of 
secession was not submitted to the people ; the State governments were in the 
hands of men who favored disunion and they hurried the movement forward, 
through the action of Legislatures and conventions, without submitting the 
mighty issue to a vote. This was the course pursued in South Carolina, Georgia, 
Mississippi, Florida, Louisiana, Alabama and Arkansas. 

In Arkansas the question of calling a convention was submitted to the people 
January 16, 1861. and carried, 27,412 votes for and 15,827 votes against calling 
a convention. 

In Texas the ordinance of secession was, on February 23, 1861, adopted by 
the people by a vote of 34,794 for and 11,235 against. 

In North Carolina the proposition for a convention was voted down January 
28, 1861, 46,671 votes being cast for and 47.333 votes against a convention. But 
at an extra session of the Legislature held May 1st, a convention bill was passed 
fixing May 13th as the date for the election of delegates. This convention met at 
Raleigh May 20th, and the next day adopted an ordinance of secession ; ratified 

79 



the Confederate Constitution and on June 5th passed an ordinance ceding to the 
Confederate Government the United States arsenal at Fayetteville, proceedings 
no doubt precipitated by the attack upon Fort Sumpter, and its surrender to Gen. 
Beauregard April 13. 1861. 

In Tennessee the bill for a convention was voted down by the people February 
8. 1861, by a vote of 54.156 for and 67,360 against the convention. May 1, 1861, 
the Legislature passed a joint resolution authorizine the Governor to appoint coiTT^ 
missioners to enter into a military league with the Confederate State Govern- 
ment. May 7th the Legislature ratified the league which had been entered into 
and which placed the whole military force and munitions of war of Tennessee 
under control of the President of the Confederate States. The same day a 
declaration of independence, an ordinance of secession and an ordinance ratifying 
the Confederate Constitution, were adopted ; the ordinances to be voted on by 
the people June 8th. June 24, 1861, the vote was declared, being 104,019 for 
and 47,238 against secession and joining the Confederacy. On that date Gov- 
ernor Isham G. Harris declared Tennessee to be out of the Union. 

In Virginia a strong effort was made for conciliation and against disunion. 
The Legislature met January 7. 1861. On February 26th, the constitution of the 
Confederate States was rejected, yeas 9,. nays 78. April 17th, three days after 
the fall of Fort Sumpter, the Legislature in secret session passed an ordinance of 
secession by a vote of 88 yeas and 55 nays ; the same day the constitution of 
the Confederate States was adopted, subject to the action of the people at the 
polls. On April 25th an agreement was made, between commissioners appointed 
by authority of the Legislature and Alexander H. Stephens, Vice-President of 
the Confederate States, whereby the military force of Virginia was placed under 
the command of the President of the Confederacy and all her public property, 
naval stores and munitions of war, were turned over to the Confederate Gov- 
ernment. Two months later the vote on the ordinance of secession was declared, 
128,884 f° r an d 32.134 against. 

In Kentucky the people were greatly agitated and divided upon the Southern 
movement. January 22, 1861, the Legislature by a vote of 87 to 6 resolved to 
resist the invasion of the South at all hazards. February 2d, the Senate passed 
a resolution by a vote of 25 to 11 appealing to the Southern States to stop the 
revolution, and by a vote of 25 to 14 declared it inexpedient to call a State con- 
vention. May 20th Governor Magoffin issued a neutrality proclamation. Sep- 
tember nth, the House of Representatives by a vote of 71 to 26 passed a resolu- 
tion directing the Governor to issue a proclamation ordering the Confederate 
troops to evacuate Kentucky. In the meantime the Kentucky secessionists, 
having no encouragement from the Legislature, held a State Rights convention 
March 22d ; a Southern conference at Russellville, October 29th ; and a sover- 
eignty convention at the same place. November 18th, when a declaration of 
independence and an ordinance of secession were adopted. A provisional gov- 
ernment was organized with a Governor, Treasurer, Auditor and a council of 
ten. This organization did not interfere with the regular government of the 
State. 

In Maryland, while public opinion was greatly divided upon the question of 
secession, a fruitless effort was made in November, i860, to induce Governor 
Hicks to call an extra session of the Legislature. December 19th, the Governor 
declined to accept the program of secession from the commissioner from Missis- 
sippi. On December 20th and again in March, Mr. William H. Collins issued 
an address in favor of the Lnion. On January 3, 1861, Henry Winter Davis 
also issued an address in favor of the Union : Mr. Davis was a man of great 
power and influence in the State and thoroughly devoted to the Union. Governor 
Hicks insisted on Maryland remaining neutral and on April 1, 1861, advised 
General Butler not to land troops at Annapolis. On April 29th. the Legislature 
voted against secession, the House of Delegates 53 to 13, and the Senate by a 
unanimous vote. This action arrested the secession movement in [Maryland, 
although on June 22. 1861, the Legislature adopted a resolution protesting 
against an "oppression and tyrannical assertion and exercise of military jurisdic- 
tion within the limits of Maryland, over the persons and property of her citizens, 
by the Government of the United States." 

80 



January 15, 1861, the Missouri Legislature passed a bill calling a conven- 
tion ; delegates were elected and the convention met February 28th. The friends 
of secession, led by Governor Claiborne F. Jackson, were confident that this 
convention would contain a majority of delegates favorable to the secession of 
Missouri from the Union ; in this they were greatly disappointed. The convention 
was dominated by a Union sentirhent. General Sterling Price had been made 
President, but, having cast his lot with the Confederacy, the position was declared 
vacant and Gamble was made President. A committee of seven was appointed 
to consider and report the best measures to adopt in the present dislocated con- 
dition of the State. The committee declared that by the flight of the Governor 
and other State officers the offices held by them had become vacant. They 
recommended that the convention should appoint a Governor and other officers 
to hold their positions until August, 1862, when there should be a special elec- 
tion by the people ; that four additional judges should be added to the Supreme 
Court; that the State Legislature should be abolished, subject to be elected in 
August, 1862, upon proclamation of the Governor. The convention by ordi- 
nance repealed the military fund bill and other obnoxious laws enacted by the 
Legislature. Governor Jackson and General Sterling Price and their followers 
took up arms against the Union. The convention saved Missouri to the Union 
and governed the State until a Governor and Legislature were elected in accord- 
ance with the ordinances of the convention. 

While these revolutionary proceedings were going forward the Congress 
of the United States was in session. Various propositions were brought up in 
Congress for the purpose of adjusting and compromising the differences. On 
December 4, i860, on motion of Mr. Boteler of Virginia, a committee of 33, 
being one member from each State, was appointed in the House of Representa- 
tives to whom was referred "so much of the President's message as relates to 
the present perilous condition of the country." Thirty-three members offered 
resolutions, which were referred to the committee. A number of these resolu- 
tions proposed amendments to the constitution giving greater guarantees and 
security to slavery. Mr. Vallandingham, of Ohio, proposed an elaborate amend- 
ment dividing the country into four sections, each section with representation in 
Congress, with a complicated system of voting by sections, thus enabling one 
section to prevent a majority of the whole from passing laws. 

On January 14, 1861, Mr. Corwin, of Ohio, Chairman of the Committee of 
Thirty-three, made a report as the conclusions of a majority of a quorum. This 
report contained ten declaratory resolutions and five propositions for amending 
the Constitution and laws. The most important of these resolutions were the 
following: 

"Resolved, That we recognize slavery as now existing in fifteen of the United 
States, by usages and laws of those States ; and we recognize no authority, legally 
or otherwise, outside of a State where it so exists, to interfere with the slaves or 
slavery in such States, in disregard of the rights of their owners or the peace of 
society. 

"Resolved, That it is the duty of the Federal Government to enforce the 
Federal laws, protect the Federal propertv and preserve the Union of these 
States." 

The resolutions of the committee were adopted February 27, 1861, 137 yeas 
and 53 nays. 

The third and fifth propositions, for the admission of New Mexico into the 
Union, and an amendment of the act for the rendition of fugitives from justice 
were not agreed to. The fourth proposition, to amend the fugitive slave law, 
giving an alleged fugitive slave the right of trial by jury in a United States Court 
in the State to which he is remanded, in case he denies that he is a slave, was 
passed, yeas 92, nays 83. 

The following proposed constitutional amendment was offered by Mr. Cor- 
win: "Act XII. No amendment shall be made to the Constitution which will 
authorize or give to Congress the power to abolish or interfere, within ajny 
State, with the domestic institutions thereof, including that of persons held to 
labor or service by the laws of said State," and was agreed to, yeas 120, nays 61. 
This resolution was agreed to in the Senate March 2, 1861. 

81 



In the Senate the most important propositions of pacification were the reso- 
lutions presented by Senator Crittenden, of Kentucky, for six amendments to the 
Constitution, on the subject of slavery. The first established the Missouri com- 
promise line of 36 deg. 30 min. as the line between freedom and slavery, declaring 
that in all territory now held or hereafter acquired north of said line, slavery is 
prohibited, and that in all territory south of said line "slavery of the African race 
is hereby recognized as existing and shall not be interfered with by Congress, 
but shall be protected as property by all the departments of the territorial gov- 
ernment during its continuance." The sixth amendment provided that no future 
amendment of the Constitution shall affect any of the provisions of the Constitu- 
tion relating to slavery. 

In addition to these efforts in Congress to find a solution of the troubles 
agitating the country, the State of Virginia took the initiative for having a peace 
congress of commissioners to meet in Washington February 4, 1861. The invi- 
tation of the Virginia Legislature was as follows : "That all the States of this 
Confederacy, whether slaveholding or non-slaveholding, as are willing to unite 
with Virginia in an earnest effort to adjust the present unhappy controversies 
in the spirit in which the Constitution was originally formed, and consistently 
with its principles, so as to afford to the people of the slaveholding States ade- 
quate guarantees for the security of their rights * * * to consider and, if 
practicable, agree upon suitable adjustment. (The States to be represented by 
commissioners.) 

This "congress" met at the time and place named, with 133 commissioners 
representing the following named States : Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, 
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, 
Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, Indi- 
ana, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and Kansas. The States of South Carolina, 
Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Florida and Texas were 
not represented. Governor Yates appointed as commissioners to this "peace 
congress" an able body of men, namely: Judge Stephen T. Logan, John M. 
Palmer, John Wood, Burton C. Cook and Thomas J. Turner. 

The "congress" elected ex-President John Tyler of Virginia President, and 
continued in session until February 2.J, 1861. They agreed upon the form of 
certain amendments to the Constitution of the United States and laid them before 
Congress, with the request that Congress "will submit it to conventions in the 
States, as Article XIII. of the Amendments to the Constitution of the United 
States in the following shape : 

"Sec. 1. In all the present territory of the United States, north of the par- 
allel of 36 deg. 30 min. of north latitude, involuntary servitude, except in punish- 
ment of crime, is prohibited. In all the present territory south of that line, the 
status of persons held to involuntary service or labor, as it now exists, shall not 
be changed ; nor shall any law be passed by Congress or the Territorial Legisla- 
ture to hinder or prevent the taking of such persons from any of the States of 
this Union to said Territory, nor to impair the rights arising from said relation ; 
but the same shall be subject to judicial cognizance in the Federal courts, accord- 
ing to the course of the common law. When any territory north or south of 
said line, within such boundary as Congress may prescribe, shall contain a 
population equal to that required for a member of Congress, it shall, if its form 
of government be republican, be admitted into the Union on an equal footing 
with the original States, with or without involuntary servitude, as the Constitu- 
tion of such State may provide. 

"Sec. 2. No territory shall be acquired by the United States, except by 
discovery and for naval and commercial stations, depots, and transit routes, with- 
out the concurrence of a majority of all the Senators from the States which allow 
involuntary servitude, and a majority of all the Senators from States which 
prohibit that relation ; nor shall territory be acquired by treaty, unless the votes 
of a majority of the Senators from each class of States hereinbefore mentioned 
be cast as a part of the two-thirds majority necessary to the ratification of such 
treaty. 

"Sec. 3. Neither the Constitution, nor any amendment thereof, shall be 
construed to give Congress power to regulate, abolish, or control, within any 

82 



State, the relation established or recognized by the laws thereof touching persons 
held to labor or involuntary service therein, nor to interfere with, or abolish 
involuntary service in the District of Columbia without the consent of Maryland, 
and without the consent of the owners, or making the owners who do not consent 
just compensation; nor the power to interfere with or prohibit Representatives 
and others from bringing with them to the District of Columbia, retaining, and 
taking away, persons so held to labor or service; nor the power to interfere 
with or abolish involuntary service in places under the exclusive jurisdiction of 
the United States within those States and Territories where the same is estab- 
lished or recognized ; nor the power to prohibit the removal or transportation of 
persons held to labor or involuntary service in any State or Territory of the 
United States to any other State or Territory thereof where it is established or 
recognized by law or usage ; and the right during transportation, by sea or river, 
of touching at ports, shores, and landings, and of landing in case of distress, shall 
exist ; but not the right of transit in or through any State or Territory, or of sale 
or traffic, against the laws thereof. Nor shall Congress have power to authorize 
any higher rate of taxation on persons held to labor or service than on land. 
The bringing into the District of Columbia of persons held to labor or service, 
for sale, or placing them in depots to be afterwards transferred to other places 
for sale as merchandise, is prohibited. 

"Sec. 4. The third paragraph of the second section of the fourth article of 
the Constitution shall not be construed to prevent any of the States, by appro- 
priate legislation and through the action of their judicial and ministerial officers, 
from enforcing the delivery of fugitives from labor to the person to whom such 
service or labor is due. 

"Sec. 5. The foreign slave trade is hereby forever prohibited; and it shall 
be the duty of Congress to pass laws to prevent the importation of slaves, coolies, 
or persons held to service or labor, into the United States and Territories from 
places beyond the limits thereof. 

"Sec. 6. The first, third, and fifth sections, together with this section of 
these amendments, and the third paragraph of the second section of the first 
article of the Constitution, and the third paragraph of the second section of the 
fourth article thereof, shall not be amended or abolished without the consent of 
all the States. 

"Sec. 7. Congress shall provide by law that the United States shall pay to 
the owner the full value of the fugitive from labor, in all cases where the Marshal, 
or other officer, whose duty it was to arrest such fugitive, was prevented from so 
doing by violence or intimidation from mobs or riotous assemblages, or when, 
after arrest, such fugitive was rescued by like violence or intimidation, and the 
owner thereby deprived of the same ; and the acceptance of such payment shall 
preclude the owner from further claim to such fugitive. Congress shall provide 
by law for securing to the citizens of each State the privileges and immunities 
of citizens in the several States." 

On January 16, 1861, the Crittenden compromise joint resolution was being 
considered and the amendment of Senator Clark of New Hampshire came up; 
this amendment declared "that the provisions of the Constitution are ample for 
the preservation of the Union, and the protection of all the material interests of 
the country; that it needs to be obeyed rather than amended, etc.," and "that all 
attempts to dissolve the present Union, or overthrow or abandon the present 
Constitution with the hope or expectation of constructing a new one, are dan- 
gerous, illusory, and destructive ; that in the opinion of the Senate of the United 
States no such reconstruction is practicable ; and, therefore, to the maintenance 
of the existing Union and the Constitution should be directed all the energies 
of all departments of the government, and the efforts of all good citizens." 

At this juncture Hon. Henry E. Anthony, Senator from Rhode Island, 
obtained the floor and delivered the following address : "I believe, Mr. President, 
that if the danger which menaces us is to be avoided at all, it must be by legisla- 
tion ; which is more ready, more certain, and more likely to be satisfactory than 
constitutional amendment. The main difficulty is the Territorial question. The 
demand of the Senators on the other side of the chamber, and of those whom 
they represent, is that the territory south of the line of the Missouri compromise 

83 



shall be open to their peculiar property. All this territory, except the Indian 
Reservation, is within the limits of New Mexico ; which, for a part of its northern 
boundary, runs up two degrees above that line. This is now a slave Territory ; 
made so by Territorial legislation ; and slavery exists there, recognized and pro- 
tected. Now, I am willing, as soon as Kansas can be admitted, to vote for the 
admission of New Mexico as a State, with such constitution as the people may 
adopt. This disposes of all the territory that is adapted to slave labor or that is 
claimed by the South. It ought to settle the whole question. Surely if we can 
dispose of all the territory that we have, we ought not to quarrel over that which 
we have not, and which we have no very honest way of acquiring. Let us settle 
will you not build the other eighth ? When, with outstretched arms, we approach 
you so near that, by reaching out your hands you can clasp ours in the fraternal 
grasp from which they should never be separated, will you, with folded arms 
and closed eyes, stand upon extreme demands which you know we cannot accept, 
and for which, if we did, we could not carry our constituents. * * * Together 
our fathers achieved the independence of their country; together they laid the 
foundations of its greatness and its glory ; together they constructed this beau- 
tiful system under which it is our privilege to live, which it is our duty to preserve 
and to transmit. Together we enjoy that privilege ; together we must perform 
that duty. I will not believe that, in the madness of popular folly and delusion, 
the most benignant government that ever blessed humanity is to be broken up. 
I will not believe that this great power which is marching with giant steps toward 
the first place among the nations of the earth, is to be turned 'backward on its 
mighty track.' There are no grievances, fancied or real, that cannot be redressed 
within the Union and under the Constitution. There are no differences between 
us that may not be settled if we will take them up in the spirit of those to whose 
places we have succeeded, and the fruits of whose labors we have inherited.'' 

Upon the conclusion of this speech Senator Jacob Collamer, of Vermont, 
moved the postponement of the Crittenden resolution and the taking up of the 
bill to admit Kansas into the Union. This motion was defeated by a vote of 25 
yeas, 30 nays. Senators Benjamin and Slidell of Louisiana, Iverson of Georgia, 
the difficulties that threaten us now, and not anticipate those which may never 
come. Let the public have time to cool. * * * In offering to settle this 
question by the admission of New Mexico, we of the North who assent to it 
propose a great sacrifice, and offer a large concession. * * * But we make 
the offer in a spirit of compromise and good feeling, which we hope will be 
reciprocated. * * * I appeal to Senators on the other side, when we thus 
offer to bridge over full seven-eighths of the frightful chasm that separates us, 
Johnson of Arkansas and Hemphill and Wigfall of Texas voting nay ; had they 
voted with Anthony and Collamer the motion would have been carried, 31 to 24; 
Kansas would have been admitted as a free State and New Mexico as a slave 
State, and the Missouri compromise line would have been practically re-estab- 
lished and the slavery question in the Territories forever settled. But this was 
not to be. The amendment of Senator Clark was adopted by yeas 25, nays 23, 
the above named six Southern Senators again refusing to vote. 

So determined were the friends of compromise and conciliation to offer to 
the South an olive branch that, on February 27, Mr. Corwin offered an amend- 
ment to his proposition to amend the Constitution the following: "Article XII. 
No amendment shall be made to the Constitution which will authorize or give to 
Congress the power to abolish or interfere, within any State, with the domestic 
institutions thereof, including that of persons held to labor or service by the laws 
of said State." The amendment was adopted, yeas 120, nays 61. The joint 
resolution as amended was defeated (two-thirds not voting in the affirmative), 
yeas 123, nays 71. The next day, February 21, 1861, this vote was reconsidered 
and the joint resolution passed, yeas 133, nays 65, more than two-thirds having 
voted in favor of the amendment. The result of the vote was received with loud 
and prolonged applause, both on the floor and in the galleries. 

In the Senate on March 2d, the House joint resolution came up for action. 
Mr. Pugh moved to substitute the Crittenden proposition which was then before 
the Senate, the Clark amendment having been reconsidered. Mr. Doolittle pro- 
posed the following amendment to the Crittenden proposition: "Under this 

84 



Constitution, as originally adopted, and as it now exists, no State has power to 
withdraw from the jurisdiction of the United States; but this Constitution, and 
all laws passed in pursuance of its delegated powers, are the supreme law of the 
land, anything contained in any constitution, ordinance, or act of any State, to the 
contrary notwithstanding." This amendment was lost, yeas 18, nays 28. The 
Crittenden proposition as an amendment to the House joint resolution was lost, 
yeas 14, nays 25. Mr. Bingham moved to amend the House joint resolution by 
inserting the Clark proposition; this was rejected, yeas 13, nays 25. Mr. Grimes 
offered an amendment to carry out the requests of the Legislatures of Kentucky, 
New Jersey and Illinois, inviting the other States to express their will in respect 
to calling a convention to amend the Constitution. This amendment was lost, 14 
yeas, 25 nays. Mr. Johnson of Arkansas offered as an amendment the proposi- 
tion submitted by the peace congress ; this amendment was defeated, yeas 3, nays 
34. The House joint resolution for amending the Constitution was then adopted 
by a two-thirds vote, yeas 24, nays 12. 

This session had extended into the night of March 3d, previous to Mr. Lin- 
coln's inauguration the next day. A number of able and eloquent speeches had 
been delivered, but none so incisive and powerful as that of Senator Douglas. He 
said : "The great issue with the South has been that they would not submit to 
the Wilmot proviso. The Republican party affirmed the doctrine that Congress 
must and could prohibit slavery in the Territories. The issue for ten years was 
between non-intervention on the part of Congress, and prohibition by Congress. 
Up to two years ago, neither the Senator (Mason) from Virginia, nor any other 
Southern Senator, desired affirmative legislation to protect slavery. Even up to 
this day, not one of them has proposed affirmative legislation to protect it. 
Whenever the question has come up, they have decided that affirmative legisla- 
tion to protect it was unnecessary ; and hence, all that the South required on the 
Territorial question was 'hands off; slavery shall not be prohibited by act of 
Congress.' Now, what do we find? This very session, in view of the perils 
which surround the country, the Republican party, in both houses of Congress, 
by a unanimous vote, have backed down from their platform and abandoned the 
doctrine of Congressional prohibition. This very week three Territorial bills 
have been passed through both houses of Congress without the Wilmot proviso, 
and no man proposed to enact it ; not even one man on the other side of the 
chamber would rise and propose the Wilmot proviso. 

"In organizing three Territories," continued he, "two of them south of the 
very line where they imposed the Wilmot proviso twelve years ago, no one on 
the other side of the chamber proposed it. They have abandoned the doctrine 
of the President-elect upon that point. He said, and it is on record, that he had 
voted for the Wilmot proviso forty-two times, and would do it forty-two times' 
more if he ever had a chance. Not one of his followers this year voted for it 
once. The Senator from New York (Mr. Seward), the embodiment of the party, 
sat quietly and did not propose it. What more ? Last year we were told that 
the slave code of New Mexico was to be repealed. I denounced the attempted 
interference. The House of Representatives passed the bill, but the bill remains 
on your table ; no one Republican member has proposed to take it up and pass 
it. Practically, therefore, the Chicago platform is abandoned ; the Philadelphia 
platform is abandoned ; the whole doctrine for which the Republican party con- 
tended, as to the Territories, is abandoned, surrendered, given up. Then, when 
we find that, on the Territorial question, the Republican party by a unanimous 
vote have surrendered to the South all they ask, the Territorial question ought 
to be considered pretty well settled. The only question left was that of the 
States ; and after having abandoned their aggressive policy as to the Territories, 
a portion of them are willing to unite with us and deprive themselves of the 
power to do it in the States. 

"I submit," said he, "that these two great^ facts — these startling, tremendous 
facts — that they have abandoned their aggressive policy in the Territories and are 
willing to give guarantees in the State, ought to be accepted as an evidence of 
a salutary change in public opinion at the North. All I would ask now of the 
Republican party is that they would insert in the Constitution the same principle 
that they have carried out practically in the Territorial bills for Colorado, Dakota, 

85 



and Nevada, by depriving Congress of the power hereafter to do what there 
cannot be a man of them found willing to do this year : but we cannot ask them 
to back down too much. I think they have done quite as much within one year r 
within three months after they have elected a President, as could be expected."' 

This speech of Mr. Douglas shows more clearly than any other how earnestly 
Republican members of both houses of Congress were desirous of adopting meas- 
ures of conciliation. Mr. Douglas appreciated this fact and endeavored to 
further these matters as far as was consistent. 

At this point it is well to recur to the speech of Hon. John A. Logan, made 
in the House February 5. 1861. Mr. Logan said: ''Men. sir. North and South, 
who love themselves far better than their country, have brought us to this un- 
happy condition. * * * Let me say to gentlemen, that I will go as far as 
any man in the performance of a constitutional duty to put down rebellion, to 
suppress insurrection, and to enforce the laws ; but when we undertake the per- 
formance of these duties, let us act in such a manner as will be best calculated 
to preserve and not destroy the Government, and keep ourselves within the 
bounds of the Constitution. * * * Sir, I have always denied, and do yet 
deny, the right of secession. There is no warrant for it in the Constitution. It 
is wrong, it is unlawful, unconstitutional, and should be called by the right name, 
revolution. No good, sir, can result from it, but much mischief may. It is no 
remedy for any grievance. 

"I hold that all grievances can be much easier redressed inside the Union 
than out of it. * * * If a collision must ensue between Government and 
any of our own people, let it come when every other means of settlement has 
been tried and exhausted; and not then, except when the Government shall be 
compelled to repel assaults for the protection of its property*, flag and the honor 
of the country. * * * 

"I have been taught to believe that the preservation of this glorious Union. 
with its broad flag waving over us as the shield for our protection on land and 
on sea, is paramount to all the parties and platforms that ever have existed, or 
ever can exist I would, today, if I had the power, sink my own party, and 
every other one. with all their platforms, into the vortex of ruin, without heaving 
a sigh, or shedding a tear, to save the Union, or even stop the revolution where 
it is." 

This record will be closed by quoting from the speeches of two notable men 
from Southern States, Hon. Henry Winter Davis of Maryland of the House and 
Hon. Louis T. Wigfall, Senator from Texas. On February 5th. Mr. Davis said: 
"We are at the end of the insane revel of partisan license which, for thirty years. 
has, in the United States, worn the mask of government. We are about to close 
the masquerade by the dance of death. The nations of the world look anxiously 
to see if the people, ere they tread that measure, will come to themselves. 
* * * Southern politicians have created a North. Let us trace the process 
and draw the moral. The laws of 1850 calme'd and closed the slavery agitation: 
and President Pierce, elected by the almost unanimous voice of the States, did 
not mention slavery in his first two messages. In 1854. the repeal of the [Mis- 
souri compromise, at the instance of the South, reopened the agitation. North- 
ern men, deserted by Southern Whigs, were left to unite for self-defense. The 
invasion of Kansas, in 1855 and 1856. from Missouri : the making a legislature 
and laws for that Territory, by the invaders ; still further united the Northern 
people ; the election of 1856 measured its extent. 

"The election of Mr. Buchanan and his opening policy in Kansas soothed the 
irritation and was rapidly demoralizing the new party, when the pro-slavery party 
in Kansas perpetrated, and the President and the South accepted, the Lecompton 
fraud, and again united the North more resolutely in resistance to that invasion 
of the rights of self-government. The South for the first time failed to dictate 
terms ; and the people vindicated by their votes the refusal of the Constitution. 
Ere this result was attained, the opinions of certain judges of the Supreme Court 
scattered doubts over the law of slavery in the Territories ; the South, while 
repudiating other decisions, instantly made these opinions the criterion of faith- 
fulness to the Constitution ; while the North was agitated by this new sanction 
of the extremest pretensions of their opponents. 

86 



"The South did not rest satisfied with their judicial triumph. Immediately 
the claim was pressed for protection by Congress to slavery, declared by the 
Supreme Court, they said, to exist in all the Territories. This completed the 
union of the free States in one great defensive league ; and the result was regis- 
tered in November. That result is now itself become the starting point of new 
agitation — the demand of new rights and new guarantees. The claim to access 
to the Territories was followed by the claim to Congressional protection, and 
that is now followed by the hitherto unheard of claim to a Constitutional Amend- 
ment establishing slavery, not merely in territory now held, but in all hereafter 
held from the line of 36 deg. 30 min. to Cape Horn, while the debate foreshadows 
in the distance the claim of the right of transit and the placing of property in 
slaves in all respects on the footing of other property — the topics of future agita- 
tion. How long the prohibition of the importation of slaves will be exempted 
from the doctrine of equality, it needs no prophet to tell. In the face of this 
recital, let the imputation of autocratic and tyrannical aspirations cease to be cast 
on the people of the free States ; let the Southern people dismiss their fears, 
return to their friendly confidence in their fellow citizens of the North, and 
accept, as pledges of returning peace, the salutary amendments of the law and 
the Constitution offered as the first fruits of reconciliation." 

Mr. Wigfall addressed the Senate on the night of March 3d, but a few hours 
before the inauguration. He inveighed furiously against the North, spoke dis- 
paragingly and sneeringly of Mr. Lincoln, he summed up as follows : "Then, 
briefly, a party has come into power that represents the antagonists to my own 
section of the country. It represents two million men who hate us, and who, by 
their votes for such a man as they have elected, have committed an overt act of 
hostility. That they have done. 

"You have won the Presidency," said he, to the Republicans, "and you are 
now in the situation of the man who had won the elephant at a raffle. You do 
not know what to do with the beast now that you have it ; and one-half of you 
today would give your right arms if you had been defeated. But you succeeded, 
and you have to deal with facts. Our objection to living in this Union, and, 
therefore, the difficulty of reconstructing it, is not your personal liberty bills, 
not the territorial question, but that you utterly and wholly misapprehend the 
form of government. You deny the sovereignty of the States ; you deny the 
right of self-government in the people ; you insist upon negro equality ; your 
people interfere impertinently with our institutions and attempt to subvert them ; 
you publish newspapers, you deliver lectures ; you print pamphlets, and you send 
them among us, first, to excite our slaves to insurrection against the masters, 
and next to array one class of citizens against the other ; and I say to you, that 
we cannot live in peace, either in the Union or out of it, until you have abolished 
your abolition societies ; not, as I have been misquoted, abolish or destroy your 
school-houses ; but until you have ceased in your school-houses teaching your 
children to hate us ; until you have ceased to convert your pulpits into hustings ; 
until you content yourselves with preaching Christ, and Him crucified, and not 
delivering political harangues on the Sabbath ; until you have ceased inciting 
your own citizens to make raids and commit robberies ; until you have done 
these things we cannot live in the same Union with you. Until you do these 
things, we cannot live out of the Union at peace." 

Senator Wigfall was an earnest, candid, aggressive representative of the 
dominating sentiment of the Gulf States ; he believed slavery was right ; he be- 
lieved the North was the aggressor in the great slavery controversy ; he believed 
in the right of secession ; he believed that he truly represented the sentiments 
of the people of Texas. He believed that the hour for disunion had struck. 

Senator Wigfall, his colleagues in Congress, in fact the people of the South, 
did not comprehend the spirit that animated the people of the North. The three 
millions of men in the North who cast their ballots for Lincoln and Douglas for 
President, were not abolitionists ; they had a love of law ; they had the habit of 
observing the law ; they possessed in the highest degrees the faculty of self-gov- 
ernment ; they had no desire or intention of interfering with slavery in the slave 
vStates ;and while they differed widely upon general questions of politics, they 
agreed upon this fundamental proposition, that slavery would not be forced noon 

87 



an unwilling people. They loved the Union ; they did not believe in the doctrine 
of State rights and secession; but they recognized the fact that great questions 
which sharply divide public opinion, can only be settled in the halls of legislature., 
by compromise, and this was the spirit that animated Republican Congressmen 
in the course pursued by them as pointed out by Senator Douglas. 

Looking back upon that eventful period it seems clear that the struggle 
over the slavery question w^as a great conflict of opinions, which had their origin 
in colonial days, and which gained strength as time rolled on, as the inevitable 
logic of events. 

While the evolution of public opinion of the Northern States — in fact, of 
the whole Christian world — outside of the South — during the preceding fifty 
years, had experienced a great change upon the question of slavery and the 
African slave trade, so that slavery was regarded as wrong, a violation of the 
rights of man, and dangerous to free government, the people of the Southern 
States had become more and more attached to the institution, and less and less 
disposed to have its rightfulness called in question, while the dream of many of 
their leaders was the establishment of a great Southern Confederacy with slavery 
as its chief cornerstone. They did not realize that this country was designed by 
nature for one people ; that it is indivisible. They failed to recognize the fact 
that the Constitution would protect slavery as long as they stood by it and ob- 
served its provisions. They could not lift the veil and see that disunion meant 
the destruction of slavery. 

Disunion and slavery were rushing to their doom. 

While these efforts to find some ground upon which the South would unite 
with the North for the settlement of the questions which were exciting the coun- 
trv, the Republicans found themselves in a majority in both Houses of Congress, 
because of the withdrawal of many members representing Southern States. They 
at once took up the subject of providing additional revenue for the Government. 
It fell to the lot of Hon. Justin S. Morrill, of Vermont, to take the lead. He set 
to work, with the assistance of other members of the Ways and Means Commit- 
tee of the House, and prepared a new tariff bill. Mr. Morrill had been a Whig, a 
follower of Henry Clay, and was a thorough believer in the protective system. 
He believed that it was the duty of Congress to legislate so as to encourage the 
development of the internal resources of the country by multiplying our indus- 
tries so that we would become the producers of the larger proportion of manu- 
factured articles required to supply the wants of our own people. 

He believed that where the foreigner had control of our market, and met 
no active competition in home products, he would fix the price of his manufac- 
tures so as to afford him an immense profit. While, if our own people took up 
the business of manufacturing, they would soon become competitors of the 
foreign manufacturer, and would also be competitors amongst themselves, and 
thereby the prices of manufactured articles would steadily be reduced. He be- 
lieved that the first step to bring about this result was to fix the duty on im- 
ported articles at such rates as would enable our own citizens to engage profit- 
ably in the business of manufacture. He recognized the fact that the rate of 
interest on money and the rate of wages were both higher in the United States 
than abroad, but he was of opinion that American enterprise, American skill, 
and American invention would be so combined that the United States would in 
good time become the leading manufacturing nation of the world. 

And so the Republican party took up the protective tariff question at the 
point where the Whig party had laid it down, and the Morrill Tariff law, now 
famous in the annals of American tariff legislation, was enacted by Congress. 
It must be said to the credit of President Buchanan that one of his last official 
acts on March 3, 1861, was to approve this bill. 



88 



CHAPTER XI. 

Lincoln's Cabinet — Attack on Fort Sumpter — Illinois Answers the 
Call to Arms. 

President Lincoln appointed the following Cabinet officers: William H. 
Seward, of New York, Secretary of State ; Salmon P. Chase, of Ohio, Secretary 
of Treasury ; Simon Cameron, of Pennsylvania, Secretary of War ; Gideon Wells, 
of Connecticut, Secretary of Navy ; Caleb B. Smith, of Indiana, Secretary of In- 
terior; Edward Bates, of Missouri, Attorney General, and Montgomery Blair, 
of Maryland, Postmaster General. 

At the time of Mr. Lincoln's inauguration, Hon. John Forsyth, of Alabama, 
and Hon. Martin J. Crawford, of Georgia, were in Washington City, as the 
accredited Commissioners of the Confederate States of America to the Govern- 
ment of the United States. It was well known that the mission of these gen- 
tlemen was to secure from Mr. Lincoln's administration a recognition of the 
Confederate States Government. They sought an interview with Secretary 
Seward, but he knowing the object of their mission, declined. On March 13, 
they delivered to Secretary Seward's assistant a document. They claimed to 
represent the Confederate States of America ; that the "Confederate States con- 
stituted an independent nation, de facto and de jure, possessing a government 
perfect in all its parts, and endowed with all means of self-support." They re- 
quested a speedy interview that they might present their credentials to the Presi- 
dent, and lay before him the mission with which they had been entrusted, for 
the "future welfare of the two nations." 

Secretary Seward declined to "recognize them as diplomatic agents," or to 
"hold correspondence with them." He submitted to them a copy of Mr. Lin- 
coln's inaugural address, and guided by the principles therein laid down, he could 
not admit or assume that the States referred to by them had, in law or in fact,, 
withdrawn from the Federal Union, or that they could do so in the manner 
assumed. 

He assured Messrs. Forsyth and Crawford that the President had been 
consulted and declined to have any official intercourse with them. Hon. John A. 
Campbell, of Alabama, a member of the Supreme Court of the United States, 
interposed his friendly offices with Secretary Seward in behalf of the Confederate 
States Commissioners without success. 

Having failed to obtain an audience as the representatives of the Confed- 
erate States of America, Messrs. Forsyth and Crawford addressed another letter 
to Secretary Seward, dated April 9, in which they claimed for the Confederacy 
the rights resulting from a "manifest and accomplished revolution." And on 
behalf of their Government and people they declared that they accepted "the 
gauge of battle," which they alleged had been thrown down by the United States 
when it refused them official recognition. 

The harbor of the city of Charleston, South Carolina, had been strongly 
fortified by the United States ; a small garrison under the command of Major 
Robert Anderson occupied Ft. Moultrie, but was transferred to Ft. Sumpter, a 
strong work built upon an island in Charleston harbor. Major Anderson was 
loyal to his flag. His garrison was short of rations. On January 9, 1861, the 
steamer "Star of the West," carrying supplies to the Ft. Sumpter garrison, was 
fired upon from the forts around Charleston harbor, which had been seized by 
the Confederate authorities, and the vessel was not permitted to discharge her 
freight. No additional effort was made by President Buchanan's administration 
to relieve the garrison. Early in April, President Lincoln notified Governor 

89 



Pickens of South Carolina that supplies would be sent to Ft. Sumpter. This 
information was communicated to the Confederate authorities at Montgomery. 
General Beauregard had previously been assigned to the command of the forts 
and military forces at Charleston, under control of the Confederate Government. 
He received instructions on April 10, 1861, from the Confederate Secretary of 
War, directing him to demand the evacuation of Ft. Sumpter, with authority to 
General Beauregard to proceed according to his best judgment in case of a re- 
fusal. At two o'clock in the afternoon of April 10, General Beauregard demanded 
the evacuation of Ft. Sumpter, on the ground that the Confederate States could 
no longer permit a fortification beyond its control within reach of one of its 
harbors. Major Anderson declined to evacuate the fort; when asked when he 
would be willing to evacuate, he replied that he would do so on April 15 at noon 
unless he received supplies or controlling instructions from his Government. 

Acting under orders from the Confederate Government at Montgomery, at 
3 :20 a. m., on April 12, 1861, General Beauregard opened fire upon Ft. Sumpter. 
The bombardment continued for thirty-four hours. Major Anderson defended 
the fort until the quarters were entirely burnt, the main gates destroyed by fire, 
the gorge-wall seriously injured, the magazines surrounded by flames and its 
doors closed from the effects of heat, and with no provisions remaining but pork. 
He accepted the terms of evacuation offered by General Beauregard, on April 13,. 
and marched out of the fort on Sunday afternoon, April 14, with colors flying 
and drums beating, having saluted the flag with fifty guns. A remarkable fact 
connected with the bombardment of Ft. Sumpter is that not one of the garrison 
was killed. Tidings of the surrender of Ft. Sumpter were instantly telegraphed 
all over the United States. The people of the South were intoxicated with joy. 
Mr. Walker, the Confederate Secretary of War, addressing a public meeting, 
declared that "No man can foretell the events of the war inaugurated ; but I will 
venture to predict that the flag which now floats on the breeze will, before the 
1st of May, float over the dome of the old Capitol at Washington, and if they 
choose to try Southern chivalry, and test the extent of Southern resources, will 
eventually float over Fanuel Hall, in Boston." The "New Orleans Picayune" 
said, "The first fruits of a Virginia secession will be the removal of Lincoln and 
his Cabinet, and whatever he can carry away, to the safer neighborhood of Har- 
risburg or Cincinnati — perhaps to Buffalo or Cleveland." The "Richmond Ex- 
aminer" said, "There never was half the unanimity among the people before, nor 
a tithe of the zeal upon any subject, that is now manifested to take Washington. 
From the mountain tops and valleys to the shores of the sea, there is one wild 
shout of fierce resolve to capture Washington City at all and every human haz- 
ard." On April 15, 1861, President Lincoln issued a proclamation calling forth 
75,000 of the militia of the several States of the Union, to suppress all combina- 
tions too powerful for the ordinary course of judicial proceedings or by the 
powers vested in the marshals by law. He also commanded that the persons 
composing such combinations to disperse and retire peacefully to their homes 
within twenty days, and he summoned Congress to meet in extraordinary ses- 
sion on July 4, "To consider and determine such measures as, in their wisdom, 
the public safety and interest may seem to demand." 

Before the firing upon Ft. Sumpter the people of the Northern States, while 
experiencing much anxiety as to the state of public affairs, were profoundly 
desirous that the peace of the country should not be broken. All of the political 
excitement which preceded the election in November had quieted down. The 
great majority of the people had no serious apprehension of a civil war; they 
hoped and believed that the excitement in the South would give way, and that 
upon calm reflection the movement to divide the Union would be abandoned, and 
the affairs of government would go forward as usual. They had taken an active 
part in the political contest, and had gone to the polls, and had voted for the man 
of their choice for President, and when the declaration was made that Abraham 
Lincoln was elected those who had opposed him at the polls freely acquiesced in 
the result of the election, believing that it was the duty of every citizen, through- 
out the whole United States, to recognize the will of the people as constitutionally 
expressed through the ballot box. They could not conceive that any portion of 
the American people would appeal from the ballot box to the sword. 

90 



News of the firing upon Ft. Sumpter filled the Northern mind with sur- 
prise. Tidings of the fall of the fort filled the Northern hearts with indignation. 
It seemed that in every community throughout the entire sixteen Northern 
States, the people were animated by but one spirit, that of supporting the Gov- 
ernment and preserving the Union. This sentiment was not confined to the 
cities and towns or to any particular class of citizens, but had swept all over the 
country, and included the people of every avocation and calling in life. 

In no State of the North had the political issues of i860 been so earnestly 
contested as in Illinois ; it was the home of both Lincoln and Douglas. Both 
men had many warm personal as well as political friends, and they supported 
their favorites with an earnestness and devotion rarely ever seen in a political 
struggle. When the call for troops came the response was instantaneous, a 
number of companies were immediately organized and tendered. Public meet- 
ings were held in various parts of the State, and patriotic speeches were made 
in favor of preserving the Union, and supporting Lincoln's administration. 
Here and there, there were prominent men throughout the State who were not 
in sympathy with this sudden burst of patriotism, but their voices were for the 
time being hushed. 

Governor Yates by proclamation called a special session of the Legislature 
for April 23. There was a prompt response ; the people flocked from all parts 
of the State to be present at the meeting. 

Senator Douglas, who was in Washington when Ft. Sumpter fell, and who 
had at once called upon the President and assured him of his support in this 
crisis of the country, felt it his duty to come home to Illinois to advise with the 
people. 

He visited Springfield, and was present when the Legislature convened. He 
was invited to deliver an address in the hall of the House of Representatives, and 
did so on the evening of April 23. His voice uttered no uncertain sound; he 
declared himself in favor of the preservation of the Union, at whatever cost of 
blood and treasure. He said at this time there can be but two parties in this 
country, patriots and traitors. That the surest road to peace was the most stu- 
pendous preparations for war. This speech electrified the country, and as was 
said by Bancroft, Douglas "spoke as with the voice of a million." Three days 
after the call for troops fifty companies had been tendered to the Governor, and 
the bankers of Springfield and Chicago had offered loans of $600,000. The Leg- 
islature was prompt in the passage of laws to meet the emergency. The militia 
law was amended, a warrant fund of $2,000,000 was created, a board of three 
commissioners to audit accounts for supplies was authorized. Sixteen regiments 
of infantry and one battalion of artillery was provided for. 

Thomas S. Mather was continued Adjutant General; ex-Governor John 
Wood was appointed Quartermaster General ; John Williams, Commissary Gen- 
eral; James H. Woodworth, Charles H. Lanphier and William Thomas, Audit- 
ing Commissioners, with George Judd as Secretary. The War Department 
allotted to Illinois six regiments under the first call, all of which were organized 
by May 1, and sent to Cairo. 

Out of respect to the six regiments sent to the Mexican War, the first of 
these new regiments was numbered seven, and so on successively to twelve. 
They were ordered to Cairo in response to a request from the War Department 
at Washington, to hold that important strategic point. The first troops to reach 
Cairo were seven companies under command of General Richard Kellogg Swift 
of Chicago. This force numbered 595 men. The General started with his 
troops by railroad to Cairo April 21, 1861. 

In ordinary times the city of Springfield, except during the sessions of the 
Legislature, was a very quiet place, and had but few visitors. Now, however, 
the scene was changed ; the city was constantly full of people intent upon getting 
into the army or to perform some service in connection with the army. The 
executive departments were kept busy; soon a military camp was established 
near the city ; thousands of uniformed officers and soldiers were to be seen, and 
the capital of the State of Illinois assumed all the "pomp and circumstance of 
war." 



91 



CHAPTER XII. 

CONFLICT OF POLITICAL OPINIONS. 

The questions upon which the people of this country have differed, and 
which have caused the great conflict of political opinions between statesmen 
and political parties since the formation of the Government, may be grouped as 
follows : 

Pro-Slavery. National Supremacy. 

State Supremacy. Anti-Slavery. 

Strict construction of the Consti- Liberal construction of the Constitu- 
tution. tion. 

The opinions which men entertained upon these questions were worked out 
into schools of politics, the great political, moral and social forces of the country 
gathered about them. 

The ideas of one or the other of these groups of questions have influenced 
and controlled public men and the great body of the people, from the beginning. 
Every public question came within the range and scope of one or more of these 
topics of thought. Men's hopes of preferment were gratified or blasted accord- 
ing as they met the public expectation on these questions. 

The pro-slavery sentiments of Pinckney, Rutledge, Butler, Baldwin and 
others caused to be put into the Constitution the provision continuing the African 
slave trade to 1808, the provisions for the return of fugitive slaves, and for repre- 
sentation in Congress and in the Electoral College based on slave population. 

It was the opinions of Washington, Hamilton and others favoring national 
supremacy that put into the Constitution those provisions which gave the United 
States the powers of a nation. 

It was the anti-slavery opinions of Thomas Jefferson and Nathan Dane that 
suggested and finally secured the ordinance of 1787 dedicating the Northwest 
territory to freedom. 

A belief in the doctrines of State supremacy and a strict construction of the 
Constitution caused Jefferson and Madison to prepare and favor the adoption of 
the Kentucky and Virginia resolutions of 1798 and 1799, in which it was declared 
"that the Government created by the compact (that is, the Constitution) was not 
made the exclusive or final judge of the extent of the powers delegated to itself, 
* * * but that, as in all other cases of compact among powers having no 
common judge, each party has an equal right to judge for itself, as well of infrac- 
tions as of the mode and measure of redress." 

The gist of this contention was that the Constitution was simply a "compact 
among powers" ; that each State was individually sovereign ; that this sover- 
eignty was recognized and secured in the Constitution as "reserved rights" of 
the State ; and that by virtue of this sovereignty a State had authority to nullify 
a federal law, and to withdraw from the Union. 

The opposing theory was and is that the Constitution of the United States 
created a nation. That the citizens of each State were citizens of that nation 
and owed it allegiance. That the nation derived its powers from the people. 
That the Constitution, the laws of Congress and the treaties with foreign nations 
were the supreme law of the land; and that the Supreme Court of the United 
States was the final tribunal for deciding the constitutionality of laws. 

It was adherence to the doctrine of State rights as set forth in the Kentucky 
and Virginia resolutions that caused the Legislature of South Carolina under the 

92 



advice of John C. Calhoun to pass an ordinance nullifying the tariff laws of the 
United States ; and it was President Jackson's opposition to those doctrines that 
moved him to issue a proclamation declaring the laws of Congress must be en- 
forced and obeyed. It was the pro-slavery interest which insisted on maintain- 
ing the balance of power in the Senate, and refused the admission of free States, 
except with a corresponding admission of slave States. It was the pro-slavery 
sentiment which, through outrage and blood, struggled to make Kansas a slave 
State. It was a belief in the doctrine of State rights, and a strict construction of 
the Constitution that caused the Democratic party in their platforms to endorse 
the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions, and deny to Congress the power to 
charter a national bank, enact a protective tariff or provide for national internal 
improvements. 

It was under a liberal construction of the Constitution that Clay, Webster 
and other Whig leaders chartered a national bank, passed a protective system 
of tariff laws, and provided for certain internal improvements, including the 
national road. It was the aggressive pro-slavery spirit of the South that caused 
a division of the Democratic party in i860; and it was the same spirit which, 
after the election of Abraham Lincoln as President, relying upon the principle 
of State rights and a strict construction of the Constitution, led the people of the 
South to secede from the Union, and precipitate the Civil War. 

This conflict of opinion went to the very pith and marrow of our national 
system of government. The issue of i860 was not new; the question of State 
rights had been discussed so long and earnestly in the South that every intelli- 
gent man was familiar with it. . The doctrine of the right of secession had stead- 
ily gained ground. The most distinguished and influential statesmen of the 
South were thorough believers in it. When the decisive hour to strike arrived, 
the great mass of the people fully endorsed the action of their leaders. Many 
Southern men who did not favor the secession movement in 1 860-1 believed in 
the right of secession, and a paramount allegiance to their States, and went with 
their States when they seceded. 

In the Northern States aside from the sentiment in favor of preserving the 
Union there was a deep-seated and settled opinion in favor of the proposition 
that the Constitution of the United States created a great National Government, 
which derived its powers from the whole people ; that while the inherent right 
of revolution existed, there was no constitutional authority for the withdrawal 
of a State from the Union. 

While John C. Calhoun had been the apostle of State rights, Daniel Web- 
ster had been the defender of the doctrine of National Union. The speech of 
Mr. Webster delivered in the Senate January 21, 1830, in reply to Mr. Hayne 
of South Carolina, in opposition to the doctrine of State rights and in favor of 
National Union, was a lucid and unanswerable argument in support of the propo- 
sition that the Supreme Court of the United States was the final judge of the 
constitutionality of the laws of Congress and that all the people of the United 
States, including State officers and State courts, were bound by those decisions. 
Mr. Webster's speech produced a profound impression at the time of its deliv- 
ery; it was a plain and complete exposition of the powers of the National Gov- 
ernment ; the doctrines of the Kentucky and Virginia resolutions were answered 
fully — finally answered. This great speech became a classic in the literature of 
the country ; schoolboys were familiar with it, the opinions of men were moulded 
by it. When President Lincoln's call for volunteers came, the mass of the people 
in the North felt it to be as much their duty to rally for the defense of the Union 
as to defend their own door sills. 

The issue thus joined between determined men on both sides, with fixed 
and definite opinions as to rights and duties, could be settled only in one way. 
It became a trial of strength, the conflict of opinion in regard to the powers of 
government under the Constitution was submitted to the arbitration of war. 

These questions divided the Democratic party of the North, but those men 
who adhered to and controlled the Democratic organization held to the opinion 
that the National Government possessed no power under the Constitution to 
maintain its authority or to preserve the Union by force. They declared that a 
seceding State could not lawfully be coerced. 

93 



Those who supported the government held that the Constitution formed a 
perpetual Union, that organized resistance to the laws of the United States and 
to the authority of the National Government was rebellion, and that levying war 
against the United States by the people of any State was treason ; and that by 
authority of express provisions of the Constitution rebellion could be suppressed 
and treason punished. 

The secession of States, their organization of a central government; the 
seizure of national property ; the raising and arming of troops ; the denial and 
repudiation of the national authority ; the demand of the surrender of Ft. Sump- 
ter, the bombardment, destruction of the fort and compelling the capitulation of 
the garrison were acts of war. 

The National Government recognized it as war. The Confederate Govern- 
ment recognized it as war. The Democratic party in their platforms recognized 
it as war. And the Republican party recognized it as war. It was war, pro- 
longed, bloody and terrible. The Constitution, recognizing in express terms 
that a rebellion may exist in the United States, gave Congress power to suppress 
rebellion, to declare war, and to raise and support an army and navy. The war 
was carried to a successful issue. The national life was saved. The national 
authority was maintained; slavery was abolished; and as a result the country 
entered upon a new era of republicanism and of progress. The war established 
the legal proposition that the United States is a nation and that the people of 
all the States owe a paramount allegiance to the National Government. 

The lives of the Union soldiers were consecrated to the performance of the 
highest and noblest duty ever devolved upon an army of men. They fought the 
final battle of the centuries, to maintain the proposition that man is capable of 
self-government. They fought for the territorial unity of this great Republic. 

The Confederate cause — disunion and slavery — defended with a courage, 
fortitude and self-sacrifice which arouses admiration, went down forever before 
the irresistible inarch of these veteran soldiers of the Union. 



94 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Action of Democrats During the War — Elections in Illinois, 1862 — 
Democratic National Convention, at Chicago, August 29, 1864. 

Many leading Democrats in Illinois did not endorse the position taken by 
Senator Douglas in regard to the rebellion; their sympathies were with the 
South ; they controlled the organization of the Democratic party and were ready 
on occasion to use it against the national administration. 

Their opportunity soon came. The Legislature of 1859 had submitted to 
the people the question of calling a convention to amend the Constitution ; the 
proposition was carried. A convention of seventy-five delegates was to be 
elected in the legislative districts in November, 1861. The Democrats quietly 
organized for the contest ; the interest of the people at large was centered In the 
more important questions of the war and but little attention was given to the 
selection of candidates ; the Democrats elected 45 members, the Republicans 21 
with 9 fusion and doubtful. The convention met at Springfield January 7, 1862. 
The most prominent Democrats in the convention were Wm. J. Allen, Augustus 
C. French, Melville W. Fuller, S. A. Buckmaster, Albert G. Burr, O. B. Fick- 
lin, Alexander Stearns, A. D. Duff, H. K. Omelveney, J. W. Singleton, Anthony 
Thornton, and J. B. Underwood. 

This convention was called for but one purpose, namely, to prepare amend- 
ments to the State Constitution, but they acted upon the assumption that they 
possessed legislative powers and authority to supervise the executive officers 
of the State Government. 

Upon organizing the convention they declined to take an oath to support 
the Constitution, they seriously considered the question whether they did not 
have authority to elect a United States Senator in place of O. H. Browning. 
They ratified a proposed amendment to the Constitution of the United States, 
denying J:he authority of Congress to interfere with the question of slavery. 
This amendment was submitted to the Legislatures of the States by Congress in 
March, 186-1, as a means of pacifying the Southern States. They called for 
reports from the Governor and other executive officers in regard to executive 
business and proposed to investigate the question whether Illinois soldiers had 
been treated as well as soldiers from other States ; they adopted an ordinance 
appropriating $500,000 from the State Treasury for the relief of sick and wounded 
soldiers. 

They framed a constitution which contained a clause for the election of a 
Governor and other State officers. The plan was to displace Governor Yates and 
is executive officers in the midst of their term. They also prepared an act 
apportioning the State for Congressmen. The Democrats believed that if these 
neasures could be carried before the people, they could control the State for 
'-ears to come. Soldiers in the field were given the right to vote on the Consti- 
tution. John Wentworth, Elliott Anthony, Luther W. Lawrence, A. J. Joslyn 
and all their Republican colleagues earnestly opposed the whole scheme. The 
new Constitution was made a party measure, Republicans opposing and Demo- 
crats advocating its adoption. It is proper to say, however, that some fair- 
minded Democratic delegates refused to vote for the Constitution. Mr. Under- 
wood, a Democrat delegate, utterly declined to sign the instrument. 

The election was held in June, 1862. The people voted upon the issue. 
The Constitution and all the separate clauses were lost. The Constitution was 
defeated by 25,525 votes. The soldiers' vote was 11,838; of these 10,151 voted 
against the Constitution. 

95 



The Democrats were not discouraged by the defeat of the Constitution: 
the party was well organized ; the legislative apportionment was to the advantage 
of their party ; their leaders were at home and could take part in a canvi: r v . -. 
many prominent .Republicans and war Democrats were absent in the army. Thev 
brougnt out their strongest men as candidates for the Legislature, for Cong: - s s 
and for Treasurer: they canvassed the State thoroughly, making the issue of the 
war the burning topic of debate. They carried the" State, elected the State 
Treasurer, a Legislature with 38 Democratic majority on joint ballot and nine 
members of Congress, while the Republicans elected but five. 

The Democratic members of Congress were — James C. Allen, Charles M. 
Harris. John R. Eden. John T. Stewart, Lewis W. Rcfss. A. L. Knapp, Jan; 7 
Robinson. William R. Morrison and William J. Allen. The Republican members 
were — Isaac X. Arnold, John F. P^arnsworth. E. B. Washburne, Owen Lovt 
(who, dying, was succeeded by Eben C. Ingersoll) and Jesse O. X: r: : :: 

The Democratic majority on Congressmen at large was 16.399. This great 
political reaction had occurred in the State of President Lincoln: the Demo- 
crats were thoroughly united, they were intensely aggressive in their oppo^ 
to the war, and violent in their denunciation of the National Administration. 

The position of the Democracy of Illinois was in complete harmony with 
the Democrats of other States. Indiana, New Jersey. New York. Ohio and 
Pennsylvania had all been carried by the Democratic party, while Michigan and 
Wisconsin had been held by the Republicans, by greatly reduced major:: t- 

The Illinois Legislature met January 5, 1863. Lieutenant-Governor Hoff- 
man presided over the Senate. S. A. Buckmaster was elected Speaker of the 
House. The election of a United States Senator to serve out the unexpired term 
of Senator Douglas was one of the first duties of the Legislature. There were 
four Democratic candidates — William A. Richardson, Samuel S. Marshall, 
Richard T. Merrick and William C. Goudy ; these gentlemen addressed a large 
public meeting in the hall of the House on the evening the Legislature con- 
vened. It was a meeting of those opposed to the National Administration : all 
the speakers denounced the war as barbarous, and Lincoln's Emancipation Proc- 
lamation as a usurpation. Resolutions on this line were adopted by the meeting. 

The next day Governor Yates delivered his message to the two houses. It 
was a document of great interest and immense power. He made a full statement 
as to the organization of troops for the Union army in response to the call of 
the President. He also gave a full account of the provision made for the sick 
and wounded soldiers. Although addressing an opposition Legislature, he ably 
iustified the war for the Union ; he approved the Emancipation Proclamation, 
demanded the extirpation of slavery, and insisted, as a patriotic duty, that even- 
citizen should stand by the Government for the preservation of the Union and 
the Constitution. He said, "The secessionists have hoped for success on three 
grounds ; first, upon our supposed inferior valor : second, upon foreign aid, and, 
third, upon a divided North. The two first have failed them. But can I truthfully 
sav that their strongest hopes and main reliance, a divided North, has failed 
them? Should division mark our councils or any considerable portion of our 
people give signs of hesitation, then a shout of exultation will go up throughout 
all the hosts of rebeldom, and bonfires and illuminations be kindled in every 
Southern city, hailing our divisions as the sure harbinger of success. Can we 
consent to send a keen and fatal pang to the heart of every Illinois soldier now 
fighting for his country, by ill-timed party strife at home?" 

This noble and eloquent appeal gladdened the hearts of all loyal men, but 
had no appreciable effect upon the actions of that Democratic Legislature. On 
Januarv 12, Hon. William A. Richardson was elected a Senator of the United 
States in place of Hon. O. H. Browning, appointed during vacation. 

The Civil War being the leading topic of thought and debate, numerous 
resolutions were introduced and referred to committees. In due time the House 
of Representatives passed a series of resolutions declaring against the further 
prosecution of the war and recommending an armistice, the calling of a national 
convention to agree upon terms of peace, and appointing commissioner - 
secure these ends. 

These resolutions went to the Senate. The Commissioners named in the 
sixth resolution, authorized to confer with Congress and aid in securing peace. 

96 



were Stephen T. Logan, Samuel S. Marshall, H. K. Omelveney, William C. 
Goudy, Anthony Thornton and John D. Caton, all Democrats except the first 
named. 

The Democratic plan was to pass the resolutions and take a recess from 
February 14 to June 2, 1863, to await the result of the action of the Commission- 
ers. A long debate ensued. Democratic speakers were vehement in denunciation 
of the Republican party, of the President and the war ; intense excitement pre- 
vailed. Republican Senators, though few in number, made a gallant stand for 
the right. It was during this conflict of passion and oratory that Senator Funk 
of McLean County got the floor and delivered the speech that made him famous. 
His entry into the arena was not only a surprise to the Democracy, but was more 
than a re-enforcement to the Republican side. He simply took the fight off 
of all his colleagues' hands ; his was not a defensive battle, but one of assault. 
It was the assault of a giant. He put the whole Democratic phalanx to flight. 
(See biography of Lafayette Funk.) 

The resolutions were adopted and the Legislature on February 14 took a 
recess to June 2, 1863. 

The Legislature met pursuant to adjournment. The Governor and his ad- 
visers decided it was wholly improbable that any beneficial legislation for the 
soldiers in field or for the State at large could be expected from this revolutionary 
and disloyal body, and favored an early adjournment. On June 4, Senator Bush- 
nell introduced a joint resolution to adjourn sine die on June 10; on the 8th 
the resolution was taken up and amended to adjourn at "six o'clock this day," 
and passed the Senate ; this resolution passed the House with an amendment 
fixing the date of adjournment for June 22 ; the Senate refused to concur. 

On the morning of June 10, Governor Yates sent a message to the Legis- 
lature reciting the disagreeing votes and the constitutional authority of the Gov- 
ernor in such an event to adjourn the Legislature, stating that he adjourned 
"the General Assembly now in session to the Saturday next preceding the first 
Monday in January, A. D. 1865." 

A few members attempted to resist the action of Governor Yates by con- 
tinuing to meet, but without a quorum ; finally on June 24, the Governor having 
declined to recognize the actions of the body, they adjourned to Tuesday after 
the first Monday in January, 1864. It is proper to state that the Supreme Court 
sustained the action of Governor Yates in proroguing the Legislature. Thus 
passed out of existence an Illinois Legislature controlled by a body of men whose 
resolutions and speeches gave encouragement to the rebellion, and who did not 
utter a word in favor of suppressing the rebellion, and saving- the Union by 
force of arms. 

The managers of the Democratic party did not propose to rest upon their 
victory at the poll of November, 1862 ; they planned a campaign of education for 
1863. In addition to numerous public meetings held throughout the State, their 
State Central Committee called a mass convention of all those who opposed Lin- 
coln's administration, to meet at Springfield June 17, 1863. This meeting proved 
to be the largest political gathering ever brought together in the State prior to 
that date ; at least 40,000 persons were present. United States Senator William 
A. Richardson was the presiding officer ; he was supported by about fifty Vice- 
Presidents composed of the most distinguished Democrats in the State, consisting 
of ex-members of Congress and of the Legislature, members of Congress and 
prominent lawyers, doctors and business men. It was a great outdoor meeting. 
A number of stands were erected for the speakers. 

The principal speakers of the State were Senator Richardson, Judge S. S. 
Marshall, Congressmen Robinson, Eden and J. C. Allen ; T. E. Merritt, William 
M. Springer and ex-Governor John Reynolds. Hon. D. W. Voorhees of Indiana 
and Hon. S. S. Cox of Ohio were present and addressed the convention. The 
National and State Governments were denounced in unmeasured terms. The* 
Governor was stigmatized as a usurper for proroguing the Legislature. 

They adopted a long series of resolutions arraigning and denouncing every 
act of the State and nation for suppressing the rebellion and maintaining the 
authority of the Government. The arrest, trial and conviction of C. L. Valland- 
ingham for violating an order of General Burnside against disloyal acts and put- 
ting Mr. Vallandingham beyond the Union military lines into the Confederacy, 

97 



was severely denounced and a demand made for permission for his return. Fol- 
lowing is the 23d resolution: 

"Resolved, That the further offensive prosecution of this war tends to sub- 
vert the Constitution and Government, and entail upon this nation all the dis- 
astrous consequences of misrule and anarchy. That we are in favor of peace 
upon the basis of the restoration of the Union, and for the accomplishment of 
which we propose a National Convention to settle upon terms of peace, which 
shall have in view the restoration of the Union as it was, and the securing by 
constitutional amendments such rights to the several States and the people there- 
of as honor and justice demand." 

The 24th resolution denied that the Democratic party was wanting in sym- 
pathy for the soldiers in the field and earnestly requested'the President to with- 
draw the Proclamation of Emancipation and permit the brave sons of Illinois to 
fight only for the "Union, the Constitution and the enforcement of the laws.'' 

To signalize their friendship for the soldiers in the field as distinguished from 
the cause for which they fought, before the convention adjourned, a subscription 
was taken up to be used for the relief of sick and wounded Illinois soldiers, and 
Col. Wm. R. Morrison was appointed to superintend its distribution. Thev 
raised by subscription and pledges $47,000. 

While this great meeting was in session and its orators were denouncing 
the Government, and its committee preparing its resolutions, General Grant 
with his splendid army besieging Yicksburg, was conducting one of the greatest 
campaigns of the war, and which opened the Mississippi River so it ran unvexed 
to the sea ; and General Meade was moving the Army of the Potomac into 
Pennsylvania, where two weeks later he met the invading forces of the Confed- 
eracy and fought the greatest battle of the war, sending Lee's army broken and 
scattered across the Potomac, never to invade the North again. 

Yet professing love for the soldiers, and contributing some money and 
pledging more for their relief, the Democratic convention had not a word to say 
in favor of the cause for which these brave men were fighting, nor did they 
express a hope or a desire that they should be successful. The meeting was 
designed to embarrass the administration, to build up a public opinion against 
the war and to discourage its prosecution. Such a meeting, conducted by many 
of the most distinguished Democrats in the United States, gave great encour- 
agement to the rebel leaders to continue the desperate and hopeless struggle for 
dissolving the Union. 

But opposition to the war did not stop simply at holding public meetings 
and delivering denunciatory addresses ; a formidable, disloyal secret organization 
was enlisted, known as the Knights of the Golden Circle ; its officers were given 
military titles, it was an oath-bound society with three degrees ; its doctrines 
were identical with those of the secession leaders ; its members were sworn to 
defend by force of arms the principles they espoused and to implicitly obey all 
rightful commands of the constituted authorities of the order. Their aims 
were to discourage enlistments, encourage desertion from the' Union army and 
protect deserters, resist any proposed draft, and circulate disloyal documents. 
C. L. Yallandingham of Ohio was the recognized head of the order. This organ- 
ization spread over a number of States ; in 1864 its membership was said to be 
300,000, of which 85,000 were in Illinois. 

In a number of counties these organizations were so formidable and their 
opposition to the war was so open that many conflicts occurred between them 
and loyal citizens and returned soldiers. It became necessary to station United 
States troops in some of the counties to break up their camps and to overawe 
these disloyal men. 

The Confederate Government had great confidence in receiving substantial 
aid from this organization. 

Jacob Thompson, late Secretary of the Interior under President Buchanan, 
C. C. Clay and J. P. Holcome established themselves at Windsor, Canada, as a 
commission representing the Southern Confederacy ; they were visited by Yal- 
landingham and other prominent Democrats, and were led to believe that it was 
feasible for the State Governments of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois to be seized 
through the co-operation of this secret society and a Northwestern Confederacy 
formed. 

98 . . 



Mr. Thompson's correspondence with Mason and Slidell, Confederate Com- 
missioners abroad, disclosed the whole scheme, and according to his statement 
the great Democratic peace meetings held in those States were a part of the 
programme to feel the public pulse upon the subject of the war, and to arouse 
the people against its further prosecution. 

Encouraged by the disloyal leaders, Mr. Thompson and his assistants laid 
a plan to release the 27,000 rebel prisoners held at Chicago, Springfield, Alton 
and Rock Island. Much time and money were spent in making the arrange- 
ments; several dates were fixed for executing the plan, but an increase of the 
guard at Chicago and the timidity of the Knights at being drawn into an open 
act of treason resulted in a complete miscarriage of these well-laid schemes. 

The opposition of many leading Democrats in Illinois to the prosecution 
of war became so open and flagrant that several of them were arrested and con- 
fined in the old capitol prison at Washington, but the most notable person 
arrested was Clement L. Vallandingham of Ohio. He was the recognized leader 
of Ohio Democracy and was the most active and violent man in the North in 
opposing the war. 

On May 1, 1863, Mr. Vallandingham delivered a violent disloyal speech ar 
a public meeting at Mt. Vernon, Ohio, he was arrested May 4, charged with 
violating the following order issued April 13, 1863, by Gen. Burnside from head- 
quarters, Cincinnati, Ohio : "All persons found within our lines who commit 
acts for the benefit of the enemies of our country will be tried as spies or traitors, 
and if convicted will suffer death. The habit of declaring sympathy for the enemy 
will not be allowed in this department. Persons committing such offense will be 
at once arrested, with a view of being tried, as above stated, or sent beyond our 
lines into the lines of their friends. It must be distinctly understood that treason, 
expressed or implied, will not be tolerated in this department." 

Mr. Vallandingham was tried by a Court Martial, convicted, and sentenced 
to imprisonment. On May 5, before the trial began, Judge Leavitt of the Circuit 
Court of the United States, an appointee of President Jackson, declined to issue 
a writ of habeas corpus to release Mr. Vallandingham from arrest. President 
Lincoln, however, after the trial and conviction of Mr. Vallandingham, commuted 
the sentence to sending him beyond our military lines into the Confederacy, 
which was done about May 20th. This action caused a lengthy correspondence 
between certain leading Democrats of New York, and also a committee of the 
Democratic State Convention of Ohio, with President Lincoln. The friends of 
Mr. Vallandingham insisted that the proceedings against him were in violation of 
the Constitution and demanded that the order of banishment be revoked. 

Mr. Lincoln replied to both of these communications claiming the power to 
suspend the writ of habeas corpus "when in cases of rebellion or invasion, the 
public safety may require." He said: "Mr. Vallandingham avows his hostility 
to the war on the part of the Union; and his arrest was made because he was 
laboring with some effect to prevent the raising of troops ; to encourage deser- 
tions from the army and to leave the rebellion without any adequate military 
force to suppress it." He added : "Long experience has shown that armies can- 
not be maintained unless desertion shall be punished by the severe penalty of 
death. The case requires it, the law and the Constitution sanction this punish- 
ment. Must I shoot a simple-minded soldier boy who deserts, while I must not 
touch a hair of a wily agitator who induces him to desert ? This is none the less 
injurious when effected by getting a father, a brother, or friend, into a public 
meeting, and there working upon his feelings, till he is persuaded to write the 
soldier boy that he is fighting in a bad cause, for a wicked Administration of a 
contemptible Government, too weak to arrest and punish him if he desert. I 
think, that in such a case, to silence the agitator and save the boy is not only 
Constitutional, but withal a great mercy." 

In his letter to the Ohio delegation the President said : "You claim that men 
may, if they choose, embarrass those whose duty it is to combat a giant rebellion 
and then be dealt with only in turn as if there were no rebellion. We all know 
that combinations, armed in some instances to resist the arrest of deserters, be- 
gan several months ago ; that more recently the like has appeared in resistance to 
the enrollment preparatory to a draft ; and that quite a number of assassinations 
have occurred from the same animus. These had to be met bv militarv force, and 



LofC. 



99 



this again has led to bloodshed and death. And now, under a sense of responsi- 
bility more weighty and enduring than any which is merely official. I solemnly 
declare my belief that this hindrance of the military, including maiming and 
murder, is due to the course in which Mr. Yallandingham has been engaged, in 
a greater degree than to any other cause; and it is due to him personally in a 
greater degree than to any other man." 

In his letter of June 29th. 1863. the President proposed to the Ohio Com- 
mittee to revoke the order against Mr. Yallandingham without exacting any 
promise from him. if the Committee would agree to the following propositions : 
ist, That there is now a rebellion in the United States, the object andtendency 
of which is to destroy the National Union, and that in your opinion, an army and 
navy are Constitutional means for suppressing that rebellion. 

2nd, That no one of you will do anything which, in your own judgment, will 
tend to hinder the increase or favor the decrease or lessen the efficiency of the 
army and navy, while engaged in the effort to suppress that rebellion, and 

3rd, That each of you will, in his sphere, do all he can to have the officers, 
soldiers and seamen of the army and navy, while engaged in the effort to sup^r ; s 
the rebellion, paid, fed. clad, and otherwise well provided for and supported. This 
the Committee, consisting of nineteen prominent Ohio Democrats, including^ 
George H. Pendleton, declined to do. and so the order was not revoked. 

Mr. Yallandingham ran the blockade at Wilmington. X. C. went to Canada, 
and on June 15, 1863, appeared before the Democratic State Convention at Ham- 
ilton, Ohio, and was nominated as their candidate for Governor. The President 
decided not to cause his arrest, except for some additional overt act. 

The election occurred and John Brough. the Republican candidate, was 
elected Governor by a majority of 101,099. The majority of the soldier vote for 
Governor Brough was 39.179. 

Mr. Yallandingham was regarded by the leading Democrats of the country 
as the great Democratic martyr : he was accepted everywhere as the Democratic 
anti-war oracle. 

In considering Democratic opposition to the war for the Union it is a re- 
markable fact that while in their party- platforms they professed to desire the re- 
storation of the Union, in no Democratic convention. County, State or National. 
held from 1861 to 1865, did they ever pass a resolution in favor of preserving the 
Union by force of arms. Their opposition to the overthrow of the rebellion by 
force became more and more intense as the Union armies were more and more 
successful. The year 1863 was one of great Union successes ; it witnessed the 
capture of Yicksburg, with its garrison of 35.000 soldiers ; the capture of Port 
Hudson and the opening of the Mississippi River : the battles of Gettysburg and 
Missionary Ridge were won that year. The great Confederate armies had been 
steadily forced back. 

Gen. Grant had been placed in command of all the armies and it was obvious 
to all fair minded men that the Confederate power was waning. . But Democratic 
leaders saw no gleam of hope for the Union growing out of these great vi :: : rirs : 
their opposition to the suppression of the rebellion by force was unabated. 

The country at large recognized the fact that the campaign of 1864 would be 
memorable in the history of the world. Great preparations were made by the 
National Government for a mighty effort to bring the war to a successful con- 
clusion. 

Gen. Grant planned for a combined campaign by land and sea to begin in 
May. 1864. The Navy consisted of 510 vessels with 6.000 officers. 45.000 men 
and 3.249 guns. The Army in the field consisted of 802 regiments of infantry, 
148 regiments of cavalry. 249 batteries of artillery and 402.502 officers and men 
present for duty-. 

On May 5th the great campaign opened. Grant's objective was Lee's army 
in Yirginia. Sherman's objective was Jos. E. Johnson's army in Northern 
Georgia. Banks and Farraofuts objective was Mobile, and the objective of every 
Union commander was the Confederate forces in his front. 

Grant. Lee. Sherman and Johnson were the great field marshals of the 
Civil War ; the destiny of this country was in their hands in 1864. The campaign 
of that year between the armies led by these men challenged the attention of the 
world : great battles were fought and for months the Union forces steadily moved 

:■: : 



forward, pushing the Confederate forces back; in August, Lee had been driven 
from the wilderness into Richmond and Petersburg, and Johnson losing battle 
after battle, and unable to resist the advance of Sherman's- veteran army, had 
been relieved by President Davis. Hood had been placed in command and was 
besieged in Atlanta. 

On August 29, 1864, when these great military operations were proceeding, 
the National Democratic Convention met in Chicago to nominate candidates for 
President and Vice-President. 

An immense throng of Democrats visited the city to witness the proceedings. 
A great outdoor public meeting was held. Many prominent speakers were 
present, but Mr. Vallandingham was the idol of the hour ; his speech denouncing 
President Lincoln and the wan aroused immense enthusiasm. 

It happened that persons on the stand observed John Wentworth in the 
crowd of listeners ; he was invited to come forward and address the meeting ; the 
vast audience hearing the name shouted for Wentworth. 

Mr. Wentworth pushed his way to the stand and was introduced to the 
immense meeting. His great height, his massave frame and his impressive face 
excited great enthusiasm ; he was greeted with thunders of applause, but he had 
scarcely entered upon his speech when all was changed. Mr. Wentworth was 
loyal to the Union. Every effort was made to hoot him down, but he was not 
the man to be put down ; at last he was permitted to go on. He said : 

"I am pleased with the opportunity which your call affords me to lay my 
own views of public policy and public affairs before you, and in so doing I trust 
I shall not be deemed an intruder, for I would not thrust myself before you, or 
press my views upon unwilling ears. It has long been a part of my political 
ethics that the true method of discussing public affairs was for the pros and 
cons to go together before the people. In every public address for the past 
years of my life I have enforced the correctness of this understanding. I, there- 
fore, request the attention of all, for I am no party man. I am chained to the 
partisan car of no class, no interest, no organization ; to my country — to my 
country alone do I- owe fealty and render homage. I love that country. It 
nurtured me in my youth. It honored me in my manhood and now when I am 
past the meridian of life I love to respond to any call to plead in her behalf. As 
we cast our eyes over the land and witness the tears that everywhere prevail 
and the dangers that now environ the Republic, the heart of the patriot sinks 
with doubt and dread. War with all its dread calamities following in its train 
is convulsing the Nation. The art of arms has succeeded the pursuits of peace 
and nearly a million of men confront each other in battle array. Amid the hor- 
rors of war we naturally look and long for peace. The fathers and mothers of 
Chicago, whose sons are braving the hazards of battle and perils of disease, long 
for peace. The wives of Illinois, whose husbands have perished and are per- 
ishing in the terrible struggle, send up their daily prayers for the cessation of 
the strife. My one word and hope is for peace. My regret when the mad- 
dened traitors of South Carolina fired upon the National ensign and forced the 
Federal authority into a conflict was not more keen and poignant than my joy 
will be deep and sweet when they lay down their arms and cease the warfare 
they so wickedly, foolishly and devilishly inaugurated. This is the peace for 
which we hope, r for which we pray and for which we fight. This struggle is 
like every conflict that has ever existed since time began. If we would have a 
termination of the struggle we must conquer. The road to victory is the road 
to peace. It is to this alternative that we are driven — a shameful surrender or a 
certain triumphant lasting victory, and consequently peace. 

"I have listened with great interest to the eloquent and well considered re- 
marks of that peculiarly Democratic champion who has just addressed you 
from the stand. I have heard him bewail in feeling, touching terms the existence 
and continuance of this 'accursed war.' In terms of indignation, he has invoked 
against the Federal Administration for the part it has had to act in the bloody 
drama. But while he was thus deprecating war and violence, I listened in vain 
for one single breath of censure, one word of reproof from his lips for those who 
first madly unchained the ugly demon and let loose the storm of deadly hate. 
Why was not the vials of his wrath poured upon the head of the infamous Beau- 

101 



regard and the insurgent government at Montgomery, who basely trained 
their cannon upon a citadel floating the National Flag and shed the first blood 
in this fraternal fight? Not a Federal gun had been fired, not an act of hos- 
tility committed, when the rebellious chief acting as Secretary of War for the 
rebel government telegraphed the fatal order, 'open fire upon Fort Sumpter.' 
Thus the strife began. But this denunciator of war, this deprecator of strife, this 
messenger of peace, in his speech, running very near an hour and one-half, had 
not one word of denunciation and reproof for those who, before God and man, 
are guilty of its commencement. Why this omission? W T hy this studied silence 
on the part of Mr. Vallandingham ? W r hy are his invectives directed solely to 
the government which when assailed only then attacked? Does Mr. Valland- 
ingham wish to be understood that the act of the traitors in opening the strife 
is not worthy of censure, while the act of the government in opposing force with 
force is entitled to an hour's intemperate denunciation ? I draw no uncharitable 
inferences myself. I arraign not the purity or interest of his motives, but I 
submit that these things are worthy of remembrance. If you, my friend, are 
quietly marching along the street and are brutally assaulted and fight back as 
becomes a man, would you not say to the man who denounces you for striking 
back, but had no words of censure for your assailant, would you not say to 
him, I ask, 'that he was your enemy and would have tossed up his hat at your 
defeat?' Nor would the inference be unjust. My peace friends, if the Repub- 
licans should assail your gathering here to-night and fire on your assemblage, 
would you be responsible for the fight that would ensue and how would you 
obtain peace, by vacating the square or enforcing respect for law? But Mr. Val- 
landingham tells us to expect peace, to stop fighting and negotiate for a re- 
construction. Sir, we want no 'reconstruction.' The old Constitution — the 
Union as it was and Constitution as it is and the construction of Washington, 
Jefferson and Madison is all we desire. Under that government we lived and 
prospered and were happy. Under it the West grew up and expanded; and 
under it Chicago rose up to be the pride of the Northwest and glory of the con- 
tinent ; and when a man talks to me about reconstruction or prates about a new 
Union, I mark him as an enemy of my country and robber of my children. 

"The old Union with its glorious memories, its unfulfilled hopes, its history 
blazing upon every page with words and deeds of deathless glory, all bind me 
to the old Union and cause me to abhor the name of 'reconstruction.' I would 
say to the gentleman from Ohio and those who think with him, 'in God's name 
say no more about reconstruction.' But sinking every other consideration, for- 
getting all other motives, moved by no other impulse, let your zeal, your efforts 
and your energies all be directed to the maintenance of the old construction that 
is hallowed by the memory of Washington, the glorious history of our revolu- 
tionary struggle, and dearer by far is it to us and our children than any new- 
fangled combination that can be hatched up in convention. • It is rarely that 
any good comes out of a convention and the proposed convention of the States, 
both rebel and loyal, is the most unpromising of the entire brood. If we want 
peace, then let us conquer. If the South wants peace, let them lay down their 
arms and cease war; then we will be willing to deal with them justly and gen- 
erously; then will I try to forget the rivers of Northern blood that they have 
shed in their unholy struggle for slavery ; then will I try to forget the thousands 
they have slain, the moans of the bereaved, the hopes they have crushed and 
hearts they have broken. But while an arm wields a sabre, while the Con- 
stitution is defied and the laws laughed to scorn, I will uphold the authority 
whose solemn oath was that the Constitution should be preserved and the laws 
maintained. 

"But Vallandingham told you that the Government could never be held to- 
gether by coercive force, that power brought to apply upon the unruly could 
never reduce them to obedience. Was there ever a greater heresy uttered by 
the mouth of man? No coercion! Why, gentlemen, the coercive power of 
government is the only safety and salvation to society. No government, no 
community can exist an hour without it. It was the weakness of the articles 
of the old confederation that they conferred no coercive power, and the states- 
men of that day saw the pressing necessity of the new constitution. Take today 

102 



from municipal and governmental organization the power of coercion and society 
goes at once into anarchy and chaos. The weak would become the modern 
prey of the strong and might would indeed become right. I have been told that 
there are those who would disturb the quiet of the gathering in this city; but 
the authorities of the city coerce them into respect for law. Surely you should 
not denounce coercion. That glorious old wheel-horse of Democracy, General 
Jackson, from whose lips I inhaled the pure inspiration of Democracy and at 
whose feet I received the first lessons of political and governmental duty, was 
gloriously free from this modern heresy. His celebrated proclamation against 
the nullifiers in which 'coercion' gleamed and glistened in every line will give 
him a name and immortality in history when the maligners and denunciators of 
his policy shall have been forgotten. I therefore stand for General Jackson and 
against Vallandingham. Will you stand for Vallandingham and against Gen- 
eral Jackson? 

"But I will not press the matter further. The attention you have given 
me fills me with gratitude and leads me to hope that the canvass will not be 
marked by such bigotry and intolerance as usually attend a political campaign. 
Our interests are one, our hopes are identical. Let us, therefore, meet and dis- 
cuss this matter in a spirit of fraternal love and good will flow from the inter- 
change of opinion and together we will reap the rich harvest of wealth and 
glory that awaits our country. As the children of a common destiny the path- 
way of our progress should be marked by no shameful bickerings, no jarrings, 
no discord. Differ we may, differ we must, but the difference may be honest 
and the association not unfriendly ; but arm in arm, two by two, let us push on 
in the race of civilization and progress and reach the summit of greatness and 
glory; a proud example of a free, enlightened and tolerant people who love 
union, liberty and law; who, when their country was assailed, defended it and 
when treason reared its bloody banner, beat it back and handed down to pos- 
terity the rich legacy of their fathers." 

The Democratic Convention of 1864 was a notable event. Many distinguished 
men were delegates. In the New York delegation were Governor Seymour, 
Samuel J. Tilden, Dean Richmond, Sanford S. Church and ex-Governor Wash- 
ington Hunt ; from Massachusetts, Josiah G. Abbott and George Lunt ; from 
Pennsylvania, ex-Governor Bigler and William Wallace, afterwards U. S. Sen- 
ator ; Joseph E. McDonald from Indiana ; Governor Powell, James Guthrie and 
ex-Governor Wyckliffe from Kentucky ; William Allen, Allen G. Thurman, 
George H. Pendleton and Clement L. Vallandingham from Ohio ; S. S. Marshall, 
John D. Caton, O. B. Ficklin, Melville W. Fuller, John M. Douglas, Augustus M. 
Herrington from Illinois. 

Mr. Vallandingham was the most forceful character, in fact the central fig- 
ure, of the Convention. 

August Belmont of New York, the great banker, Chairman of the Demo- 
cratic National Committee, called the Convention to order ; his violent and de- 
nunciatory speech indicated the temper of the Convention, and was a suitable in- 
troduction to its unpatriotic proceedings. He declared that "four years of mis- 
rule by a sectional, fanatical and corrupt party have brought our country to the 
very verge of ruin. * * * The past and present are sufficient warnings of the 
disastrous consequences which would befall us if Mr. Lincoln's re-election should 
be made possible by our want of patriotism and unity. * * * The inevitable 
results of such a calamity must be the utter disintegration of our whole political 
and social system amid bloodshed and anarchy, with the great problems of 
liberal progress and self-government jeopardized for generations to come." 

Governor Horatio Seymour was chosen President of the Convention. Val- 
landingham was a member of the Committee on Resolutions and controlled its 
action. The following resolution gave full expression to the true sentiments of 
the Convention and was written by Mr. Vallandingham : 

"Resolved, That this convention does explicitly declare, as the sense of the 
American people, that, after four years of failure to restore the Union by the ex- 
periment of war, during which, under the pretense of a military necessity of a 
war power higher than the Constitution, the Constitution itself has been disre- 
garded in every part, and public liberty and private right alike trodden down, and 

103 



the material prosperity of the country essentially impaired; justice, humanity, 
liberty, and the public welfare demand that immediate efforts be made for a 
cessation of hostilities, with a view to an ultimate convention of all the States, 
or other peaceable means, to the end that at the earliest practicable moment 
peace may be restored on the basis of the federal union of all the States." 

The policy of a majority of the Convention was to nominate a soldier as 
their candidate for President ; Gen. McClellan was a Democrat, and had a griev- 
ance ; he had been relieved from the command of the Army of the Potomac ; his 
name was brought before the Convention ; it soon became, manifest that he had 
strong opposition. Mr. Harris of Maryland and Congressman Long of Ohio 
opposed his nomination ; they declared that "all the charges of usurpation and 
tyranny that can be brought against Lincoln and Butler can be made and sub- 
stantiated against McClellan. 

"He is the assassin of State rights, the usurper of liberty, and if nominated 
will be beaten everywhere, as he was at Antietam." 

This debate continued into the night; the Convention adjourned. 

The next day a vote was taken and Gen. McClellan was nominated for Presi- 
dent ; George H. Pendleton of Ohio was nominated for Vice-President. 

The platform of the party aroused great indignation throughout the country 
amongst loyal people. 

Gen. McClellan accepted the nomination, but disagreed with the platform ; 
in his letter of acceptance he said : "The re-establishment of the Union in all 
its integrity is and must continue to be the indispensable condition of any settle- 
ment." 

The country accepted the platform instead of the letter of acceptance, as an 
expression of the opinion of the Democratic party. The people believed that if 
Gen. McClellan was elected President by the party that made the platform, his 
administration would necessarily reflect their opinions. 

There was not a word uttered by any of the speakers, nor a syllable in any 
of their resolutions expressing a wish that the Union army should prevail against 
the rebellion. The whole intent and scope of the proceedings was to arraign 
the Government for its efforts to prevent the dismemberment and overthrow of 
ihe Republic. 

The Southern Democracy held that the States had the Constitutional right 
to secede from the Union. 

The Northern Democracy held that the United States Government had no 
power under the Constitution to use force to save the Union. 

It must be understood that in speaking of the Democratic organization it 
is not the intention to include those Democrats who were loyal to the Union and 
favored the suppression of the Rebellion ; hundreds of thousands of Democrats — 
men who voted against Mr. Lincoln for the Presidency in i860 — were the most 
ardent supporters of the war ; it is altogether probable that, at least one-half of the 
Union army was composed of men who had voted the Democratic ticket; take 
Southern Illinois as an illustration, the 28 counties lying along and south of the 
Ohio and Mississippi Railroad gave Mr. Lincoln only 15,199 votes in i860, but 
they furnished 40,839 soldiers for the Union army. The Counties of Alexander, 
Massac, Pope, Johnson, Union, Saline, Hardin and Hamilton gave Mr. Lincoln 
860 votes, but they sent 9,748 soldiers to the army. 

These men were not substitutes, nor were they drafted men, they were vol- 
unteers who enlisted because they were in favor of preserving the Union, and 
because they knew that the hour for compromise had passed; the only way to 
save the Union was to suppress the rebellion by force of arms. 

Nearly all the regiments to which these volunteers belonged became veteran 
regiments and were in the field to the close of the war. 

When these veteran soldiers came home from the war they found the Demo- 
cratic organization controlled by rebel sympathizers ; they were not in harmony 
with their old party, and with rare exceptions those men affiliated with the Repub- 
lican party, and they and their boys have voted the Republican ticket ever since. 



104 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Union State Convention, Springfield, May 25, 1864 — Democratic State 
Convention, Springfield, June 15, 1864 — Radical Convention, Cleve- 
land, O., May 31, 1864 — Union National Convention, Baltimore, 
June 7, 1864 — Richard J. Oglesby Elected Governor of Illinois. 

Under a call issued for the Union party including Republicans and all others 
who were "unconditionally in favor of maintaining the supremacy of the Con- 
stitution of the United States, of the full, final and complete suppression and 
overthrow of the existing rebellion," a State Convention met at Springfield May 
25, 1864, for the purpose of nominating candidates for State offices, and for 
presidential electors, also to select delegates to the National Convention to nom- 
inate candidates for President and Vice-President. 

Major Andrew J. Kuykendall, a war Democrat from Johnson County, was 
selected to preside ; he was a Senator when the war broke out, and ardently 
espoused the Union cause ; he was appointed Major of the 31st Illinois Volunteers 
and was now the Union candidate for Congress in the Cairo district. 

There were four able men candidates for Governor. On the first ballot the 
vote was : Richard J. Oglesby 283, Allen C. Fuller 220, Jesse K. Dubois 103 and 
John M. Palmer 75. On the second ballot Oglesby secured 358 votes, being a 
majority; the nomination was made unanimous. The ticket nominated was as 
follows : For Governor, Richard J. Oglesby ; Lieutenant Governor, William 
Bross; Secretary of State, Sharon Tyndale ; Auditor, Orlin H. Miner; Treasurer, 
James H. Beveridge ; Superintendent of Public Instruction, Newton Bateman ; 
Congressman at Large, Samuel W. Moulton. 

The resolutions reported by the Committee were not satisfactory to the Con- 
vention ; they reflected the opinions of a few members who were favorable to the 
movement led by Secretary Chase and Gen. Fremont against the renomination 
of Mr. Lincoln. On motion of Hon. Burton C. Cook these resolutions were re- 
committed to a new Committee. The new platform declared that the first and 
most sacred duty of every citizen is to sustain the Government and preserve the 
Union ; that human slavery being the cause of the rebellion, should be extirpated ; 
the resolutions endorsed Governor Yates' administration ; thanked the soldiers 
for their heroic services ; expressed pride in President Lincoln, endorsed his ad- 
ministration and declared "that we deem his re-election to be demanded by the 
best interests of the country, and that our delegates to Baltimore are hereby 
instructed to use all honorable means to secure his renomination, and to vote as a 
unit on all questions which may arise in that Convention." 

The delegates to the National Convention were, at large : Burton C. Cook, 
Leonard Swett, Dr. J. A. Powell, Augustus II. Burley, Henry Dunimer, John 
Huegly. 1st district, J. Young Scammon, Lorenzo Brentano ; 2nd, George 
Bangs, E. P. Terry; 3rd, J. Wilson Shopper, James McCoy; 4th, Harrison 
Dills, Solon Boroughs ; 5th, Henry F. Royce, Clark E. Carr ; 6th, Joseph L. 
Braden, Washington Bushnell ; 7th, Geo. W. Rives, Dr. James Cone ; 8th, R. K. 
Fell, James Brown; 9th, William A. Grimshaw, W. B. Green; 10th, Isaac L. 
Morrison, J. T. Alexander; nth, William H. Robinson, Dr. T. H. Sams; 12th, 
John Thomas, William Copp ; 13th, F. L. Rhodes, Morris P. Brown. 

The action of the Convention was received with great enthusiasm through- 
cut the State. 

The Democratic State Convention met at Springfield June 15. William A. 
Hacker was made President. No platform was adopted, but a resolution pledg- 
ing the Democracy to stand by Vallandingham was adopted with great enthu- 
siasm and excitement. No nominations for State officers were made ; delegates 

105 



were appointed to the Democratic National Convention and Presidential electors 
chosen. 

The action of this Convention did not satisfy the party. A mass meeting was 
held at Peoria, August 3 ; Gen. J. W. Singleton presided. The temper of the 
meeting can be judged by the resolutions adopted. 

They declared against coercion and the subjugation of sovereign States ; that 
the war as a means of restoring the Union had proved a failure and a delusion, 
and "that the repeal and revocation of all unconstitutional edicts and pretended 
laws, an armistice, and a National Convention, for the peaceful adjustment of 
our troubles, are the only means of saving our Nation from unlimited calamities 
and ruin." 

Still another mass convention was held of the Democratic party at Spring- 
held. August 18. 1864. Two stands were occupied by speakers. The principal 
speakers were Henry Clay Dean of Iowa. William Corry of Ohio. William J. 
Allen, William M. Springer. C. L. Higby and H. M. Yandeveer. The proceed- 
ings of both stands were characterized by great excitement., confusion, and gross 
personalities upon the issue of an unconditional endorsement of the Democratic 
nominee for President. 

Peace resolutions similar to those adopted June 17, 1863. were passed by 
both meetings. The Convention for nominating a State ticket was held Septem- 
ber 6 at Springfield. The nominees were: For Governor. James C. Robinson; 
Lieutenant Governor. S. Corning Judd : Auditor, John Hise. State Treasurer, 
Alexander Starne ; Secretary of State. William A. Turney ; Superintendent of 
Public Instruction. John P. Brooks: Congressman at Large. James C. Allen. 

Robinson and Allen were at the time members of Congress ; they were ar- 
dent peace Democrats, having voted with Mr. Pendleton in favor of all proposi- 
tions for securing peace by compromise. 

It is proper to state that no war Democrat was nominated on the ticket 
named at this mass convention. 

Many so-called radical men were opposed to the re-election of Abraham 
Lincoln as President. The great complaint made against his administration was 
that it was not radical enough in its measures against the rebellion. Salmon P. 
Chase. Secretary of the Treasury, was an avowed candidate, as was Gen. Fre- 
mont ; they both encouraged a movement against the nomination of Mr. Lin- 
coln. There was no organized opposition to Mr. Lincoln outside of the Demo- 
cratic party, but those who claimed to be radical Republicans made an effort to 
arouse Union men everywhere against his election. 

This movement was started by a circular letter issued by Senator Pomeroy 
of Kansas and others in which they set forth their reasons for favoring a new 
man for President. A call addressed to the people of the United States for a con- 
vention to meet at Cleveland. Ohio. May 31st. 1864. was issued by B. Gratz 
Brown oi Missouri. Stephen S. Poster of Massachusetts. A.-Van Antwerp of 
New York. Bird B. Chapman of Ohio. Ezra C. Andrews of Maine, and some 
forty other prominent men. This movement was endorsed by "A call to the 
radical men oi the Nation." signed by a committee of rive, headed by David 
Plumb, and was endorsed by George B. Cheever of New York and fifty-five 
others. An address "To the People" was also issued by Lucius Robinson, Gen. 
John Cochrane and thirty-eight others, calling upon the people to attend the 
Cleveland convention. 

In an earnest letter criticizing Lincoln's administration. Wendell Phillips 
opposed the renomination of Abraham Lincoln and endorsed the holding of the 
Cleveland convention. 

The great complaint made by these men against Lincoln's administration 
was that it was not radical enough in its measures against the rebellion. 

This Mass Convention met : Gen. Cochrane was selected as chairman. Gen. 
John C. Fremont was nominated for President and Gen. John Cochrane for Yice- 
President. 

On June 4th Generals Fremont and Cochrane accepted the nominations oi 
the Cleveland convention, but after the nomination of Lincoln and Johnson. 
Gen. Fremont recognized the futility of his candidacy and withdrew, recom- 
mending that his followers support the Union ticket. 

106 



A call was issued by Edward D. Morgan, Chairman, February 22, 1864, for 
the Union National Convention to meet at Baltimore, June 7, 1864. Thirty States 
were represented, including Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky and West 
Virginia. Robert J. Breckenridge of Kentucky was temporary Chairman ; he 
delivered an able and patriotic speech. 

William Dennison of Ohio was made permanent Chairman. 

Illinois was represented by a full delegation, of which Hon. Burton C. Cook 
was the acknowledged leader. 

The platform, adopted with great enthusiasm, consisted of eleven resolu- 
tions ; the most important features were the following: 1st, Resolved, that it is 
the highest duty of every American citizen to maintain against all their enemies 
the integrity of the Union, and the paramount authority of the United States. 
2nd, that we approve the determination of the Government of the United States 
not to compromise with rebels, or to offer them any terms of peace except such 
as may be based upon an unconditional surrender of their hostility and a return 
to their just allegiance to the Constitution and laws of the United States. 3rd, 
that Slavery was the cause, and now constitutes the strength of this rebellion, and 
as it must be always and everywhere hostile to the principles of Republican Gov- 
ernment, justice and the National safety demand its utter and complete extirpa- 
tion* from the soil of the Republic. 4th, that the thanks of the American people 
are due to the soldiers and sailors of the army and navy who have periled their 
lives in defense of their country and in vindication of the honor of the flag. 5th, 
that we approve and applaud the practical wisdom, the unselfish patriotism and 
unswerving fidelity to the Constitution and the principles of American liberty, 
with which Abraham Lincoln has discharged under circumstances of unparalleled 
difficulty, the great duties and responsibilities of the Presidential office. 

There was no opposition to Mr. Lincoln's nomination. When the vote by 
States was taken it was found that all had voted for Abraham Lincoln, except 
the delegate from Missouri, who voted for Gen. Grant ; before the result was de- 
clared Mr. Hume of Missouri moved that the nomination be made unanimous, 
which was done. 

In selecting a candidate for Vice-President ten persons were voted for, the 
contest, however, lay between Andrew Johnson of Tennessee, Daniel S. Dickin- 
son, a Union War Democrat of New York, and Hannibal Hamlin of Maine, then 
Vice-President. 

On the first ballot, Johnson received 200 votes, Dickinson 108 and Hamlin 
150. On the second ballot Mr. Johnson received 404 votes, and on the motion! 
of Mr. Tremain of New York the nomination was made unanimous. 

There was no personal opposition to the renomination of Mr. Hamlin; he 
was a man of great ability and experience, with a wide and national acquaintance, 
but Mr. Johnson was from a Southern State, had adhered zealously to the Union 
and retained his seat in the United States Senate when all other Southern Sen- 
ators had resigned, and had acted as Provisional Governor of Tennessee with 
ability. Mr. Johnson had been a Democrat, but had opposed the secession De- 
mocracy of the South and had not affiliated with the anti-war Democracy of the 
North, it was believed that it was wise policy to have such a man identified with 
the Government as Vice-President, and so he was nominated. 

The political canvass of 1864 was a great event in the history of the country. 
The contest was between parties representing the great conflicting opinions 
upon Constitution and Government which was being settled by the sword. The 
Northern Democracy, who nominated Gen. McClellan for President, entertained 
the same political opinions that were held by the men in arms against the Govern- 
ment. 

The proceedings of the Democracy of Illinois in the Legislature, in their 
mass convention, June 17, 1863, in the several mass meetings and conven- 
tion in 1864, all prove that they were in sympathy with the rebellion, that they 
opposed the use of an army as a means of preserving the Union and of the 
abolition of Slavery. Their proposition always was to suspend hostilities, and 
settle the issues by compromise through a National Convention. 

They ignored the fact that every available means of compromise were ex- 
hausted, the Southern leaders refusing to consider any proposition except a 
dismemberment of the Union. 

107 



The country, then, was involved in a great war with the Southern Democracy 
to settle their issues by the sword ; while they were engaged in a great political 
contest with the Northern Democracy upon the question as to whether this war 
should be prosecuted at all. 

This, obviously, was a crucial test of the merits and strength of our Repub- 
lican system of Government. 

No political campaign in Illinois was ever conducted with more energy than 
this. The Republican electors were John Dougherty, Francis A. Hoffman, Ben- 
jamin M. Prentiss, John V. Farwell, Anson S. Miller, John V. Eustace, James 
S. Poage, John I. Bennett, William T. Hopkins, Franklin Blades, James C. Conk 7 
ling, William Walker, Thomas W. Harris, N. M. McCurdy, Henry S. Baker, 
Z. S. Clifford. 

The Republican candidates for Congress who were elected were Samuel W. 
Moulton, John Wentworth, John F. Farnsworth, E. B. Washburne, Abner C. 
Harding, Ebon C. Ingersoll, Burton C. Cook, H. P. H. Bromwell, Shelby M. 
Cullom, John Baker and Andrew J. Kuykendall. 

All of these candidates besides those who were candidates for the Legislature 
worked actively in the campaign. A number of these gentlemen had supported 
Senator Douglas for President in i860, while the head of the ticket, Hon. John 
Dougherty, was a candidate for a State office on the Breckenridge ticket of i860, 
but love for the Union brought these men together in supporting Abraham Lin- 
coln in 1864. But the most notable circumstance in the campaign was the part 
taken by Gen. John A. Logan, Gen. Isham N. Haynie and Col. Robert G. Inger- 
soll; all Democrats when the war began, all had seen active service in the army, 
and now all earnestly advocating the re-election of Abraham Lincoln. These 
men canvassed the State, addressed immense meetings — their arraignment of the 
anti-war Democracy excited profound interest throughout the State, and con- 
tributed largely to the success of the campaign. The canvass, although intensely 
exciting, was peaceful ; the Democracy held their meetings without interference, 
just as though their efforts were being directed towards saving the Union by 
advocating the prosecution of the war, instead of denouncing Lincoln's adminis- 
tration and advising compromise. 

The election was held and Abraham Lincoln was chosen President. Richard 
J. Oglesby was elected Governor of Illinois with the whole State ticket Repub- 
lican. Abraham Lincoln received 212 electoral votes. George B. McClellan re- 
ceived 21 electoral votes. The popular vote was: Lincoln, 2,216,067, and Mc- 
Clellan, 1,808,725. The 39th Congress was overwhelmingly Republican, the 
Senate 10 Democrats, 42 Republicans ; the House 49 Democrats, 143 Republicans. 
* By this election the political complexion of the Illinois Legislature was 
changed. In the Senate there were 14 Republicans and 11 Democrats; in the 
House 51 Republicans and 34 Democrats, giving a Republican majority of 20 
on joint ballot. 

The people throughout the United States had at the ballot box sternly re- 
buked the anti-war Democracy. Of the 25 States that voted at the election, all 
gave majorities to Abraham Lincoln, except Delaware, Kentucky, and New Jer- 
sey, and of those States the two former elected Republican Governors, the lat- 
ter a Democratic Governor. 

The effect of this election was to inspire confidence at home and abroad. It 
was a heroic expression of the majority of the people, that the Union must be 
preserved at whatever cost of blood and treasure. 

Richard J. Oglesby was a native of Kentucky. He was born in Oldham 
County, July 25, 1824. When twelve years of age he came to Illinois with his 
uncle. He learned the carpenter trade, was taught rope making and worked 
on a farm. He followed these employments until he arrived at manhood. He 
studied law, was admitted to the bar and practiced his profession at Sullivan, 
Moultrie County. 

Nature had done much for young Oglesby. Possessing a genial spirit, he 
made many friends ; wonderfully gifted in voice and manner and possessing 
great power of argument and illustration, he soon became one of the most pop- 
ular and persuasive orators of the State. His political career opened in 1852, 
when he was selected by the Whig convention as a Scott elector. In 1856 he 
threw himself in the movement for the organization of the Republican party. In 

108 



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109 



1858 he was an unsuccessful Republican candidate for Congress in the Decatur 
district. 

In i860 he was a candidate for the State Senate, canvassed actively in 
support of Abraham Lincoln for President and was himself elected. This was 
his first success in the political field. When the Civil War came on he was com- 
missioned colonel of the Eighth Regiment, Illinois Volunteers, being the second 
regiment of the Civil War series. Having seen service in the Mexican War, he 
was not a stranger to the duties of camp life and the dangers of the battlefield. 
He was soon placed in important commands, and promoted to the office of 
brigadier-general by President Lincoln. 

In 1862 he was assigned to the command of a brigade in Davies' division 
and fought with gallantry in the battle of Corinth, October 3-4, 1861. On the 
first day of the battle he received a dangerous gunshot wound through the left 
lung. From the wound he did not recover so as to enable him afterwards to 
take an active command of troops in the field. He was promoted to the position 
of major-general, and resigned May, 1864. His nomination and election to the 
office of Governor was a fitting tribute to him as a man and manifested the 
regard the people have for the men who served their country in war. His 
administration as Governor was eminently satisfactory. 

In 1872 he was again elected Governor, and was inaugurated January 13, 
1873. On January 23, ten days after his inauguration, he was elected to the 
United States Senate. He served in this capacity six years, when, in 1884, he 
was for the third time elected Governor, serving out the full term of four years. 
No man in the State ever had a more secure hold of the popular hearts of Illinois 
than Richard J. Oglesby. 

At the expiration of his third term as Governor he retired to his home, 
"Oglehurst," near Elkhart, Illinois, appearing from time to time on public occa- 
sions and on the stump, particularly in the campaign of 1896. He was always 
received by the public with every mark of respect and affection. He died April 
24, 1899. 






110 



CHAPTER XV. 

EMANCIPATION. 

President Lincoln believed that Slavery was not only the cause but the 
strength of the rebellion. The question of emancipating the slaves was earnestly 
pressed upon his attention by many persons of great influence. On March 6th, 
1862, the President sent a message to Congress recommending the adoption of 
a joint resolution, as follows : 

"Resolved, That the United States ought to co-operate with any State which 
may adopt gradual abolishment of Slavery, giving to such State pecuniary aid, 
to be used by such State in its discretion to compensate for the inconvenience, 
public and private, produced by such change of system." On March 10th on 
motion of Roscoe Conkling, under a suspension of the rules this resolution was 
adopted by the House of Representatives by a vote of 97 yeas to 36 nays. On 
April 2d the resolution passed the Senate, yeas 32, nays 10. Senators Davis of 
Kentucky and Henderson of Missouri voted in favor of this resolution. 

Congress had already, August 5th, 1861, passed a law forfeiting all right in 
slaves where the owner shall employ or permit to be employed such slave in 
aiding or promoting any insurrection or resisting the laws of the United States. 

On April 16th, 1862, a bill was passed and approved by the President liberat- 
ing all slaves held in the District of Columbia, the owners to be compensated at 
the average of $300 per slave, and $1,000,000 was appropriated to pay loyal 
owners, and $100,000 to colonize in Hayti or Liberia such of the slaves as desired 
to emigrate. 

On May 12th, 1862, the Union Convention of Baltimore met, Archibald 
Stirling, Jr., President, John H. Lloyd, Secretary. 

A series of patriotic resolutions were adopted. Amongst other things the 
Convention resolved "That we cordially approve the firm and vigorous efforts 
of the administration to maintain the integrity and honor of our country, to 
crush rebellion, and to anticipate and defeat the acts of traitors. That we ap- 
prove the wise and conservative policy proposed by the President in his message 
of March 6th, 1862, and sanctioned by Congress, tendering pecuniary aid to such 
States as may choose to adopt a system of gradual emancipation." 

On July 12th, 1862, President Lincoln, by appointment, had an interview 
with a number of Senators and members from the border States, urging them 
to exert their influence in their States in favor of compensated emancipation and 
colonization. 

The President received four written communications in reply. Hon. John 
W. Noell of Missouri and six others favoring the plan, in conclusion said : "We 
are the more emboldened to assume this position from the fact, now become his- 
tory, that the leaders of the Southern rebellion have offered, to abolish Slavery 
amongst them as a condition to foreign intervention in favor of their inde- 
pendence as a Nation. If they can give up Slavery to destroy the Union, we can 
surely ask our people to consider the question of emancipation to save the 
Union." 

Senator Henderson of Missouri also wrote favoring the plan of the Presi- 
dent. 

The fortunes of war had been against the Union forces. McClellan's penin- 
sular campaign had failed. Hooker abandoned Malvern Hill. Pope's army was 
defeated at the second battle of Bull Run. Gen. Kearney and Stevens killed at 
Chantilla. Burnside evacuated Fredericksburg. Gen. Lee threatened Wash- 
ington and invaded Maryland. McClellan again at the head of the army of the 

ill 



Potomac gained a great victory at Antietam September 17th, 1862. The tide of 
war is changed; the Confederate army abandons Sharpsburg and recrosses the 
Potomac. 

This change in military affairs decided the President to issue a preliminary 
proclamation in regard to emancipaton. This he did on September 2.2nd, 1862, 
warning all persons in armed rebellion against the United States to cease their 
warfare and return to their allegiance within one hundred days, otherwise he 
would issue a proclamation emancipating the slaves in the insurrectionary States. 

This proclamation met the approval of the numerous religious bodies and 
citizens who had been urging the President to take such action. 

President Lincoln was anxious to put an end to the war without further 
bloodshed ; he was desirous of conciliating the South. On December 1st, 1862, 
before the one hundred days of his proclamation had expired, in his second an- 
nual message he recommended the adoption of an amendment to the Constitution 
providing for compensated emancipation in all the States of the Union wherever 
Slavery existed, which shall abolish Slavery at any time before January 1st, 
1900. In discussing the articles proposed, he said : "As to the first article, the 
aiain points are : first, the emancipation ; secondly, the length of time for con- 
summating it — thirty-seven years, and, thirdly, the compensation. 

"The emancipation will be unsatisfactory to the advocates of perpetual 
Slavery ; but the length of time should greatly mitigate their dissatisfaction. 

"The time spares both races from the evils of sudden derangement, in fact 
from the necessity of any derangement." The whole message was an earnest, 
eloquent, pathetic appeal for the preservation of the Union without further blood- 
shed. 

The President's paramount object was to save the Union; in doing this he 
earnestly desired to inflict as little injury as possible upon the people of the re- 
bellious States. 

Time sped on. There was no response from the South, except of scorn and 
of determined resistance. The first day of January, 1863, came and Abraham 
Lincoln issued his proclamation of emancipation ; that mighty missile of war ; 
that great act of humanity and justice ; sounded the doom of Slavery, and en- 
dorsed the principle that all men everywhere should be free. 

The people at the polls in November, 1864, by the re-election of Abraham 
Lincoln, gave their approval to the Proclamation of Emancipation. The opera- 
tions of the Proclamation were confined to States and parts of States actually in 
rebellion, and did not affect Slavery in the border States. The progress of the 
war, and a growing public opinion, clearly indicated the destruction of Slavery. 

The Legislatures of Maryland and Missouri had in 1863 taken steps looking 
to the abolition of Slavery in those States. 

On January 13th, 1864, John B. Henderson of Missouri introduced a joint 
resolution in the U. S. Senate proposing an amendment to the Constitution of 
the United States abolishing Slavery. Senator Sumner of Massachusetts intro- 
duced a similar resolution ; both were referred to the Judiciary Committee of 
which Senator Trumbull was Chairman. 

On February 10th, Judge Trumbull reported to the Senate the thirteenth 
amendment to the Constitution as it was finally ratified. It passed the Senate 
April 8th, 1864, but failed in the House to receive the necessary two-thirds vote. 

In his message of December 6th, 1864, President Lincoln urged upon Con- 
gress the wisdom of adopting the amendment. In speaking of the election Mr. 
Lincoln said: "It is not claimed that the election has imposed a duty on mem- 
bers to change their views or their votes any further than, as an additional ele- 
ment to be considered, their judgment may be affected by it. It is the voice of the 
people now for the first time heard upon the question. The most reliable indica- 
tions of public purpose in this country are derived through our popular elections." 
On January 6th, 1865, on motion of James M. Ashley of Ohio, the resolution was 
called up for reconsideration; a vote was not taken until January 31st, when the 
previous vote was reconsidered and the resolution adopted; yeas 119, nays 56. 

Speaker Colfax announced the result ; it was received by the House and 
spectators with an outburst of enthusiasm. The resolution was returned to the 
Senate and on February 1st was approved by the President. Senator Trumbull 
was highly elated over the success of his labors ; he at once telegraphed the facts 

112 



to Governor Oglesby, who in turn sent a message to the Legislature which was 
then in session, urging the immediate adoption of the amendment. He said : 
"Let Illinois be the first State in the Union to ratify by act of her Legislature this 
proposed amendment. It is just, it is humane, it is right to do so. * * * It 
is a fit occasion to speak out to the world upon a question of such magnitude, and 
the whole civilized world will joyously ratify the deed; the proud soldier in the 
field will shout 'Amen !' and march on to new victories with a firmer and more 
confident step/' On the same day, February 1st, 1865, Senator A. W. Mack 
moved that the rules be suspended that he might present a joint resolution to 
ratify the amendment. The resolution was referred to the Committee on Federal 
Relation and reported back with the recommendation that it be adopted. Sena- 
tors Green and Cohrs spoke against the resolution, but Gen. Murray McConnell, 
a life long Democrat, the friend of Douglas, "the Nestor of the Senate/' spoke 
eloquently and ably in its favor. 

The motion of Senator Vandeveer to lay on the table was lost. The previous 
question was moved and ordered and the joint resolution was adopted by a vote 
of 18 to 6. 

Those voting for the resolution were Senators Addams, Allen, Bushnell, 
Eastman, Green of Marion, Lansing, Lindsay (Democrat), Mack, Mason (Demo- 
crat), McConnell (Democrat), Metcalf, Peters, Richards, Strain, Schofield (Dem- 
ocrat), Ward, Webster and Worcester (Democrat), Senator Funk absent. 

The joint resolution was at once reported to the House. Alexander McCoy 
moved that the House concur. Merritt L. Josslyn moved the previous question, 
which was ordered. The Joint Resolution was adopted by a vote of 58 yeas, 28 
nays. Six Democrats did not vote; all the others voted in opposition. i\nd so 
on the same day that President Lincoln approved the amendment, the Illinois 
Legislature ratified it, being the first of the .States to act upon this great bene- 
ficent measure. All honor to Senators Lindsay, Mason, McConnell, Schofield 
and Worcester. 

Disregarding party trammels they voted the dictates of their conscience and 
secured the immediate ratification of this great amendment. 



113 



CHAPTER XVI. 

Events of the War — Surrender of General Lee, April 9, 1865 — Assas- 
sination of President Lincoln, April 14, 1865. 

As the war progressed and enlistments increased there was a steady growth 
of patriotism amongst the people remaining at home ; old party names began to 
lose their power; Republicans and war Democrats were animated by the same 
impulse — that of saving the Union ; they found a common name to rally under ; 
they were Union men. 

The meetings for public discussion were Union meetings ; the theme of the 
orators was love for the Union, and a willingness to fight for, and to die for the 
Union. 

Women prepared delicacies for the sick and wounded Union soldiers ; when 
veterans came home on furlough, singly or by regiments, they were welcomed as 
Union soldiers ; the soldiers in the field and their kindred and friends at home 
were in accord upon the question of preserving the Union ; this was the bond that 
held the soldiers and the people at home together; abuse of the administration 
and of the war was taken as reflections on the soldier boy who was exposing his 
life in the army ; this feeling exerted a powerful influence in political action. The 
leaders of the Democratic party were so intensely radical in their views, and so 
obviously sympathized with the enemies of the Government, that the plain people 
soon began to fall away from them, and the counties which had in i860 been 
most strongly Democratic were becoming the most strongly Union ; this reaction 
in favor of the Union cause set in strongly in the fall of 1863 ; the capture of 
Vicksburg and the victory at Gettysburg convinced thousands of intelligent peo- 
ple that the claim that the rebellion could not be crushed was an error, and the 
statement that the offensive prosecution of the war tended to misrule and anarchy 
was the raving of disloyalty. Many meetings were held after the fall of Vicks- 
burg ; some were addressed by officers who had engaged in that campaign. The 
greatest Union meeting held in Illinois during the war was at Springfield, Sept. 
3, 1863. It was a mighty concourse of loyal men and women. The weather was 
delightful; addresses were delivered from five stands at the same time. The 
principal speakers for the occasion were Gov. Henry S. Lane of Indiana, Senator 
Chandler of Michigan, Judge J. R. Doolittle of Wisconsin, Gov. Yates, Generals 
McClernand, Prentiss and Haynie. 

A letter from President Lincoln to James C. Conkling upon the Emancipa- 
tion Proclamation was read. 

Many of the speeches were a noble vindication of the right and duty of the 
Government to maintain the Union and perpetuate the free Government. Union 
and Freedom were the watchwords of the hour. 

For the purpose of counteracting the evil influences of the Knights of the 
Golden Circle, the Union League of America was organized. Hon. George H. 
Harlow was one of its chief promoters and officers. The first meeting was held 
in Tazewell County, Illinois, in the summer of 1862. It was a quasi secret society, 
with impressive initiatory ceremonies. Its object was wholly patriotic; to bring 
loval men together ; to unite public opinion in support of the Government and 
to extend aid and sympathy to the soldiers and their families. 

There was no secrecy as to its membership or its places of meeting. This 
League spread rapidly throughout Illinois, and within a year had a National 
organization with 1,300 councils and a membership of 175,000. Its influence was 
of great benefit to the cause of the country ; its Councils formed a rallying place 

114 



for Union men and the League was soon in friendly touch with the army at the 
front. 

The American Civil War is now recognized as the most extraordinary exhi- 
bition of military strength ever seen in the history of the world. 

During the four years of its duration more than four million of men were 
put under arms in the armies and navies of the Union and Confederacy. The field 
of operations between the contending hosts had a frontage of fully two thousand 
miles; more than twenty-two hundred engagements, great and small, occurred 
between the forces; there were three hundred and thirty battles in which 
the Union losses were more than one hundred in killed, wounded and missing. 
There were many battles which in point of the number engaged, the generalship 
displayed, the losses incurred and the splendid valor of the troops, take their 
places amongst the greatest battles of the world. The campaigns of the Union 
armies were necessarily aggressive; it was their business to go in search of the 
Confederate armies, and by force of arms to overcome all resistance to the 
authority of the Government. 

The Confederate generals promptly made West Virginia, Kentucky and 
Missouri the seat of war, their forces were met and overcome in those States and 
gradually the tide of battle was carried southward; their efforts to hold the 
great rivers, the Mississippi, the Ohio, the Cumberland, and the Tennessee, failed ; 
these rivers and all the railroads leading into the Southern States were held and 
used by the Union forces ; gunboats policed the rivers from Pittsburgh to Cairo 
and Nashville, and from Kansas City and Hannibal to New Orleans. Garrisons 
guarded the railroads from Cincinnati to Atlanta, from Columbus and Memphis 
to Corinth and Chattanooga and from Washington to Wheeling and Parkers- 
burgh, while more than seven hundred vessels were used as transports and for 
blockading Southern ports. 

The military operations of the army of the East were mainly confined to 
'Virginia, but Maryland and Pennsylvania were the scenes of two of the greatest 
and bloodiest battles of the war, Antietam and Gettysburg. But that narrow 
space of country lying between Washington City and Richmond became the 
great battlefield of the Republic; the largest armies were marshalled there, the 
greatest generals engaged on both sides of the conflict were from time to time 
facing each other there, but in the great struggle for mastery no really decisive 
battles were fought until the end of the struggle in April, 1865. 

In the West and Southwest, the field of operations was coextensive with the 
Southern States ; every State summoned its entire military strength and con- 
tinued the struggle until further resistance was useless. 

Many regiments and divisions campaigned in Kentucky, Missouri, Ten- 
nessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and 
North Carolina, and marching through Virginia were in the grand review in 
Washington in May, 1865, at the close of the war; the greatest military pageant 
of modern times. 

Illinois performed her entire duty in that momentous struggle. Her quota 
of the two million and three-quarters of troops called for was 244,496. She fur- 
nished 255,057, being over fifteen per cent of her population. 

These soldiers were organized into 151 regiments and 9 companies of infan- 
try, 17 regiments of cavalry and two regiments and four companies of artillery. 
Some of the Illinois soldiers served in the Eastern army, but the great 
majority of them served in the West. Seventy-three regiments of infantry alone 
served in the Army of the Tennessee. 

Of these Illinois soldiers, 34,834 lost their lives in the service; they were 
either killed in battle or died of wounds, diseases or from other causes. The 
soldiers from Illinois were brought to the highest standard of military skill and 
discipline ; their valor was unsurpassed by any soldiers in the field. 

The records of the Adjutant-Generals of Illinois and of the War Department 
at Washington show that fifty-two of these regiments enlisted during the first 
year of the war, re-enlisted as veterans and served until the close of the war, 
that officers were steadily promoted from the ranks in recognition of their 
capacity and services, and that of the officers commissioned by Governor Yates 
12 were commissioned by the President as Major-Generals, 20 as Brevet Major- 
Generals, 24 as Brigadier-Generals, and 121 as Brevet Brigadier-Generals. 

115 



The story of the four years of civil war, from Bull Run to Appomattox, 
covers the most intensely interesting epoch in the history of the United States. 

The preservation of the Union, and the maintenance of the national author- 
ity, was a cause which inspired a patriotism that did not flag, and a valor that 
was invincible. 

The people came to feel that the struggle involved the issue of free gov- 
ernment not only for this country, but for the whole world. If the experiment 
of republican government failed in America, in what country or in what clime 
could it exist ? If it succeeded here, the example would challenge the attention 
of all mankind and uplift the race. 

Abraham Lincoln of Illinois was the leader of the people, and of the public 
sentiment, which saved the country. 

And Ulysses S. Grant of Illinois, first a clerk in the Adjutant-General's office 
at Springfield, next Colonel of the 21st Regiment of Illinois Infantry, became the 
great field marshal of the Union forces. Victorious at Belmont, Fort Henry, 
Fort Donalson, Shiloh, Vicksburg and Chattanooga, he was made Commander- 
in-Chief. From that hour the Union forces moved in unison and upon a great 
plan. The military campaign of 1864-5 the country knows by heart. Grant with 
the Army of the Potomac, Sherman with the Army of Georgia, commenced the 
great movement on May 5, 1864. Each of these great armies was composed . 
of veterans and led by experienced, successful and distinguished commanders. 

The Army of the Potomac met the Army of Northern Virginia in the Wilder- 
ness. A series of terrific and bloody battles ensued, indecisive, but the Union 
forces steadily gaining ground. When the winter came on, Lee, with the Con- 
federate forces, were beleaguered at Richmond and Petersburg. The Army of 
Georgia had captured Atlanta, had divided its forces. Sherman had marched 
down to the sea and captured Savannah, while Thomas at Nashville defeated 
and dispersed Hood's army. 

These great victories thrilled the people of the North, and brought from 
President Lincoln warm words of praise and thanks. The campaign knew no 
pause. Sherman entered Savannah December 226., 1864; on the 24th he wrote 
General Grant, outlining his plans for an immediate advance. He said : "Now 
that Hood is used up by Thomas, I feel disposed to bring the matter to an issue 
as soon as possible. I feel confident that I can break up the whole railroad sys- 
tem of South Carolina and North Carolina, and be on the Roanoke, either at 
Raleigh or Weldon, by the time spring fairly opens ; and if you feel confident 
you can whip Lee outside of his entrenchments, I feel equally confident that I 
can handle him the open country." 

By the middle of January the final movement for Sherman's campaign 
through the Carolinas was well under way, moving northward through South 
Carolina. Sweeping everything before him, crossing the Edisto, Broad, Catawba, 
Pedee and Cape Fear riven, and marching 425 miles, on March 23, 1865, he 
reached Goldsboro, North Ca' olina, forming a junction with General Terry, and 
with General Schofield, who had brought the 23d Army Corps by railroad and sea 
from Nashville. On March 27th General Sherman visited General Grant at 
City Point, where he met President Lincoln. Here the final conference and 
arrangements were made for the closing movements of the war. 

The mighty tragedy of war was drawing to its close. President Lincoln 
was deeply interested in the approaching campaign. His heart yearned for a 
cessation of bloodshed. He decided to remain at City Point, the headquarters 
of General Grant, so that he would be conveniently near in case it was important 
to communicate with him. 

Grant's army moved to further envelop Richmond and Petersburg and to 
seize their railroads. The pressure now became so great that General Lee 
decided to abandon his works and save his army by retreat. His withdrawal 
was completed April 2d, the Confederate Government leaving Richmond on the 
afternoon of that day. 

General Grant's determination was to head off and capture Lee's retreating 
army. General Sheridan commanded the troops in the advance. That intrepid 
soldier knew his business. Moving forward with rapidity and without repose, 
he reached Five Forks, gaining the front of Lee's army. Here a bloody battle 
was fought. General Grant saw the end ; he was anxious to stop the effusion of 

116 



blood. On April 7th he wrote General Lee, pointing out the "hopelessness of 
further resistance," and asked him to surrender. But it was not until April the 
9th that General Lee, at the moment of an impending battle with defeat staring 
him in the face, decided to surrender. He accepted the generous terms offered 
by General Grant, and 28,356 Confederate soldiers were paroled. 

The news of the surrender of Lee was received with universal joy through- 
out the North. The people knew that the war was practically ended. 

President Lincoln entered Richmond after its fall, and sought to allay the 
great consternation of the people, who surrounded him at every turn. He 
returned to Washington full of gratification that the storm of war was practically 
over, and was moved with compassion at the misfortunes of the Southern people. 
The Union was saved ! The sacrifice had been great, but he felt that the Union, 
free government, and freedom were worth immeasurably more than they had 
cost. 

But still another great sacrifice was to be made — the President himself was 
to fall a victim to the malevolent hatred aroused by the war. No one supposed 
that the life of Mr. Lincoln was in danger. His official career was absolutely 
wanting in acts of severity or cruelty, such as might arouse the hatred or malice 
of individuals and inspire them to murder. Upon the contrary, his kindness of 
heart, his benevolent disposition, his sympathy for those on both sides of the 
struggle, who were victims of the misfortunes and sorrows of the war, were 
well known both North and South. Private malice was disarmed. But some 
deluded persons, urged on, no doubt, months before by influential people whose 
connection with the horrid deed never became known, as the result of a well- 
laid conspiracy, decided to assassinate President Lincoln and Secretary Seward. 
This bloody deed was performed on the night of April 14, 1865. While sitting in 
a private box at Ford's Theater, witnessing a performance, John Wilkes Booth 
entered the box from the rear, shot the President in the back of the head, leaped 
to the floor of the stage, ran out at the rear of the theater, mounted a horse in 
waiting and made "his escape to Virginia. The terrible deed threw the audience 
into a tumult of excitement. The wounded and dying man was at once carried 
to a private residence across the street, where on the morning of April 15th, at 
22 minutes past 7 o'clock he died. The name of Abraham Lincoln now filled 
the world ; his death was mourned in every land. To his country his loss was 
irreparable ; but the great work he had finished will endure forever. 



117 



CHAPTER XVII. 

President Johnson's Administration — The Reconstruction Period. 

Immediately after the death of Abraham Lincoln, on the morning of April 
15, 1865. Andrew Johnson, Vice-President, was sworn into office as President. 
He had the good will of the loyal people of the Xorth including the army and 
navy. He had been nominated and elected Vice-President as a mark of their 
confidence and respect in his ability, patriotism and loyalty. 

In a few days after Mr. Johnson's accession to office, all the Confederate 
forces had surrendered. The great War of the Rebellion was over. 

The Congress had adjourned March 4th and was not in session when the 
war ended. The President did not convene Congress in extra session and give 
the law-making power of the country an opportunity to be heard upon the issues 
growing out of the war. The President took the whole matter of reconstructing 
the seceded States into his own hands. 

It is fair to say that Secretary Seward fully concurred in the view that the 
executive department of the Government possessed full power to rehabilitate the 
seceded States without the aid of Congress. On May 29, 1865, two important 
steps were taken: William H. Holden was appointed Provisional Governor of 
Xorth Carolina, and a proclamation of amnesty and pardon was issued, "to all 
persons who have directly or indirectly participated in existing rebellion." con- 
ditioned upon their taking an oath to support and defend the Constitution and 
Union, and abide by and support all laws and proclamations in regard to the 
emancipation of slaves. Fourteen classes of persons were excepted from the 
amnesty because of conspicuous connection with the rebellion — all diplomatic 
offices ; all who left United States judicial stations ; all military and naval officers 
above the rank of colonel ; all who left seats in the United States Congress ; all 
officers in the rebel service who had been educated at the United States military 
or naval academies, etc., etc., the aim being to exclude the more prominent per- 
sons engaged in the rebellion ; but the proclamation provided for special pardons 
to persons who would apply to the Executive. Applications for pardon were 
numerous and promptly granted. The records of the State Department (24 
volumes) show about 14,000 pardons were granted within nine months after the 
proclamation was issued. The oath might be taken before any military or naval 
officer of the United States, or any military or civil officer of the State, author- 
ized to administer oaths. 

The order appointing Mr. Holden Provisional Governor outlined a plan 
for calling a State Convention to form a Constitution, and frame work of gov- 
ernment, the electors to be loyal citizens as recognized by the amnesty procla- 
mation, and to have the qualifications of electors in Xorth Carolina prior to the 
act of secession. 

This order was applied to other States. William L. Sharkey was appointed 
Provisional Governor for Mississippi June 13th; James Johnson for Georgia 
and Andrew J. Hamilton for Texas June 17th ; Lewis E. Parsons for Alabama 
June 2 1 st, and Benjamin F. Perry for South Carolina June 30th. 

The heads of the several executive departments were directed to establish 
the machinery of government in those States. 

The governments which had been previously established in Virginia, Ten- 
nessee, Louisiana and Arkansas were recognized. 

The President's plans were being fully carried out by the middle of July ; 
he had declared in his proclamation that "the rebellion in its revolutionary 

118 



progress, has deprived the people (of the revolted States) of all civil government" ; 
the conventions, however, instead of drafting new constitutions, prepared amend- 
ments to the old ones ; and without submitting the amendments to be voted on 
by the people, adopted them by the vote of the conventions. These reconsruc- 
tion conventions then assumed legislative powers and ordered the election of 
representatives in Congress. In respect to the franchise, President Johnson in 
his circular to the Provisional Governors, suggested that the elective franchise 
should be extended to all persons of color "who can read the Constitution of 
the United States, and write their names, and also to those who own real estate 
valued at not less than two hundred and fifty dollars and pay taxes thereon." 

In writing to Governor Sharkey, Mr. Johnson said: "I hope and trust 
that your Convention will do this, and as a consequence the radicals who are 
wild upon negro franchise, will be completely foiled in their attempt to keep the 
Southern States from renewing their relations to the Union by not accepting 
their Senators and Representatives." 

But none of the Conventions paid heed to the suggestions of the President ; 
upon the contrary Codes of Black Laws were enacted with no other design than 
the re-enslavement of the negro race. The magnanimity of the Amnesty Proc- 
lamation took the Southern leaders by surprise ; many had left the country, and 
others were preparing to do so to avoid the consequences of their acts; but 
they now found themselves within three months after Lee surrendered, en- 
trusted with the restoration of civil governments in their States. Nothing like 
this had ever occurred before in the history of the world. 

It probably was too much to expect of these men, defeated in the greatest 
of civil wars, to take up this task of reconstruction with the same spirit of 
leniency and generosity that had inspired the Proclamation of Amnesty ; at all 
events no such spirit did animate the Convention. 

Southern men who had favored the Union cause received no consideration. 
The leading spirits of secession and rebellion controlled and guided the action of 
the Conventions, and were selected to all the important offices, although many 
of them were disqualified from taking the lawful oaths of office ; while on all 
sides the doctrine of secession was still maintained, and hatred of the Union 
announced. 

The oath of amnesty required them to "abide by and faithfully support all 
laws and proclamations which have been made during the existing Rebellion, 
with reference to the emancipation of slaves" ; instead of enacting some simple 
statutes to protect and encourage freedmen in their right to work and enjoy the 
fruits of their labor, they passed the most odious and unjust "Black Codes." 

The Black Laws of Mississippi and South Carolina clearly show the spirit 
of the old master class to the colored race. Under those codes negroes were 
deprived of their right of purchasing a home; they were prohibited from culti- 
vating the soil on their own account; they were required to pay an onerous 
license for the privilege of pursuing the business of an artisan, mechanic or shop- 
keeper. They were required to become employed as "husbandmen" or "house 
servants," their employers were to be known as "masters" and they as "serv- 
ants." Contracts for services, in case of disagreement between master and 
servant, were to be regulated and the rate of wages fixed by the district judge or 
magistrate; they were subject to arrest and imprisonment if they abandoned 
their contracts of labor ; they were prohibited from making new contracts with- 
out having the discharge of their old masters ; the law fixed their time of rising 
and retiring, their hours of labor, and regulated their social intercourse. 

The responsibilities of self-support were imposed by their condition of free- 
dom ; but by these laws they were to be deprived of the right of choosing the 
means by which this end was to be secured. In fact they were hedged around 
by so many legal disabilities and regulations, that they possessed none of the 
ordinary rights of free men and women. 

They were to be controlled by the most odious and tyrannical customs of 
the old slave system, now for the first time made statutory law. 

This legislation possessed one merit — it was not insidious ; it was a frank 
and open movement of the old master class to maintain their hold upon the 
negro by a system of restrictions and limitations which would reduce him to a 

119 



state of servitude more abject, degrading and pitiable than the slavery from 
which he had been just released. While slaves, their masters were interested 
in them because they possessed a money value ; besides, the docility of the negro 
and their attachment to the master's family, brought master and slave to feel a 
sincere interest in and devotion towards each other. 

The Civil War fully demonstrated the existence of this human sentiment. 

While the war raged the negroes all over the South came fully to under- 
stand that Freedom and Slavery were contending forces in the strife, and that 
the success of the Rebellion meant a continuance of Slavery ; while the triumph 
of the Union army meant their freedom; and yet throughout the whole South 
there was no conspiracy of slaves against masters ; there were no cases of mur- 
der, pillage, arson or rape. A statement of Gen. J. B. Gordon of Georgia, who 
commanded the left wing of Lee's army at Appomattox, made before a Congres- 
sional Committee is worthy of note. The general was asked the question: 
"How did they (the negroes) behave during the war when the white men went 
off to fight and left them at home?" Gen. Gordon answered: "Well, sir, I 
had occasion to refer just now to a little speech which I made at Montgomery, 
Alabama, when Gen. Clanton also spoke. He and I both struck on that strain 
of thought. I went so far as to say that the citizens of the South owed it to the 
negroes to educate them. One of the things which I mentioned, and which 
Gen. Clanton also mentioned, was the behavior of the negroes during the war ; 
the fact that when almost the entire white male population old enough to bear 
arms was in the army, and large plantations were left to be managed by the 
women and children, not a single insurrection had occurred, not a life had been 
taken, and that, too, when the Federal armies were marching through the coun- 
try with freedom, as was understood, upon their banners." 

. Governor Orr of South Carolina also stated: "While almost the entire 
able-bodied population of the Southern States was absent from home in the 
Confederate army, righting to destroy the Union and to perpetuate Slavery, the 
negroes remained upon the plantations, labored faithfully, were orderly and 
obedient, and took care of and protected the families of their masters." 

The conduct of the negroes toward escaped Union prisoners is a matter 
of history; they never betrayed them, and never failed to feed them and aid 
them to escape. 

In 1863, when the Union armies had gained a secure foothold in Mississippi 
and other seceded States, and negroes were invited to enlist, many left the 
plantations to enter the army, but the act of leaving their masters was not 
accompanied with insult or outrage, they simply walked away. In their lowly 
cabins, when at midnight escaping Union soldiers knocked at their doors, they 
were faithful ; as servants in the army they were faithful ; and as soldiers they 
were both faithful and courageous. 

The negro race has shown itself to possess in a high degree the virtue of 
fidelity. This quality of heart and mind aroused great respect for the negro in 
the breasts of the Union soldiers, and should have appealed to the better side of 
the nature of the Southern leaders at the close of the Civil War, when they were 
entrusted with the reconstruction of their State Governments. 

The work of reconstruction under the President's plan went steadily on. In 
December, 1865, when Congress met, the Legislative, Executive and Judicial 
powers of the seceded States were controlled by men recently in rebellion. 
Senators and Representatives had been chosen, nearly all of whom had taken 
conspicuous part in the Rebellion, and these gentlemen were present in Wash- 
ington demanding admission without conditions. As an illustration of the situa- 
tion, the case of Alexander H. Stephens of Georgia may be cited. On March 
3rd, 1865, when Congress adjourned, Mr. Stephens was Vice-President of the 
Confederate Government, and was doing all he could to dissolve the Union and 
destroy the National Constitution. In December, 1865, when Congress met, 
Mr. Stephens, with a certificate of election as Senator of the United States from 
Georgia, was in Washington City demanding admission to the Senate. 

Mr. Colfax was re-elected Speaker, December, 1865 ; in his address he spoke 
of the war and rejoiced that "today, from shore to shore of our land, there is 
peace ;" he declared that "the duties of Congress are as obvious as the sun's 

120 



pathway in the heavens. Its first and highest obligation is to guarantee to every 
State a Republican form of Government, to establish the rebellious States on 
such a basis of enduring justice as will guarantee all safeguards to the people 
and protection to all men in their inalienable rights/' This speech was re- 
ceived with hearty applause by the Republican members. 

Mr. Thaddeus Stevens at once offered a resolution for the appointment of 
a joint committee of fifteen members, nine from the House and six from the 
Senate, "who shall inquire into the condition of the States which formed the 
so-called Confederate States of America and report whether they, or any of 
them, are entitled to be represented in either House of Congress, with leave to 
report at any time by bill or otherwise, and until such report shall have been made 
and finally acted upon by Congress, no member shall be received into either 
House from any of the so-called Confederate States." This resolution, although 
objected to, was at once passed under a suspension of the rules by a vote of 129 
yeas to 35 nays. 

When the Senate w r as called to order Senator Sumner introduced resolu- 
tions outlining a plan of reconstructing the seceded States ; the resolutions of 
the House, however, were taken up, amended and on December 12th passed. 
The House concurred in the Senate amendment, and so the Joint Committee 
on Reconstruction was authorized. Great interest centered in the composition 
of this Committee ; a conflict between Congress and the President seemed in- 
evitable. President Johnson was self-reliant, combative and uncompromising; 
there w r as little hope that he would co-operate with Congress in any steps of re- 
construction beyond those he had already taken. 

The committee was composed as follows : Senate — William P. Fessenden 
of Maine, James W. Grimes of Iowa, Ira Harris of New York, Jacob M. Howard 
of Michigan, George H. Williams of Oregon (Republicans) and Reverdy John- 
son (Democrat) Maryland. House — Thaddeous Stevens of Pennsylvania, Elihu 
B. Washburne of Illinois, Justin S. Morrill of Vermont, John A. Bingham of 
Ohio, Roscoe Conkling of New York, George S. Boutwell of Massachusetts, 
Henry T. Blow of Missouri (Republicans), A. J. Rogers of New Jersey and 
Henry Grider of Kentucky (Democrats). 

This action of Congress was approved by public opinion in advance. 
The struggle for the preservation of the Union had been too severe, the 
sacrifice of life and treasure too great, and the controversy involved in the war 
too radical to be disposed of in a summary manner by a few Executive orders. 

It was conceived that the war settled something, and that the decision of the 
sword should be permanently recorded upon the Statute book by Congress and 
the people. 

The Congress took into account the momentous changes wrought by the 
war, the creation of a mountain of public debt and the necessity of taking meas- 
ures to preserve the public credit. They recognized the great obligation of the 
country to provide suitable pensions to the wounded and disabled soldiers of the 
Union, and their widows and orphans. 

They recognized the duty of the Government to protect the emancipated 
slaves in their freedom, and the right to enjoy the fruits of their labor. 

The debate on reconstruction was opened by Thaddeus Stevens, December 
18th, 1865. Mr. Stevens was the recognized leader of the House of Representa- 
tives — learned, able, experienced, courageous, resourceful ; a born leader of men, 
old and infirm in body, but mentally strong, alert and aggressive, he had been 
the leading spirit in the House for the enactment of laws to raise and support 
the Union armies, and now he was the first man in Congress to discuss the 
question of reconstruction. 

Mr. Stevens boldly antagonized the President ; he contended that there are 
two provisions of the Constitution, under one of which the case must fall. The 
fourth article says that "New States may be admitted by the Congress into the 
Union." In my judgment this is the controlling provision in this case. Unless 
the law of Nations is a dead letter, the late war between the two acknowledged 
belligerents severed their original contracts and broke all the ties that bound 
them together. The future condition of the conquered power depends on the 
will of the conqueror. They must come in as new States or remain as conquered 

121 



provinces. "Suppose," said he, "as some dreaming theorists imagine, that these 
States have never been out of the Union, but have only destroyed their State 
Governments, so as to be incapable of political action, then the' fourth section 
of the Fourth Article applies, which says 'The United States shall guarantee to 
every State in this Union a Republican form of government." But," he in- 
quired, "who is the United States ? Not the Judiciary, not the President, but the 
sovereign power of the people, exercised through their representatives in Con- 
gress with the concurrence of the Executive. It means political government — 
the concurrent action of both branches of Congress and the Executive ; the sep- 
arate action of the President, or the Senate, or the House, amounts to nothing, 
either in admitting new States or guaranteeing Republican forms of Government 
to lapsed or outlawed States. AYhence springs the preposterous idea that any 
one of these, acting separately, can determine the rights of States to send Rep- 
resentatives or Senators to the Congress of the Union." 

This speech, of which the foregoing is simply a suggestion, was accepted 
by the administration as a warning of the opposition that might be expected 
to their policy of reconstruction. The speech must be answered and Hon. Henry 
J. Raymond of New York, a close personal friend of Secretary Seward, the 
editor of the New York Times, the author of the first platform of the Republican 
party, adopted at Pittsburg, February 22nd, 1856, was selected to make the 
answer. He was a Republican, a man of splendid ability and had just entered 
Congress. Air. Raymond addressed the House December 21st. It was an able 
speech from a brilliant man. He defended the policy of President Johnson and 
took issue with Mr. Stevens upon the proposition that the seceded States had 
gone out of the Union. He declared : "I cannot believe that those States have 
ever been out of the Union or that they are now out of the Union. If they were, 
sir, how and when did they become so? By what specific act. at what precise 
time, did any one of those States take itself out of the American Union? ^Yas 
it by the ordinance of secession ? I think we all agree that an ordinance of seces- 
sion passed by any State of the Union is simply a nullity, because it encounters 
the Constitution of the United States, which is the supreme law of the land. 
Were their arms victorious? If they were, then their secession was an accom- 
plished fact. If not, it was nothing more than an abortive attempt — a purpose 
unfulfilled. In other words they failed to secede." 

On the day this speech was delivered Congress took a recess for the Christ- 
mas holidays. Congress reassembled January 6th, 1866. On the 8th Hon. 
Samuel Shellabarger of Ohio delivered an address answering Air. Raymond. 
Air. Shellabarger was recognized as one of the ablest lawyers, and probably the 
closest and most logical thinker in Congress. His remarks on Reconstruction 
were very forcible. He said : 

"If in debating this question I debate axioms, my apology is that there are 
no other questions to debate in Reconstruction. If in this discussion, I make 
self-evident things absurd or incomprehensible, my defence shall be that I am 
conforming to the usages of Congress. I will not inquire whether any subject of 
this Government, by reason of the revolt, passed from under its sovereignty or 
ceased to owe it allegiance ; nor shall I inquire whether any territory passed 
from under that jurisdiction, because I know of no one who thinks that any of 
these things did occur. I shall not consider whether, by the Rebellion, any State 
lost its territorial character of its defined boundaries or subdivisions, for I know 
of no one who would obliterate those geographical qualities of the State. These 
questions, however much discussed, are in no practical sense before Congress. 

"What is before Congress?" asked Air. Shellabarger. "I at once define 
and affirm it in a single sentence. It is, under our Constitution, possible to. and 
the late Rebellion did in fact, so overthrow and usurp, in the insurrectionary 
States, the loyal State Governments, as that during such usurpation such States 
and their people ceased to have any of the rights or powers of government as 
States of the Union, and this loss of the rights and powers of government was 
such that the United States may, and ought to, assume and exercise local powers 
of the lost State governments, and may control the re-admission of such States 
to their powers of government in this Union, subject to, and in accordance with, 
the obligation to guarantee to each State a republican form of government." 

122 



Mr. Raymond had in his speech asked with great earnestness, "By what 
specific act, * * * did any one of these States take itself out of the Union?" 
Mr. Shellabarger answered that inquiry with great power. "I answer him," he 
said, "in the words of the Supreme Court. 'The causeless waging against their 
own Government of a war which all the world acknowledges to have been the 
greatest civil war known in the history of the human race.' That war was 
waged by these people as States, and it went through long, dreary years. In it 
they threw off and defied your Constitution, your laws, and your Government. 
They obliterated from their State Constitution and laws every vestige of recog- 
nition of your Government. They discarded all their official oaths, and took, in 
their places, oaths to support your enemy's Government. They seized, in their 
States, all the Nation's property. 

"Their Senators and Representatives in your Congress insulted, bantered, 
defied and then left you. They expelled from their lands or assassinated every 
inhabitant of known loyalty. They betrayed and surrendered your arms. They 
passed sequestration and other acts in flagitious violation of the law of nations, 
making every citizen of the United States an alien enemy, and placing in the 
treasury of their rebellion all money and property due such citizens. They 
framed iniquity and universal murder into law. For years they besieged your 
capital and set your bleeding armies in rout back here upon the very sanctuaries 
of your national power. Iheir pirates burned your unarmed commerce upon 
every sea. They carved the bones of your unburied heroes into ornaments and 
drank from goblets made out of their skulls. They poisoned your fountains, 
put mines under your soldiers' prisons, organized bands whose leaders were 
concealed in your homes, and whose commissions ordered the torch to be 
carried to your cities, and the yellow fever to your wives and children. They 
planned one universal bonfire of the North, from Lake Ontario to the Missouri. 
They murdered by systems of starvation and exposure, 60,000 of your sons, as 
brave and heroic as ever martyrs were. They destroyed, in the four years of 
horrid war, another army so large that it would reach almost around the globe 
in inarching column. And then to give the infernal drama a fitting close, and 
to concentrate into one crime all that is criminal in crime and all that is detest- 
able in barbarism, they murdered the President of the United States. I allude 
to these horrid events not to revive frightful memories, or to bring back the 
impulses towards the perpetual severence of this people which they provoke. 
] allude to them to remind us how utter was the overthrow and the obliteration 
of all Government, divine and human, how total was the wreck of all constitu- 
tions and laws, political, civil and international. I allude to them to condense 
their monstrous enormities of guilt into one crime, and to point the gentleman 
from New York to it, and to tell him that that was the specific act." 

Many able speeches were made on the Republican side upon the subject 
of reconstruction, but it is probable that none exerted more influence than the 
speech of Mr. Shellabarger. Some days later Mr. Raymond replied to Mr. 
Shellabarger, but his leadership in favor of the administration proved abortive. 
He had but a single Republican follower in the House, his colleague, William A. 
Darling of New York. 

Three important measures were adopted by Congress touching the subject 
of reconstruction. 1st, The Civil Rights Bill, entitled, An act to protect all 
persons in the United States in their civil rights, and furnish their means of 
vindication. 2nd, The Freedman Bureau Bill, which continued in force the act 
of March 3rd, 1865, and extends the supervision of the Bureau to all legal refu- 
gees and freedmen as far as shall be necessary to enable them to become self- 
supporting. 

The President vetoed these measures and Congress passed them over the 
vetoes. 

The 3rd measure was the 14th amendment to the Constitution of the United 
States, which will not be given in full here, but deserves a careful study by all. 
who wish to have a clear understanding of the history of that period. This 
amendment being proposed by a two-thirds vote of each House of Congress, did 
not require action by the President, but President Johnson made known his 
dissent to the measure. 

123 



The Joint Committee on Reconstruction made a lengthy report against 
recognizing the Governments established under the proclamations of the Presi- 
dent. Both Houses refused to admit members from any of the seceded States. 
The theory upon which President Johnson proceeded was that the State 
governments might be reorganized, and the powers of the States fully re-estab- 
lished without any Congressional legislation whatever : that the right of the 
people of those states to representation in Congress had not been impaired by 
the fact that the great body of the electors had actually made war upon the 
Government, and had placed' their State governments in the same position. Ac- 
cording to President Johnson's conception, all Congress had to do was to open 
their doors and admit to seats in the two houses Senators and Representatives 
which might be elected from the revolted States, and these new members were 
to be permitted without note or comment to enter upon the work of making laws 
for the Union. 

The Republican Xational Committee issued an address presenting the issues. 
and the matter was taken up by the people. This conflict of opinions between 
the President and Congress resulted in bringing Democrats North and South 
to the support of the President. 

These forces held a convention in Philadelphia which was attended by lead- 
ing Democrats from every state in the Union. They were unanimous in sup- 
porting President Johnson's plan of reconstruction, and violently opposing the 
proposed 14th amendment to the Constitution. To show the complete harmony 
between the reunited Democratic forces. North and South, a dramatic scene 
was enacted in the convention by delegates from South Carolina and Massachu- 
setts, who walked arm in arm into the convention hall. But such a spectacle 
could not turn the minds of loyal people away from the important issues involved 
in the campaign. 

While the cause for which the Confederates fought was lost, their opinions 
in respect to it had not changed, nor had the passions and prejudices engendered 
bv the war cooled. Although they had been treated leniently they exhibited no 
magnanimity towards Southern men who had remained loyal to the Union. 
The leaders in secession and rebellion were leaders still. 

The breach between Congress and the President was complete. With a 
man of President Johnson's temperament, it meant that on his part, at least. 
the struggle would be herce and vindictive. 

A new Congress was to be elected in Xovember. 1866: the issues involved 
in the controversy were to be submitted to the people for their decision. It was 
an off year, so-called, in politics, but it must be recorded that the political tide 
rose higher in 1866 than ever before or since. Four great Xational political 
conventions were held that year, not to nominate Xational candidates, but to 
give expression to political opinions. 

The Republican partv met in State Convention at Springfield August 8th. 
The issues of the war had caused a new alignment in politics : many men promi- 
nent as supporters of the Democratic party now affiliated with the Republicans. 
The soldier element was well represented in the Convention. Gen. Green B. 
Raum. who had supported Mr. Douglas in i860, was selected as the President 
of the Convention : he had already been nominated as the Republican candidate 
for Congress in the Cairo district. James P. Root was Secretary. 

The Convention nominated Gen. John A. Logan for Congressman at Lar^e, 
Gen. George W. Smith of Chicago for Treasurer, and Xewton Bateman was 
renominated by acclamation for Superintendent of Public Instruction. The 
platform endorsed the 14th amendment to the Constitution, the Congressional 
reconstruction policy for the South, expressed unfeigned and heartfelt thanks to 
the soldiers and sailors, and paid a tribute to the memory of President Lincoln. 
The Democratic State Convention met at Springfield August 29th. and was 
presided over by Gen. John A. McClernand: nominated Col. T. Lvle Dickev for 
Congressman at Large, Gen. Jesse J. Phillips for Treasurer, and Col. John M. 
Crebs for Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

The principal plank in the Democratic platform was the endorsement of 
the reconstruction policy of President Johnson, as set forth in the platform of 
the "Xational L nion'' Convention held in Philadelphia August 17th. 

124 



The Republican candidates for Congress were Norman B. Judd, John F. 
Farnsworth, E. B. Washburne, A. C. Harding, E. C. Ingersoll, Burton C. Cook, 
H. P. H. Bromwell, S. M. Cullom, Charles E. Lippincott, Case, Ed- 
ward Kitchell, Jehu Baker and Green B. Raum. 

The canvass involved the issues of the war and the adoption of the 14th 
amendment to the Constitution. 

Democratic candidates endorsed the action of the President in attempting 
to restore the Southern States to their proper relation to the Union without 
conditions and violently opposed the 14th amendment. Joint debates were held 
between Gen. Logan and Col. Dickey, between Mr. Bromwell and Gen. J. C. 
Black, between Mr. Cullom and Dr. Edwin S. Fowler, and between Gen. Raum 
and Judge W. J. Allen. Large crowds attended these meetings, and great 
interest was excited throughout the State. The Democratic ticket, composed 
of valiant Union soldiers, could not stem the rising tide of Republican popu- 
larity. The people were ready to honor these men, individually, but could not 
forget the disloyalty of Democratic leaders. 

The Republicans carried the State by a great majority, electing the State 
ticket and eleven Congressmen, all in fact, except Messrs. Lippincott, Case and 
Kitchell. The majority of Gen. Logan was 55,987. The Legislature had a large 
Republican majority.. The Senate stood 16 Republicans to 9 Democrats, the 
House 60 Republicans to 25 Democrats. Many prominent men were members 
of this Legislature — Gen. A. C. Fuller, Col. Thomas A. Boyd, Gen. Greenbury 
L. Fort, Daniel Munn and William Shepard were in the Senate ; James C. Conk- 
ling, Gen. Stephen A. Hurlbut, Col. E. N. Bates, Gen. James M. True, Capt. Ed 
Harlan, William M. Smith, James Dinsmore, Edward S. Taylor, Joseph M. 
Bailey and Lester M. Bond, members of the House. 

Franklin Corwin of LaSalle County was elected Speaker, Stephen G. Pad- 
dock, Clerk, and Gen. Charles E. Lippincott was elected Secretary of the Senate. 
It was the duty of this Legislature to elect a Senator to succeed Hon. Lyman 
Trumbull, who was a candidate for re-election. 

Many persons were favorable to the election of a soldier. Gen. John M. 
Palmer, Gen. Oglesby and Gen. Logan were candidates ; after a careful canvass 
amongst their friends Gen. Palmer was selected as the candidate to oppose 
Senator Trumbull in the caucus. On a preliminary ballot in the caucus Judge 
Trumbull received 48 votes and Gen. Palmer 28 votes. Gen. Palmer's name was 
then withdrawn and Senator Trumbull nominated by acclamation. On January 
16, 1867, Judge Trumbull was elected Senator, the Democratic vote being cast 
for Col. T. Lyle Dickey. 

The 40th Congress, chosen at the election of 1866, was overwhelmingly 
Republican. The Senate had 42 Republicans and 10 Democrats, the House 143 
Republicans and 49 Democrats. The 39th Congress adjourned March 4th, 1867, 
at 12 o'clock noon; the 40th Congress met at the same hour, and organized by 
the election of Schuyler Colfax, Speaker. This was practically a continuation 
of the Congressional session. 

A special act had been passed to secure this end. It was felt that the inter- 
ests of the country required prompt action on the part of Congress. While 
the military conflict was over, the action of the President had aroused in the 
master class of the South the hope, the belief, that their power over the subject 
race could be retained, and that the revolted States would be restored to their 
political power in the Union without conditions. They were supported in this 
position by the Democratic organization of the North, and the Southern States 
had elected members to both Houses of Congress. 

The 40th Congress refused admission to Senators and Representatives from 
the revolted States upon the ground that the State Governments had not been 
recognized by Congress as legally existing; and that the people of those States 
were not entitled to representation except upon such terms as Congress might 
prescribe by law. 

On March 2nd, 1867, a law was passed entitled, "An act to provide for more 
efficient Government of the Rebel States." 

On the 23rd of the same month a supplementary act was passed for the 
same purpose. These acts divided the States into five military districts, and 

125 



provided for calling Constitutional Conventions under military authority, for 
impartial suffrage including the colored race, and the adoption of the 14th 
amendment to the Constitution as a condition to representation in Congress. 
The great majority of the white men of the South sullenly declined to partici- 
m the Congressional plan of reconstruction, and did not become candi- 
dates for office nor vote at the election. Only two or three men of National 
standing who had taken part in the Rebellion identified themselves with the 
Congressional plan of reconstruction, and they were condemned and ostracized 
for this action. 

The work of Congressional reconstruction went steadily forward under the 
superintendence of some of the most distinguished generals of the army. 

Many men who had served with distinction in the Union army, and others 
who had gone South and bought property and settled there., participated in 
organizing Governments in the Southern States. 

The conditions imposed by Congress were complied with from time to time 
"by the various States : their representatives in Congress were given seats and the 
States were fully restored to their relation to the Union. 

In the meantime the 14th amendment was ratified by thirty States, and July 
28th, 1868, was by proclamation announced as a part of the Constitution of the 
country. 

Many native born Southern white men participated in this work of recon- 
struction : some of these were original Union men. others had served in the 
Confederate army, but they all believed that the true policy for the South was 
to comply with the laws of Congress, submit with good grace to the inevitable 
results of the war. and go to work and develop the great natural resources of the 
country. Looking back over the tragic history of politics in the South since 
the war. the assassination of Abraham Lincoln looms up as a great National 
misfortune. Lincoln was wise. kind, considerate. 

The great triumphant army led by Grant was not filled with malice and 
thoughts of revenge: they recognized the courage of the men they had fought 
for four years, and were animated by a spirit of magnanimity towards them. 

The loyal people of the North, rejoicing over the fact of the preservation of 
the Union, were ready to approve by public opinion and at the polls any just 
settlement of the issues of the war. It is not too much to believe that if Abra- 
ham Lincoln had lived he would have found a way to unite and restore the bonds 
of Union upon terms acceptable and satisfactory to both North and South. 

But Andrew Johnson was not the man for such a crisis : he had ability and 
experience, but he was combative, uncompromising and vindictive : he was self- 
reliant, and had overweening confidence in his own judgment. Starting out with 
an expressed determination to punish traitors wherever they could be found, 
he ended by turning the State Governments of the South over, without condi- 
tions, to men who had been active in the rebellion, without a protest on his part 
against Black Codes which were enacted for no other purpose than re-enslaving 
the negro race. And when the people who elected him to office raised their 
voices against such proceedings, he indignantly denounced the leaders of the 
Republican party, and threw himself bodily into the arms of the reunited De- 
mocracy. 

The breaking away of President Johnson from the Republican party, and the 
rancor with which he opposed all their measures, sowed the seeds for that dis- 
cord and bloody confusion which reigned in the South for years, and which cul- 
minated in articles of impeachment against him and his trial before the Senate. 



126 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

Conventions of 1868 — Election of Graxt and Colfax — John M. Palmer 
Elected Governor of Illixois. 

The animosity aroused by President Johnson's administration had not 
cooled, nor had the Democratic party abated any of its opposition to the recon- 
struction measures of the Republican Congress ; they had high hopes of carrying 
the country, and determined to be early in the field. 

The Democratic State Convention was held at Springfield, April 15, 1868. 
Anthony L. Thornton was made President. The platform opposed the recon- 
struction measures of Congress, favored payment of the National debt in legal 
tenders ; the abolition of National banks and the taxation of Government securi- 
ties ; opposed the protection tariff and favored the nomination of George H. 
Pendleton for President. John R. Eden was nominated for Governor with a full 
State ticket. 

The Republican State Convention met at Peoria, 111., May 6, ]868. Frank- 
lin Corwin was chosen President and James C. Root Secretary. Robert G. 
Ingersoll, S. W. Moulton and Jesse K. Dubois were candidates for Governor. 
The Convention contanied many friends of Gen. John M. Palmer, and although 
he was not a candidate and telegraphed that he could not accept, he was nomi- 
nated on the second ballot. John Dougherty was nominated for Lieutenant- 
Governor, Edward Rummel for Secretary of State, Charles E. Lippincott for 
Auditor, Erastus N. Bates for Treasurer and Washington Bushnell for Attor- 
ney-General. Andrew Sherman, Robert E. Logan and John Reid were nomi- 
nated for Penitentiary Commissioners, and Gen. John A. Logan was nominated 
by acclamation for Congressman at Large. 

The following named persons were selected as delegates to the Republican 
National Convention at Chicago : John A. Logan, B. J. Sweet, A. C. Babcock, 
J. K. Dubois, E. A. Storr at Large. From the districts, John R. Jones, Herman 
Raster, M. L. Joslyn, Wm. Hulin, James L. Camp, N. D. Swift, Calvin Trues- 
dale, Ira D. Chamberlain, Mark Bangs. W. L. Wiley, Henry Fish, Calhoun Grant, 
J. W. Langley, James H. Steele, Giles A. Smith, I. S. Whetmore, Hugh L. Fulk- 
erton, C. N. Whitney, John A. Logan, A. C. Yanderwater, I. A. Powell, Wm. H. 
Robinson, P. E. Hosmer, -Philip Isermeyer, B. G. Roots, Thomas S. Ridgway. 

The following named persons were selected as Presidential Electors : 

Gustavus Koener, Thomas J. Henderson, Jesse L. Hildrup, Henry W. 
Draper, Joseph O. Glover, Samuel C. Parks, John B. Strong, Charles F. 
Springer, Stephen A. Hurlbert, Lorenz Brentano, James McCoy, Thomas G. 
Frost, John W. Blackburn, Damon G. Tunnicliff, Edward Kitchell, Daniel W. 
Munn. 

The Republican platform endorsed the reconstruction policy of Congress, 
denounced repudiation, favored paying the National debt according to the letter 
and spirit of the law ; demanded the reduction and equalization of taxes ; ex- 
pressed gratitude to the soldiers, and endorsed Gen. L T . S. Grant for President. 

The Republican National Convention met in Chicago May 21, 1868. Gen. 
Carl Schurz was temporary Chairman and Gen. Joseph R. Hawley of Connecti- 
cut was made permanent Chairman. Hon. Richard W. Thompson of Indiana 
was Chairman of the Committee on Resolutions. On the second day the plat- 
form was presented and adopted. It consisted of fourteen resolutions, covering 
all important political questions then before the people. 

The country was congratulated on the assured success of the reconstruction 
policy of Congress. All forms of repudiation were denounced; that the national 

127 





:;- 



-debt should be extended over a fair period for its redemption, and the rate of 
interest reduced wherever it can be honestly done ; favored improving the public 
•credit so money could be borrowed at a lower rate of interest. Deplored the 
untimely death of President Lincoln, and expressed regret at the secession of 
Andrew Johnson, who had usurped high legislative and judicial functions and 
refused to execute the law. Expressed gratitude to the soldiers and sailors. 

Nominations for President being declared in order, General Logan arose and 
addressed the Chair as follows : "In the name of the loyal citizens, soldiers, and 
sailors of this great Republic of the United States of America; in the name of 
loyalty, liberty, humanity, and justice; in the name of the National Union Re- 
publican party, I nominate as candidate for the Chief Magistracy of this nation, 
Ulysses S. Grant." The nomination was received with unbounded enthusiasm ; 
upon the call of the roll State after State gave General Grant its vote. When 
Ohio was reached Chairman Jones responded : "Ohio has the honor of being the 
mother of our great Captain, who never knew defeat, to fight it out through the 
summer and through the autumn to the end of the great contest." Ohio gave 42 
votes for U. S. Grant. The vote was unanimous and General Grant was declared 
the nominee of the Union Republican party for President. 

An active contest occurred for the second place. Eleven names were men- 
tioned. The first ballot was: Wade 147, Fenton 120, Wilson 119, Colfax 115, 
Durbin 51, Hamlin 27, Speed 22, Harlan 16, Cresswell 14, Pomeroy 6 and Kelsey 
4. At the close of the fifth ballot the vote stood, Colfax 541, Fenton 69, Wade 38. 
Mr. Colfax's nomination was made unanimous. 

General Grant was also nominated for President by a Soldiers' National 
Convention held in Chicago May 19, 1868. General Grant's letter of acceptance 
b>ore date May 29th. It was a plain epistle such as only he could write. It con- 
cluded with those memorable words, "Let us have peace." 

The Democratic National Convention met July 4, 1868, at Tammany Hall, 
New York. George H. Pendleton was the leading candidate for Presi- 
dent. Horatio Seymour was President of the convention. On the first 
ballot for a candidate for President the vote stood: George H. Pendleton 105, 
Andrew Johnson .63, Winfield S. Hancock 33^, Sanford E. Church 33, Asa 
Parker 26. On the 19th ballot Thomas Hendricks received 107^ votes. On the 
22d ballot a stampede was made to Mr. Seymour; he protested, "Gentlemen, your 
candidate I cannot be," but nevertheless he received 317 votes and was nomi- 
nated. General Francis P. Blair of Missouri was nominated for Vice-President, 
on the first ballot. 

The Democratic platform opposed everything the Republican party and 
Congress favored ; especially insisting upon the reconstruction policy of Presi- 
dent Johnson. That issue was emphasized by what is known as the Broadhead 
letter written by General Blair to Mr. Broadhead of St. Louis upon the recon- 
struction policy of Congress. In that letter General Blair said: "There is but 
one way to restore the Government and the Constitution, and that is for the 
President to declare these acts null and void, compel the army to undo its usurp- 
ations at the South, dispossess the carpet-bag State governments, allow the white 
people to reorganize their own State governments and elect Senators and Rep- 
resentatives." General Blair declared that this was "the real and only question" 
and that until this was accomplished "it is idle to talk of bonds, greenbacks, the 
public faith, and the public credit." 

This letter suggested the resolution of the Democratic Convention, which 
declared, "We regard the reconstruction acts (so-called) of Congress, as such, as 
usurpations and unconstitutional, revolutionary and void." 

General Blair was placed upon the ticket because of his revolutionary ideas, 
with a view, no doubt, that he would aid the measures he suggested, in the event 
of Democratic success. 

The canvass throughout the United States was earnest and spirited. In 
Illinois the people were profoundly interested. 

The election was held and a great Republican victory was the result. Grant 
and Colfax carried 26 States and received 214 electoral votes. Seymour and Blair 
carried 8 States and had 80 electoral votes. The popular vote stood : For Grant 
and Colfax, 3,015,071 ; for Seymour and Blair, 2,709,613. 

129 



General Palmer was elected Governor by 50,099 majority, with the entire 
State ticket. The Illinois Legislature was Republican. The Senate stood 18 
Republicans, 7 Democrats. The House, 58 Republicans, 27 Democrats. 

Franklin Corwin was elected speaker and James P. Root clerk. Chauncey 
Elwood was chosen Secretary of the Senate. 

John M. Palmer, lawyer, soldier, statesman, author, was born in Scott 
County, Kentucky, September 13, 1817; removed with his father to Madison 
County, Illinois, in 1831 ; attended the common schools in Kentucky and Illinois, 
and entered Alton (now Shurtlett) College in 1835, where he remained a year, 
paying his expenses, which were small, by his labor; in 1838 taught school and 
studied law; in December, 1839, was admitted to the bar; in 1843 was elected 
Probate Judge of Macoupin County; in 1847 was elected a member of the Con- 
vention to amend the State Constitution; in 1848 he was re-elected Probate 
Judge; and in November of the same year, 1848, was elected County Judge, an 
office created by the new Constitution, served until 1852 when he was elected to 
the State Senate as a Democrat to fill a vacancy ; opposed the repeal of the 
"Missouri compromise." In 1854 the counties composing his Senatorial dis- 
trict adopted resolutions approving the Nebraska bill; he declined a Demo- 
cratic renomination for Senator, but became an Independent candidate, leading 
the anti-Nebraska Democrats, and was elected. In 1856, owing to the slavery 
controversy, he separated from the Democratic party; resigned his seat in the 
Senate, and was a Delegate to the Republican State Convention; was made 
its President; was Delegate to the Convention in 1856 in Philadelphia, which 
nominated John C. Fremont ; favored the nomination of Lincoln as a candidate 
for Senator by the Republican State Convention in 1858, and supported him dur- 
ing the canvass; in 1859 was a candidate for Congress. The John Brown raid 
into Virginia occurred during the canvass, and in consequence he was beaten 
over 4,000 votes ; in i860 was one of the Electors-at-large on the Republican 
ticket, and in 1861 was a member of the Peace Conference at Washington. On 
the 9th of May, 1861, was commissioned Colonel in the 14th Illinois Infantry; 
marched under Fremont to Springfield, Mo., in October ; was promoted to 
Brigadier-General of Volunteers in November, 1861 ; in March and April, 1862, 
commanded a division under General Pope in the operations against New 
Madrid and Island No. 10; later took part in the operations against Corinth"; 
in August and September, 1862, marched to Nashville; took part in the battle - 
of Murfreesboro in December, 1862, and January, 1863 ; was promoted to Major- 
General of Volunteers ; took part in the operations against the Confederate 
Army commanded by General Bragg on its retreat via Tullahoma to Chat- 
tanooga ; commanded a division in the battle of Chrickamauga ; was assigned 
to the command of the 14th Army Corps in October, 1863 ; took part in the 
operations around Chattanooga, including the battles of Lookout Mountain and 
Missionary Ridge, in November, 1863 ; in 1864 commanded the 14th Corps on 
the Atlanta campaign, and was relieved at his own request August 4, 1864; 
commanded the Military Department of Kentucky from February, 1865, to 
May 1, 1866; resignation accepted September 1, 1866: removed to Springfield 
in 1867; was elected Governor of Illinois in 1868; supported Horace Greeley in 
1872 and Samuel J. Tilden in 1876; was one of the Democratic visitors to 
Louisiana after the Presidential election in 1876; was nominated as a candidate 
for L^nited States Senator by the Democratic members of the Legislature in 
January, 1877, and was afterwards twice nominated for the same office and 
defeated; was Delegate-at-large to National Democratic Convention in 1884; 
in 1888 was nominated by the Democratic State Convention a candidate for 
Governor and was defeated ; in 1890 was nominated by the Democrats of the 
State a candidate for Senator ; carried the State by 30,000 plurality ; 101 Demo- 
cratic members of the Legislature were elected who voted for him 153 ballots; 
on the 154th ballot the Independents united with the Democrats, and he was 
elected United States Senator ; resumed the practice of law after his senatorial 
term, was the (Gold Standard) National Democratic candidate for President in 
1896; author of "Bench and Bar" of Illinois, two volumes. General John M. 
Palmer died September 25, 1900. at Springfield, mourned by the people of the 
State and Nation. 



130 





IniL^^^L^i 



131 



CHAPTER XIX. 

War Finances. Resumption of Specie Payments. Development of the 
National Banking System. 

On March 4, 1861, the credit of the Government was at its lowest ebb; 
during the preceding four years the revenues were insufficient to meet expendi- 
tures by about fifteen million dollars per annum. These deficiencies were met by 
repeated loans issued at high rates of interest. Under the act of December 17, 
i860, $10,010,900 of one year treasury notes were issued, $4,840,000 of which 
bore 12 per cent interest; the $18,415,000 loan of February, 1861, was placed at 
$89.03 per $100. Secretary of the Treasury John A. Dix in his report of Decem- 
ber, i860, recommended as a means of creating confidence "that the public lands 
be unconditionally pledged for the ultimate redemption of all the Treasury notes 
which it may become necessary to issue." 

The Treasury was empty when Mr. Lincoln became President, but the Mor- 
rill tariff law approved two days before his inauguration soon began to increase 
the custom house receipts, and but for the war would have yielded revenue suffi- 
cient to meet the expenses of the Government without a deficiency. 

The war came, and with it the responsibility of providing enormous sums 
of money to meet its expenses. It is well for the country that no one could foresee 
what the cost of that war was to be ; the bravest statesman would have stood 
appalled, could they have lifted the veil and seen that it would be necessary to 
raise two and a half millions of men, and expend six billion dollars to save the 
Union. 

The extra session of Congress called after the fall of Fort Sumpter met 
July 4, 1861 ; there was great unanimity of sentiment to provide means for the 
suppression of the rebellion. Two important financial bills were passed July 17 
and August 5. They provided for issuing six per cent bonds, demand Treasury 
notes and interest bearing Treasury notes. The success of these loans was en- 
couraging. There were issued $189,000,000 six per cent bonds, $140,000,000 
seven-thirty Treasury notes and $60,000,000 demand notes. But the expenses of 
the war were almost double the estimates. 

When Congress met in December, 1861, the financial situation was one of 
great gravity. Custom receipts had fallen off so that the coin receipts were in- 
sufficient for the redemption of the demand notes. These notes had depreciated 
in value and banks refused them as current deposits. 

The necessity of a national currency became more pressing each month. A 
bill was introduced to authorize the issue of one hundred and fifty million dollars 
of Treasury notes, to be a legal tender in payment of all debts, public and private, 
except duties on imports and interest on the public debt. The legal tender clause 
excited a great debate. On the final vote in the House a number of Republicans 
and every Democrat voted against it. The bill became a law February 25, 1862. 
Two subsequent acts authorized the issue of three hundred millions more of these 
notes. The necessity for this legislation was urgent and pressive, for when the 
war of the rebellion began all the banks in the Northern States suspended specie 
payments. These banks had issued $150,000,000 of circulation notes, and held 
$217,000,000 of deposits. Gold and silver coin amounting to about $200,000,000 
disappeared utterly from circulation, leaving the bank notes as the only circulating 
medium for carrying on the war and transacting the business of the people. To 
add to the embarrassment, nearly all these bank notes were at a discount. A 
number of the banks failed, in many cases causing a total loss to both note holders 
and depositors. The rottenness of the banks in a number of States was such that 

132 



all bank notes were discredited to such an extent that no one ventured to put 
them aside as savings. These banks were chartered by State laws, they were 
under State management, but the disasters resulting from their failures was 
national, and it became obvious that a national remedy must be applied. No 
country was ever in greater financial straits than the United States in i86i,but the 
wisdom of Republican legislators in Congress provided the remedies. They en- 
acted the legal tender law, the national bank law, and the law imposing a tax 
of 10 per cent per annum on State bank issues. These laws were experimental at 
the time, but the experience of the past thirty-five years has fully demonstrated 
their wisdom. They stand to-day as a monument to the statesmanship of that 
period. As a result of this legislation, an ample supply of legal tender notes and 
national bank notes was issued, based on the credit of the United States. The 
State bank notes were retired, and the days of wild-cat money are simply a mem- 
ory. This new money filled all the channels of trade, the people transacted their 
business with it and the Government used it for paying the enormous cost of 
the war. 

It was soon developed that the United States could not expect any financial 
aid from the old world ; a market could not be made in England or on the Con- 
tinent for United States bonds. The opinion with the ruling classes and with 
bankers was that the Union would be dissolved, and that the Southern Confed- 
eracy would be the only stable government left. Of ten million dollars of bonds 
placed with a prominent banker in London none were sold ; drafts drawn on 
the banker in anticipation of sales of bonds were paid in gold sent from California. 

The Secretary of the Treasury found that the interest-bearing securities of 
the Government could not be sold to bankers and capitalists of our country in 
amounts sufficient to meet the requirements of the Government. The Secretary 
employed Mr. Jay Cooke, banker, as General Agent of the Treasury, to place the 
loan with the people. Bonds were issued in denominations of $50, $100, $500 and 
$1,000, and in a short time $400,000,000 of these bonds were sold. This experi- 
ment demonstrated the wealth of the people, and their willingness to sustain the 
nation in its trying hour. It solved the financial problem of the war. 

Congress passed many laws for raising money and for liquidating the debts 
continually created by the quartermasters and commissioners for supplies for the 
army, but the direct appeals to the people to subscribe to the various loans were 
always promptly met. 

But Congress did not stop when they enacted laws for borrowing money. 
The Internal Revenue system was established; every occuoation. everv industry, 
and every object that could bear a tax was taxed. These revenues rose from 
forty-one millions per annum to three hundred and ten millions per annum. As 
each new loan was authorized, additional taxes were levied. 

Another important feature of this financial system was the creation of a 
sinking fund whereby a certain per cent of the bonded debt should be redeemed 
each year with receipts from taxes. These measures established the credit of 
the Government upon a solid foundation. All the expenses of the war were 
promptly met. When the war ended and the army was disbanded, every officer 
and soldier received his pay. Under the laws for funding certificates of indebted- 
ness, "seven-thirty" Treasury notes and three-year bonds, the Secretary of the 
Treasury by August 1, 1865, had taken up all the short term issues, and in ex- 
change therefor had issued long term bonds. 

The public debt incurred for the preservation of the Union reached its high- 
est point on the 31st August, 1865, the principal of the debt, less cash in the 
Treasury, being $2,756,431,571, with an annual interest charge of $150,977,697. 
Resisting the demands, first of the Democratic party and afterwards of the Green- 
back party, that this debt should be paid off in an issue of irredeemable legal 
tender notes, the Republican party insisted that the debt should be honestly pafd. 
Legislation to strengthen the public credit, to provide for the refunding of the 
debt at a lower rate of interest and to resume specie payments was enacted by 
Republican votes in opposition to Democratic votes, and duties and taxes were 
retained at such rates as to enable the Government annually to pay off a con- 
siderable portion of the principal of the debt, besides defraying the annual interest 
charge. 

133 



On January i, 1879, in pursuance of an act of Congress the Government 
resumed specie payments on all its paper promises. On that day for the first time 
in the history of the United States, every dollar of paper money, whether issued 
by the Government or by banks, circulated at par with gold coin from end to end 
of the republic, and these paper issues, whether legal tender notes, Treasury 
notes, silver certificates or national bank notes, have since January 1, 1879, with 
an increasing volume, circulated throughout the United States at par with gold, 
and so safe and sound is the currency that it is freely received in all business 
centers of the civilized world at par with gold. 

Since the establishment of the national banking system 300 of these banks 
have failed and depositors suffered great loss. In one notable instance they 
received only 14 per cent on their claims. But there was no depreciation of 
their notes. The notes of these failed banks were secured by a pledge of Gov- 
ernment bonds, consequently the noteholders did not lose a dollar. During the 
existence of the old State bank issues loss by counterfeiting was a heavy item ; 
under the present system counterfeiting has become almost a lost art. 

The exchanges between distant cities is now effected at nominal cost, 
whereas in the old days the discount on circulation added to the premium on 
exchange, often amounting to from 3 to 5 per cent. One of the greatest merits 
of the present monetary system is the powerful influence for good it exerts upon 
the public mind in cases of financial panics. Formerly, when the panic came 
banks failed and bank note values collapsed. Now the panic may come and the 
banks may fail, but every noteholder knows that it is impossible for him to incur 
loss on his bank notes, and he knows also that Uncle Sam will redeem every dollar 
of his greenback issues in gold coin, consequently people are not afraid of loss by 
the depreciation of paper money. 

Under the existing financial system the people of the United States have 
prospered as no other people in the history of the world have prospered. The 
United States has become the leader amongst nations in agriculture, in manu- 
facture, in mining, in internal trade, and internal transportation, and all the great 
financial operations necessary to produce these results have been carried on under 
the existing financial system. As the people have prospered and grown in wealth 
the national banking system has grown, and its business has increased in pro- 
portion to the increase of business and wealth of the country. 

While the State banks in 1861 had $150,000,000 of circulation, they had only 
$217,000,000 of deposits, while the national banks now, with a circulation of 
$199,000,000, have $1,853,000,000 of deposits and hold $239,000,000 of specie. In 
i860 the State banks of Illinois had a circulation of $11,000,000, but had only 
$808,000 deposits, while the national banks of Illinois in 1899 had $6,100,000 cir- 
culation and the enormous amount of $116,500,000 of deposits and $25,674,000 
specie. Under the national bank act banking in the United States has had a 
great progressive development, and is now the best banking system in the world. 



134 



CAPETRH XX. 

THE TARIFF. 

The Republican party has, from the beginning, favored the levying of imports 
so "as to encourage the development of the industrial interests of the whole 
country," and "that policy of national exchanges which secures to the working- 
men liberal wages, to agriculture remunerative prices, to mechanics and manu- 
facturers an adequate return for their skill, labor and enterprise, and to the 
nation commercial prosperity and independence/' This was the language of the 
Republican National Convention in May, i860. 

This was not a new doctrine — it was as old as the Government. The neces- 
sity of encouraging home manufacturers by protective duties as a means of 
securing commerial prosperity and independence was forcibly presented to Con- 
gress by Alexander Hamilton while Secretary of the Treasury, and approved by 
Washington. Later Mr. Clay advocated a protective tariff, and it became known 
as the American System. 

Three times prior to 1861, namely, in 1812, 1824-1828 and 1842 was the 
country placed under the encouraging influences of the protective system, and 
each time large sums of money were invested in new manufacturing enterprises, 
and general prosperity was the result. These periods of prosperity, however, 
were short; the enactment by the Democratic party of low tariff laws, based 
upon the ad valorem system, opened the United States to foreign markets, flooded 
the country with foreign products, broke down home industries, established a 
heavy balance of trade against the United States, caused a steady drain of gold 
and silver, produced stringency in the money market, advanced the rate of in- 
terest, discouraged enterprise and industry, and placed the country in the grip 
of hard times. 

This was the condition of the United States when the Republican party made 
the foregoing announcement of its principles. Looking back over the past 
forty years at the results which have flown from the protective system established 
and maintained by the Republican party when in power, the dispassionate mind 
must yield to the claim that the resolutions of the Republican Convention were 
words of wisdom and prophecy. 

The Democratic party had long ago firmly taken the position in favor of a 
tariff for revenue only, and against imposing duties discriminating in favor of 
American products ; they held that laws imposing protective duties were uncon- 
stitutional. They utterly repudiated the contention that the development of the 
internal resources of the United States and the establishment of manufacturing 
industries in this country would result in the reduction of prices of manufac- 
tures ; they contended that the tariff duty would necessarily increase the price of 
the foreign article in this country, and continue to do so without reference to the 
increase of home products in competition. The Democratic party has never 
yielded the law question, that protective duties are unconstitutional. The United 
States courts have been open to them for forty years to test that question, but 
no Democratic lawyer fresh from a National Democratic Convention where he 
has voted as a delegate in favor of a platform declaring protective duties uncon- 
stitutional has ever had the courage to present a brief in the Supreme Court of 
the United States alleging that the duty on a particular article was unconstitu- 
tional because the rate of duty was protective in its character; that it discrim- 
inated in favor of the American product to such an extent that the foreign product 
could not be imported in competition ; and that, therefore, the Supreme Court 
should declare the law null and void. 

135 



But while this cry of unconstitutionality of protective tariff laws is not good 
enough to base a law brief upon, it is quite good enough for a Democratic rally- 
ing cry in a heated political campaign. 

It is perfectlv just and fair to say that there is no force whatever in the claim 
of the Democratic party that protective laws are unconstitutional. The pro- 
tective system has been advocated and defended by manv of the most able men 
in the country. George Washington. Alexander Hamilton. Henry Clay. Daniel 
Webster, and Andrew Jackson gave the weight of their great influence for levying 
protective duties. John C. Calhoun had voted for such a measure and advocated 
protective duties in a speech in April, 1816. but later made protective legislation 
the ground for South Carolina nullification. Henry C. Cary and Horace Greeley 
wrote with great power and clearness upon the benefits which would result from 
a diversification of the productive industries of the country, arguing that by 
levying of protective duties as a permanent system, the natural resources of the 
United States would be developed ; that manufactures of all articles which could 
profitably be produced in this country would be established ; that wages would be 
increased ; that the home market would be secured for home products : that 
prices of manufacturers would be reduced : that there would be a large and better 
market for agricultural products : that exports would be increased ; that the 
balance of trade would finally be with this country ; that the exportation of gold 
and silver would practically cease ; that the country would become independent 
and the people more prosperous. 

One of the earliest writers upon this subject was W. Winterbotham in his 
'"Historical View of the United States of America" (4 vols.. Xew York. 1796). 
In volume 1 he says : 

"There seems to be a moral certainty that the trade of a country, which is 
both manufacturing and agricultural, will be more lucrative and prosperous than 
that of a country which is merely agricultural. Xot only the wealth, but the inde- 
pendence and security of a country appear to be materially connected with the 
prosperity of manufactures. Every nation, with a view to those great objects, 
ought to endeavor to possess within itself ail the essentials of national supply. 
These comprise the means of subsistence, habitation, clothing, and defence. The 
possession of these is necessary to the perfection of the body politic : to the 
safety as well as to the welfare of the society : the want of either is the want of 
an important organ of political life and motion ; and in the various critical events 
which await a State, it must severely feel the effects of any such deficiency." 

"The extreme embarrassment of the United States during the late war (re- 
ferring to the revolution), and from an incapacity of supplying themselves, are still 
matters of keen recollection." 

"The importation of manufactured supplies seem invariably to drain the 
merely agricultural people of their wealth. But the uniform appearance of an 
abundance of specie,, as the concomitant of a flourishing state of manufactures, 
and of the reverse where they do not prevail, afford a strong presumption of 
their favorable operation upon the wealth of a country. There is always a higher 
probability of a favorable balance of trade in regard to countries in which manu- 
factures founded on the basis of a thriving agriculture, flourish, than in regard 
to those which are confined wholly or almost wholly to agriculture.' 5 

Mr. Winterbotham insisted that the introduction of manufactures would 
occasion a positive augmentation of the produce and revenue of the society ; that 
they contribute essentially to rendering them greater than they could possibly 
be, without such establishments, because of the following circumstances: 

First — The division of labor. 

Second — An extension of the use of machinery. 

Third — Additional employment to classes of the community not ordinarily 
engaged in the business. 

Fourth — The promoting of emigration from foreign countries. 

Fifth — The furnishing greater scope for the diversity of talents and disposi- 
tions which discriminate men from each other. 

Sixth — The affording of more ample and various fields for enterprise. 

Seventh — The creating, in some instances, a new. and securing in all. a more 
certain and steady demand for the surplus products of the soil. 

136 



The same writer, referring to the state of manufactures in the United States 
soon after the revolutionary war, says : 

"There is a vast scene of household manufacturing, which contributes more 
largely to the supply of the community than could be imagined, without having 
made it an object of particular inquiry. This observation is the pleasing resm» 
of the investigation to which the subject has led, and is applicable as well to the 
Southern as to the Middle and Northern States. Great auantities of coarse ciotns, 
coatings, serges, and flannels, linsey woolseys, hosiery of wool, cotton and thread, 
coarse fustians, jeans and muslins, checked and striped cotton and linen goods, 
bed-ticks, coverlets and counterpanes, tow linens, coarse shirtings, sheetings, tow- 
eling and table linen, and various mixtures of wool and cotton, and of cotton and 
flax, are made in the household way, and in many instances to an extent not only 
sufficient for the supply of the families in which they were made, but for sale, 
and even in some cases for exportation. It is computed in a number of districts 
that two-thirds, three-fourths, and even four-fifths, of all the clothing of all the 
inhabitants is made by themselves." 

The important measures suggested by the writer for successfully encourag- 
ing home industries were "Protective duties — or duties on those foreign articles 
which are the rivals of the domestic ones intended to be encouraged. The ex- 
emption of the materials of manufactures from duty. Drawbacks of the duties 
which are imposed on the materials of manufacture — the encouragement of new 
inventions and discoveries, and of the introduction into the United States of such 
as have been made in other countries, particularly those which relate to ma- 
chinery. Judicious regulations for the inspection of manufactured commodities. 
The facilitating of pecuniary remittances from place to place, and the facilitating 
of the transportation of commodities." 

These wise suggestions made and printed 104 years ago — nine years after 
the constitutional government was launched — constitute to-day the foundation 
of Republican tariff legislation and the commercial prosperity of the country. 

It is obviously the business of the lawmakers of each country to legislate 
to promote the interests of their own people. It is not to be expected that the 
lawmakers of one country will knowingly enact laws to advance the interests of 
a foreign country to the prejudice of their own. 

Free trade may be wise and beneficial for some countries, while for others it 
may be ruinous. England became the workshop for the world under the pro- 
tective system ; she then adopted free trade, not only as a rule for her own 
action, but as a great commercial and moral principle for the government of other 
countries. Her leading statesmen organized a free trade propaganda, supported 
by the writings of Adam Smith, John Stewart Mill, John Bright, Mr. Gladstone 
and others. Free trade as a fundamental principle of true political economy was 
the watchword, the shibboleth of their clubs, public speakers, writers, and press. 
English free trade was not presented as a system specially suited to that country 
whereby breadstuffs, provisions, cotton and other raw materials came in free for 
the use of manufactures and their employes, but as a system suited to all coun- 
tries, all climates and all conditions — countries principally engag'ed in the pro- 
duction of food stuffs and raw material for manufacturers, were encouraged to 
continue in producing both for itself and for others the things in which its labor 
was relatively most efficient, and leave manufacturing to the countries where it 
was already established and where skilled labor for such industries abounded ; 
and to depend upon free and untrammeled interchange of products as the basis 
for wealth and progress. 

The Republican party was not a believer in the universal application of the 
doctrines of free trade ; such a system was, no doubt, suited to England with its 
limited agriculture, its enormous investment in manufactures, its dependence on 
foreign countries for food and raw material, its dominating navy and commercial 
marine, its immense foreign commerce and accumulated wealth which made 
London the financial center of the world. 

But in the opinion of the Republican party this countrv was not to be gov- 
erned by the rules adopted by the British Islands. They were of opinion that free 
trade was not suited to the conditions of this great continental Republic ; they 
knew that the United States occupied the best subdivision of the earth's surface, 

137 



namely, the great central belt of North America ; the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific 
Ocean, the Great Lakes, and the Gulf of Mexico affording them greater facilities 
for water transportation than are possessed by anv other nation. 

The diversity of climate is unequaled by any other country. The United 
States has more rich agricultural land ; larger deposits of granite and fine build- 
ing stone ; greater forests of good timber ; greater coal deposits ; greater iron, 
copper, zinc, lead, gold and silver deposits ; and more diversified productions from 
the soil than Great Britain and the whole of Europe. It was clear to Republican 
statesmen that the establishment of manufacturing industries, and the develop- 
ment of _ the natural resources of the country would inevitably produce wealth 
rapidly, increase wages and enlarge commerce. A just consideration of the causes 
which have led to the phenomenal growth of the United States, and the wonderful 
prosperity of the country, must find in the protective legislations of Congress 
the original inspiration, and the continuing encouragement to capital, enterprise 
and industry. 

Such a wonderful result could not come by chance. The laws of cause and 
effect operate at all times, and under all circumstances. Millions of people have 
immigrated to this country, not simply to get better government but to get better 
wages. This is made clear by the fact that when times are good immigration is 
greater than when times are hard. People from every clime and country have 
come to the United States because the word has gone out over the world that labor 
received a better reward here than elsewhere. Labor received a better reward 
here because the products of poorly paid labor were not permitted to come in com- 
petition with the higher paid labor of this country. 

The producers of the old world were required to pay for the privilege of 
selling their wares in this country in competition with the products of our own 
people. And why not? The foreigner pays no taxes here for the support of 
government. He does not fight our battles in time of war. Why then should 
he have access to our market without paying for the privilege, when _he brings 
articles to be sold in competition with similar articles produced here ? 

Foreign manufacturers object to our protective system. If this system was 
to their advantage and not to ours they would favor it, but as it enables our 
manufacturers to engross the home market, largely, to the exclusion of foreign 
goods, they do not favor it. 

This country now has reached such a development of mechanical energy 
and skill that the balance of trade will, no doubt, be favorable for years to come ; 
the yield of precious metals will be kept at home, and financially the people will 
be in better condition than the people of all other nations. Free trade between 
the States would result in a great increase in products and their annual value, 
and thus bring about a great increase in both domestic and foreign trade. 

The Republicans believed that the true policy for this country was to en- 
courage the people to do their own work of manufacturing instead of having the 
foreigner do it for them. To sell more than they bought, to export more than 
they imported ; and by this means to have an annual balance of trade in favor 
of the United States instead of against them. 

From colonial times to the date of the passage of the Morrill tariff law, March 
3, 1861, the people of this country were dependent upon foreign manufactures for 
most of the simple necessaries of life, and all of the elegancies of dress and 
household decoration. 

The cutlery, queensware and table linen of the kitchen and dining room ; 
the sheets, bed-spreads, lace curtains, brussel and velvet carpets, vases and bric- 
a-brac were of foreign make. The wardrobes of men, women and children when 
made of fine goods of wool, silk, linen or cotton, plain or printed, were imported ; 
while over thirty million of dollars of silk goods were imported in i860, not a 
yard of silk was manufactured in the United States. 

In the manufactures of iron, steel and other metals substantially the same 
condition prevailed. 

The civil war aroused the dormant energies of the people. The Government 
became a large purchaser of everything produced by farm or factory. The Pacific 
Railroad was subsidized and homesteads were granted to settlers on public lands. 
An immense impetus was given to all industries. 



138 



The war ended. A million men left the field of war, and returned to the field 
of enterprise and labor. In 1865 without a pause this country entered upon the 
most extraordinary era of development that has ever been witnessed in the his- 
tory of the world. The industrial progress of the States of the old world has 
been constant but slow; but in this country the development has gone forward 
by leaps and bounds. In thirty-five years the population has increased forty 
million ; eleven States have been added to the Union ; one hundred and fifty-six 
thousand two hundred and twenty-five miles of railroad have been built ; five 
lines of railroad joins the East with the Pacific States. The world recognizes 
the leadership of the United States in agriculture, manufactures, mining, means 
of internal transportation, in domestic commerce and wealth. There is no con- 
troversy over the proposition that the scale of wages and style of living is higher 
here than in other countries. Nor can it be disputed that American invention, 
skill, and enterprise has enabled manufacturers to cheapen processes, hasten pro- 
duction and reduce prices, thereby outstripping foreign competitors. The world 
has shared the benefits of lower prices and increased consumption as the result 
of the building up of American industries. 

In 1848, when gold was discovered in California, the stock of the precious 
metals in the United States was very low. The output of the mines was large, 
but very little of it could be retained in this country. From 1850 to 1878 inclusive, 
a period of twenty-six years, the balance of trade against the United States was 
$1,535,579,655. In 1877 the exports were larger than the imports, but it was not 
until 1880 that the flow of coin came this way. From 1850 to 1879, inclusive, a 
period of thirty years, the net export of gold and silver from this country was 
$1,256,431,408. Almost the entire output of the mines was shipped abroad to pay 
the trade balances. 

In 1876, however, domestic manufactures had become so extensive that the 
home market was largely engrossed by home products, and exports exceeded 
imports by nearly eighty million dollars. In 1881 the exports exceeded the im- 
ports by nearly two hundred and sixty million dollars ; in 1898 the exports ex- 
ceeded the imports by nearly six hundred and fifteen and a half million dollars. 
From 1876 to 1899 inclusive, a period of twenty-four years, the exports have 
exceeded the imports by $3,722,315,000. 

A forcible illustration of the wonderful increase of business in this country 
is shown by a few facts : In i860 pig-iron produced in the United States was 
821,223 tons; in Great Britain, 3,826,725 tons. In 1890 the United States pro- 
duced 9,012,379 tons pig-iron, while Great Britain produced 7,904,214 tons. In 
i860 the United States produced 11,838 tons of steel, but in 1895 produced 6,114,- 
834 tons of steel. In 1870 the coal mined in the United States was 29,342,580 
tons ; in 1894 it was 152,447,791 tons. 

In every line of industry the same marvelous increase in production can be 
observed. The most important fact is that the improved machinery introduced 
into agriculture, manufactures, mining and commerce in the United States enables 
a given number of operators here to turn out a larger quantity of products than 
can be produced by the same number of persons in any other country. In the 
United States the forces of nature are utilized in a greater degree for performing 
labor for man than in any other country. 



139 



CHAPTER XXI. 

General Grant's Administration. The Conventions of 1872. 

The inauguration of General Grant as President brought the legislative and 
executive departments of the Government into complete harmony. The Southern 
people had great respect for and confidence in the President. The generosity and 
kindness with which he treated General Lee and the Confederate Army at the 
time of the surrender at Appomattox touched the hearts of the Southern people. 

But it was scarcely consistent with human nature that those who had favored 
secession, and had supported the Confederate cause during the war. should 
quietly and cheerfully acquiesce in the great changes which necessarily took 
place as a result of the emancipation of the slaves. 

The opposition to Congressional reconstruction during President Johnson's 
regime was continued : these questions were finally taken to the Supreme Court 
of the United States, and a decision had. The Supreme Court held that the State 
had no right to secede, that the ordinances of secession were absolutely null; 
that because of rebellion, their State governments were not competent to repre- 
sent them in their relation to the Union : and that Congress had the right to enact 
laws to re-establish the relation of the Confederate States to the Union. 

This decision of the court sustained the convention of the Republican leaders 
in Congress in every particular. 

President Johnson's idea of settling everything by executive proclamation 
was overthrown ; and the proposition that the Southern States were to be restored 
to their proper relation to the Union by law was established. When Congress 
met December 5, 1870, all the Southern States were fully represented. 

In the House of Representatives the Republicans had 172 and the Demo- 
crats 71 members. The Senate stood 61 Republicans and 13 Democrats. 

Many of the Southern States had strong Republican delegations in Congress. 
These men were elected by the loyal whites, joined by the colored vote. Consid- 
erable emigration set in from the Northern States to the South. Many officers 
of the Union Army, after their term of service, became citizens of Southern 
States. These people were usually Republicans and took part in politics ; they 
participated in the work of organizing governments under the reconstruction 
laws and took office in the State and county governments, and as members of 
Congress. Political power had thus passed from the hands of those who organ- 
ized rebellion and opposed the authority of Congress to the hands of those 
Southerners who loyally accepted the result of the war, reinforced by Northern 
emigrants, and the enfranchised negroes. 

The Southern leaders decided to regain political power, come what might 
come. They knew that a majority of the qualified voters were against them. 
They decided to conduct their political campaigns through secret organization, 
and secure by intimidation and force what they felt could not be gained by 
argument. 

These secret societies were organized all over the South, and were known 
by various names: but the most common was the "Ku-Klux-Klan ;" the mem- 
bership was exclusively Democratic. 

The lawlessness of their conduct increased, as they spread terror by their 
midnight raids, and it became manifest that detection and punishment would not 
follow their misdeeds. During the political canvass of 1868. intimidation and 
murders were frequent. While a reign of terror prevailed in some other States. 
Louisiana was the scene of the bloodiest deeds during that year. There were 
fully one thousand political murders perpetrated in 1868. It was not until Con- 

140 



gress passed a law for the suppression of such deeds that the "Ku-Klux-Klan" 
disbanded. 

The power of the United States to issue a paper currency, and declare it 
to be a legal tender in payment of public and private debts, was fiercely contested 
by the Democratic party ; it was made a political question, and was brought be- 
fore the Supreme Court of the United States, which then had a Democratic 
majority. The court held that the legal tender act was unconstitutional, although 
strong dissenting opinions were filed ; that of Mr. Justice Miller being an 
exceptionally strong and lucid argument in favor of the act. 
This decision was rendered in 1869. 

In 1870, the question was again brought before the court. Two new mem- 
bers had been appointed; there was a Republican majority on the bench; and 
in the second decision the validity of the legal tender act was sustained. Judge 
Miller's dissenting opinion in the former case was adopted as good law by the 
court. 

No reflection can be justly cast upon the court because of these conflicting 
decisions. The Democratic members were thoroughly grounded in the strict 
construction theory of the Democratic party, and with perfect sincerity rendered 
their decision adversely to the act. 

While the Republican members were deeply imbued with that broader prin- 
ciple of construction favored by Hamilton, and adopted by Chief Justice Mar- 
shall. They therefore held that the legal tender act was fully within the power 
of Congress and was therefore constitutional. That decision has been universally 
accepted as good law. 

The progressive nature of a free government creates a certain unrest in 
politics ; besides in every party there are men of extreme views upon the various 
issues that arise; these added to the ambitions of some, and the jealousies of 
others, keep up a constant movement for new parties for the purpose of engraft- 
ing new laws, and different administration on the country. 

In 1872, the spirit of unrest animated many leading Republicans. They were 
dissatisfied with the laws of Congress, and the executive administration. These 
people called themselves "Liberal Republicans." The "Liberal Republican" 
movement began in Missouri in 1870, under the leadership of B. Gratz Brown 
and Carl Schurz. They demanded greater liberality in the laws of Missouri in 
removing the disabilities of the Confederates. 

The Democracy allied themselves with the "Liberal Republicans" and they 
carried Missouri by 40,000 majority. This gave great prestige to the move- 
ment; it was supported by a number of very able newspaper men, namely: 
Whitelaw Reid, Horace Greeley, Murat Halstead and Henry Watterson. Sen- 
ator Sumner, Charles Francis Adams, Judge Trumbull and Governor Palmer 
gave it their support, but Horace Greeley editor of the New York Tribune, was 
the recognized leader. 

A National "Liberal Republican" Convention was held at Cincinnati, May 
1, 1872. Carl Schurz was permanent Chairman. Horace Greeley, Charles Fran- 
cis Adams, B. Gratz Brown, Jacob D. Cox, Andrew G. Curtin, David Davis, John 
M. Palmer and Lyman Trumbull were all mentioned and considered for nomina- 
tion for the Presidency by the Liberal Republicans. They had all been promi- 
nent in the counsels, and recognized leaders of the Republican party. 

On the sixth ballot Horace Greeley was nominated for President ; Governor 
B. Gratz Brown of Missouri was chosen as candidate for Vice-President. 

The regular Democratic National Convention met at Baltimore, July 9th. 
James R. Doolittle of Wisconsin was made President. Mr. Doolittle had been 
a Republican United States Senator from his State. The convention adopted 
the "Liberal Republican" platform and endorsed the candidacy of Greeley and 
Brown for President and Vice-President. 

The "Straight-out Democrats" nominated Charles O'Connor of New York, 
for President and John Quincy Adams of Massachusetts for Vice-President. 

The Temperance National Convention of February 22, 1872, nominated 
James Black and A. H. Colquitt for President and Vice-President. 

The Labor Reform National Convention nominated David Davis and Joel 
Parker for President and Vice-President. These gentlemen declined, and a sub- 

141 



sequent convention held August 22d at Philadelphia endorsed the nomination of 
Charles O'Connor. 

The Republican National Convention met at Philadelphia, June 5, 1872. A 
platform of principles was adopted, the most important plank of which was a 
declaration in favor of the resumption of specie payment by the National Gov- 
ernment. Ulysses S. Grant was renominated for President and Henry Wilson 
of Massachusetts, then a Senator from that State, was nominated for Vice- 
President. 

A spirited canvass followed these nominations. Mr. Greeley made a tour 
of the country and delivered a number of speeches. 

The continued popularity of General Grant was attested by the vote of the 
people. The popular vote was, for Grant, 3,597,070 ; for Greeley, 2,834,079 ; for 
O'Connor, 29,489 ; for Black, 5,608. Grant received 286 electoral votes. 

Mr. Greeley having died, the Liberal Republican-Democratic vote of 80 
electors was scattered. Thomas A. Hendricks received 42 votes, the largest 
number cast for one person. 

The 43d Congress elected in 1872 was composed as follows : Senate, 54 Re- 
publicans, 19 Democrats; House, 203 Republicans, 88 Democrats. James G. 
Blaine was re-elected speaker of the House of Representatives. 

General Grant was inaugurated as President the second time March 4, 1873. 
During the eight years of his Presidency, he was earnestly devoted to the ques- 
tion of restoring peaceful relations between the people of the North and South. 

But the passions of the war had not cooled ; nor had the new relations ex- 
isting between the white and colored people of the South been acquiesced in by 
the majority of the whites. Congress passed an act to suppress the "Ku-Klux- 
Klan ;" an act to enforce the Fifteenth Amendment to the Constitution ; an act 
allowing suit against persons who should deprive others of the rights of citizen- 
ship ; and also an amnesty act which relieved from political disabilities all per- 
sons engaged in the civil war, except about 300 persons who had served the 
United States in important public offices immediately preceding the rebellion. 

The President was an earnest advocate of sound finance. He opposed the 
expansion of the depreciated legal tender notes, and favored the resumption of 
specie payments. In 1875, the bill providing for the resumption of specie pay- 
ments January 1, 1876, was passed by Congress and approved by the President. 

A most important service to the United States, in fact to all civilized nations, 
was the inauguration by President Grant of the principle of arbitration, for the 
settlement of grave questions of dispute between nations. 

During the Civil War, certain vessels were built in British Navy Yards for 
the Confederate government, to be used as cruisers against the commerce of the 
United States. 

Although protests were made by the American Minister, these vessels were 
allowed to go to sea, where they received their armament and men, and at once 
began to prey upon United States merchantmen. 

The captures became so numerous, that our Merchant Marine found it 
dangerous to navigate the ocean. The result was that the foreign trade of the 
United States was transferred to foreign bottoms, most of which sailed under the 
British flag. 

During the last months of President Johnson's administration, our Minister 
to England, Reverdy Johnson, of Maryland, negotiated a treaty for the settle- 
ment of claims between the two nations. The preamble of the treaty referred to 
claims of citizens, and subjects of the two nations, which "are still pending and 
remain unsettled" and that a settlement of such claims should be considered as 
"a full and final settlement of every claim upon either government arising out 
of any transaction of a date prior to the exchange of ratifications." 

This treaty left out of view the complaints made by the United States against 
the unfriendly acts of the British government during the civil war, particularly 
that of allowing the cruisers built in British navy yards to prey upon American 
commerce. 

The treaty met with no favor in the Senate. Mr. Sumner, Chairman of the 
Committee on Foreign Relations, brought in a report recommending that it 
should "be rejected." 

142 



Mr. Sumner supported the report with an able speech. After speaking of 
the great losses to this country, he said : "The truth must be told, not in anger, 
but in sadness. England has done to the United States an injury most difficult 
to measure." 

In April, 1869, a short time after President Grant entered upon his office, 
the treaty was rejected. 

In his message to Congress in December, 1869, the President expressed 
his approval of the action of the Senate, and remarked that the rejection of the 
treaty was "followed by a state of public opinion on both sides not favorable to 
an immediate attempt at renewed negotiations, but he expressed the hope that 
the time will soon arrive when the two Governments can approach the solution of 
this momentous question with an appreciation of what is due to the rights, dignity 
and honor of each." A year passed by. The British Government had shown it- 
self unwilling to go beyond the treaty negotiated with Reverdy Johnson. 

In December, 1870, President Grant treated of this subject again in his 
annual message to Congress. He said : "The Cabinet at London does not appear 
willing to concede that her Majesty's Government was guilty of any negligence, 
or did, or permitted, any act of which the United States has just cause of com- . 
plaint." He added, "Our firm and unalterable convictions are directly the re- 
verse." He then made a clear and practical recommendation that Congress 
should "authorize the appointment of a commission to take proof of the amounts, 
and the ownership of these several claims, on notice to the representative of her 
Majesty at Washington." And, that authority be given for the settlement of 
these claims by the United States, so that the Government shall have the owner- 
ship of the private claims, as well as the responsible control of all the demands 
against Great Britain. 

This was an unusual step for a Government to take. It showed conclusively 
to the English authorities and people, that President Grant was profoundly in 
earnest in regard to the subject in hand. He had lifted the question entirely out 
of the category of a demand for the payment of a few private claims, and placed it 
upon the basis of a claim of the United States against Great Britain, involving the 
rights and duties of Nations. 

This action of President Grant was taken at a time when the war between 
France and Germany was at its height, and no one could foresee whether other 
nations would become involved in that great struggle or not. Whether this war 
hastened the action of the British, will never be known, but it is nevertheless a 
fact that within sixty days from the date of the President's message, an agree- 
ment had been reached for the appointment of a "Joint High Commission" to 
meet at Washington to discuss the various matters of difference between the two 

ernments. 

This commission met and soon agreed upon a basis for the adjustment of 
the Alabama claims before a commission to meet at Geneva, Switzerland, where 
damages of $15,500,000 was awarded. But the most important and substantial 
part of this settlement is the paragraph in the treaty of Washington wherein it 
is stated that, Her Britanic Majesty had authorized her High Commissioners and 
Plenipotentiaries, "to express in a friendly spirit the regret felt by Her Majesty's 
Government for the escape, under whatever circumstances, of the Alabama and 
other vessels from British ports, and for the depredations committed by those 
vessels." 

Having arranged for the arbitration of these claims, it was also stipulated in 
the treaty, that the Northwest boundary question, involving the ownership of 
San Juan Island, contiguous to Washington Territory, should be submitted to 
the Emperor of Germany, who was authorized to decide the question, "finally 
and without appeal." 

Upon due consideration, Emperor William held that the Island of San Juan 
belonged to the United States. 

The settlement of these grave questions, by arbitration in a friendly spirit, 
before tribunals of distinguished and learned men, set an example to the world, 
which there is a growing disposition to follow. 

President Grant, and his Secretary of State, Hamilton Fish, are entitled to 
the highest honor for the services they rendered their country in these affairs. 

143 



CHAPTER XXII. 

General Johx M. Palmer's Administration. General Oglesby Again 
Elected Governor, Then Senator. Leiut-Governor Beveridge As- 
sumes the Office . Conventions of 1876. 

The election of 1866, the first after the close of the Civil War, and held dur- 
ing the agitation created by the conflict between President Johnson and Con- 
gress, brought together the great majority of the men who supported the war; 
they voted the Republican ticket. 

The accession of the war Democrats to the Republican column, was in many 
counties, particularly in southern Illinois, a political revolution. The election of 
1868 thoroughly consolidated the party. 

John M. Palmer, an original Republican, a man of great ability, power and 
influence, distinguished alike in his civil and military career, entered upon the 
office of Governor, supported by a strong body of Republicans in the executive 
and legislative departments of the Government. John Dougherty, the Lieutenant 
Governor, was a man of ability and long experience in public affairs. A life-long 
Democrat, he promptly espoused the cause of the Union, and identified himself 
with the Republican party as the only course left to a man who favored the 
preservation of the Union. 

Edward Rummel was well qualified for the office of Secretary of State. Gen- 
eral Charles E. Lippencott, auditor, and Col. Erastus N. Bates, treasurer, were 
men who had distinguished themselves in the army. 

They were able, popular and eminently successful in the conduct of the busi- 
ness of their office. 

Washington Bushnell, a lawyer of recognized ability and a leading Republi- 
can of the State, was Attorney General. James P. Slade, School Superintendent, 
and Herbert Dilger, Adjutant General, were able and diligent in their perform- 
ance of duty. 

The administration of Governor Palmer was eminently successful ; he had the 
good will and hearty support of the Republican party of the State. A man of 
strong and fixed opinions upon Constitutional questions, jealous of any apparent 
infringement upon his powers and duties of office. An incident connected with 
the great Chicago fire in October, 1871, exerted a powerful influence upon his 
subsequent political career. The overwhelming disaster of the fire made im- 
mediate help absolutely necessary. The public everywhere responded, and food 
and money poured into the city as if by magic. But the unfortunate people were 
bereft of suitable police protection. At the request and with the entire sanction 
of the city authorities, General P. H. Sheridan commanding the department, 
ordered troops to the city as a temporary guard to protect life and property. 

Governor Palmer was not consulted by the City Government nor by General 
Sheridan. He had not called for the troops, and he regarded the stationing of 
soldiers in the City of Chicago to act as a local police as a usurpation of authority 
and an infringement upon the powers and duties of the Executive of Illinois. He 
could not justify or excuse the act because of the extraordinary emergency under 
which it was done. In the correspondence which followed, Governor Palmer 
indicated his opinions upon the question of State rights. They were not in har- 
mony with the accepted ideas of the Republican party, but were not new to Gov- 
ernor Palmer. In his inaugural address delivered January nth, 1869, he had 
set forth with considerable force his views upon that question. 

In discussing the question of the incorporation of railroads by national 
authority, he said: "It is essential to the usefulness of State governments that 

144 





145 



their just authority should be respected by that of the Nation. Already the 
authority of the States is in a measure paralyzed by a glowing convention that 
all their powers are in some sense derivative and subordinate, and not original 
and independent. The State governments are a part of the American system of 
government. They till a well defined place and their just authority must be re- 
spected by the Federal Government, if it is expected that the laws will be obeyed. 

"It is the clear duty of the National Government to decline the exercise of 
all doubtful powers, when the neglect to do so would be to bring it into fields 
of legislation already occupied by the States, thereby raising embarrassing ques- 
tions and presenting a singular and dangerous instance of two jurisdictions, 
claiming the right to control the same class of subjects and treating rival cor- 
porations with different powers." 

This unpleasant episode colored the administration of Governor Palmer; 
he gradually dropped away from his political moorings and was ready in 1872 to 
accept a nomination for the Presidency in opposition to the regular Republican 
nominee. He was elected to the United States Senate and affiliated with the 
Democracy, but. true to his convictions, as he always has been, in 1896 he re- 
fused to support the free silver platform of the Democratic party, and was voted 
for for President as a sound money Democrat. His anti-Slavery sentiments in 
1854 carried him out of the Democratic ranks; but his State rights opinions 
caused his return at a later day to that party. 

Of the fourteen members of Congress from Illinois chosen at November 
election. 1868. eleven were Republicans, namely: John A. Logan, Norman B. 
Judd. John F. Farnsworth, Elihu B. YVashburne. Horatio C. Burchard, John 
B. Hawley. Ebon C. Ingersoll. Burton C. Cook. Jesse H. Moore. Shelby M. 
Cullom and John B. Hay. This was an able body of men and they exerted great 
influence in the deliberations of the House of Representatives. General Logan 
was re-elected in 1870 — was chosen Senator ; and in 1888 was the Republican 
candidate for Vice-President on the ticket with James G. Blaine. 

Mr. YVashburne was appointed Minister to France. Mr. Burchard was 
Director of the Mint, Mr. Hawley was made Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, 
General Moore was appointed Pension Agent, and Mr. Cullom was twice elected 
Governor of Illinois and is now serving his third term in the United States 
Senate. 

In 1870 the Republican party elected nine members of Congress. John L. 
Beveridge succeeded General Logan, who was elected to the Senate. 

Charles B. Farwell succeeded Mr. Judd; Bradford N. Stevens succeeded Mr. 
Ingersoll and Henry Snapp succeeded Mr. Cook, who died. The other Republi- 
can members elected in 1868 were re-elected, except Mr. Cullom. who. owing to 
a split in the party, was defeated by James C. Robinson, Democrat. 

At the November election. 1872. Richard J. Oglesby was elected Governor, 
John L. Beveridge was elected Lieutenant Governor, George H. Harlow, Secre- 
tarv of State. Charles E. Lippincott, Auditor, Edward Rutz. Treasurer, James K. 
Edsall. Attorney General, and Newton Bateman. Superintendent of Public In- 
struction. Edward L. Higgins was appointed Adjutant General. 

The Legislature was strongly Republican. Shelby M. Cullom was elected 
speaker of the House, and Daniel Shepard. clerk. Daniel Ray was elected Secre- 
tary of the Senate. 

The Congressional delegation now contained nineteen members of the 
House. Of these fourteen were Republicans and five Democrats. The Republi- 
can members were John B. Rice. Jasper D. Ward. Charles B. Farwell. Stephen A. 
Hurlbut. Horatio C. Burchard. John B. Hawley, Franklin Corwin. Greenberry 
L. Fort. Granville Barriere. William H. Ray. John McNulta. Joseph G. Cannon, 
Tames S. Martin and Isaac Clemens. The Democratic members were Robert 
M. Knapp. James C. Robinson. John R. Eden, William R. Morrison and Samuel 
S. Marshall Mr. Rice having died was succeeded by Bernard G. Caulfield. a 
Democrat. 

This delegation was composed of men of ability and experience. Messrs. 
Hurlbut. Ton. McNulta. Martin. Clemens and Morrison had served with dis- 
tinction in the army. Mr. Marshall had been returned to Congress after a 
previous service in the house and on the bench. 

146 



When the Legislature convened in January, 1873, one of their first duties was 
to elect a United States Senator. Governor Oglesby was a candidate and was 
elected without Republican opposition. He was inaugurated Governor, January 
13th, and was elected Senator, January 23rd, having remained in office only ten 
days, when he was succeeded by Lieutenant Governor Beveridge, who was in 
turn succeeded as presiding officer of the Senate by John Early of Winnebago 
County, who was elected President of the Senate for two years, when he in turn 
was succeeded by Archibald A. Glenn of Brown County, a Democrat. 

The financial panic of 1873 was widespread and disastrous. Many of the 
greatest houses in the country went down as the result of over-trading and the 
utter collapse of values. 

The financial disorders precipitated a flood of discussion; the great panacea 
offered for the relief of the country by a large faction of both of the old parties 
was an unlimited issue of legal tender notes. 

Members of Congress elected from Illinois : Charles B. Farwell, Stephen A. 
Hurlbut, Horatio C. Burchard, Thomas J. Henderson, Greenberry L. Fort, 
Ruhard H. Whiting and Joseph G. Cannon ; six in number were Republicans : 
Bernard G. Caulfield, Carter H. Harrison, John C. Bogby, Scott Wike, William 
M. Springer, John R. Eden, William A. J. Sparks, William R. Morrison and 
William Hartzell; nine in number were Democrats, and Alexander Campbell, 
Adlai E. Stevenson and William B. Anderson, three in number, were Green- 
backers. 

The Greenbackers in Congress affiliated with the Democratic party in the 
House of Representatives; the Democrats had 181, the Republicans 107, In- 
dependent 3. In the Senate the Republicans had 54 and the Democrats 19. In 
the Illinois Legislature the opposition had a majority. As before stated Archi- 
bald A. Glenn was elected President of the Illinois Senate and R. R. Townes was 
elected Secretary. Elisha M. Haynes was chosen speaker of the House and 
Jeremiah J. Crowley, clerk. 

The discordant element in this Legislature forbade the enactment of any 
beneficial legislation, for the State. 

The Republican party of Illinois was divided upon the financial question. 
Many of its prominent men favored expansion, while others favored the resump- 
tion of specie payments. This question was carried into the Convention of 1874. 
The Convention of 1874 adopted a platform affirming the resolution of the Re- 
publican National platform of 1872 favoring a resumption of specie payments. 
This question held the Committee on Resolutions for several hours, but finally, 
by a unanimous vote, the platform was adopted by the Committee and ratified 
by the Convention. The Committee on Resolutions was composed of 21 mem- 
bers with Hon. F. W. Palmer, then editor of the Inter-Ocean, as Chairman. 

The financial issue of the campaign in Illinois was clear and distinct. The 
Republicans favored the resumption of specie payments, and a general system of 
national banking, while their opponents favored winding up the National Banks 
and issuing an unlimited amount of legal tenders. 

While the Republican party lost many votes at the election and suffered a 
number of defeats for Congressmen and the Legislature, it held to its position 
of sound finances, and earnestly opposed the financial heresy of the Green- 
backers, that National currency would circulate at par without any promise or 
provision for its redemption in coin. 

The Greenback party organized to secure an expansion of the currency 
swept from end to end of the country, here and there electing members of Con- 
gress and State Legislatures at the November election, 1874. 

The Republicans gathered their strength for the political contest of 1876. 
The Republican State Convention met at Springfield. Shelby M. Cullom and 
Andrew M. Sherman were nominated for Governor and Lieutenant Governor re- 
spectively. George H. Harlow was renominated as Secretary of State, Thomas 
B. Needles as Auditor, Edward Rutz as Treasurer, and James K. Edsall as Attor- 
ney General. 

The following named persons were chosen as Presidential Electors : 

John I. Rinaker, George Armour, Louis Schaffner, Joseph N. Bailey, Frank- 
lin Corwin, Oscar F. Price, David E. Beaty, Michael Donahue, George G. 

147 



Chaffee, Syrus Happy, Joseph J. Castles, Peter Schuttler, Boliver G. Gill, Allen 

C. Fuller, John B. Hawley, Jason W. Strevell, Alexander McLean, Philip N. 
Miniere, Hugh Crea, James M. Truitt, George C. Ross. 

The delegates to the Republican National Convention consisted of the fol- 
lowing named persons : 

At large : Robert G. Ingersoll, Joseph W. Robbins, Green B. Raum, George 

D. Bangs. District: Sidney Smith, George M. Bogue, John McArthur, S. 
K. Dow, Frank M. Palmer, Charles P. Farwell, William Coffin, E. E. Ayres, 
L. Burchell, Alexander Walker, A. R. Mack, J. W. Hopkins, J. Everts, G. N. 
Chittenden, J. F. Culver, A. Burk, Thomas A. Boyd, Enoch Emery, D. Mack, 
D. McGill, J. M. Davis, George W. Ware, William Prescott, X. W. Branson, 
C. R.Cummings, R. B. Latham, D. D. Evans, L.J. Bond, Benson Wood, Thomas 
L. Golden, James S. Martin, George C. McCord, John I. Rinaker, H. L. Baker, 
William Adams, Isaac Clemens, F. D. Ham, William H. Robinson. 

The Republican National Convention was held at Cincinnati, June 14 and 
15, 1876. It was attended by many of the most distinguished men of the nation. 
Edward McPherson, of Pennsylvania, was the presiding officer. 

The most prominent candidate for nomination was James G. Blaine, of 
Maine, but Governor Morton of Indiana, Benjamin H. Bristow of Kentucky, 
Roscoe Conkling of New York, Governor Hartranf of Pennsylvania, and Ruther- 
ford B. Hayes of Ohio had many friends. 

The nominating speeches were able and eloquent and elicited great applause. 
When Illinois was called for nominations, Robert G. Ingersoll took the stand and 
made a most eloquent and powerful speech nominating Mr. Blaine. This speech 
is historical and will no doubt live amongst the greatest of oratorical gems. Mr. 
Blaine came within five votes of a nomination on the third ballot. This occurred 
late in the afternoon when night was coming on. An adjournment was forced; 
during the night the opponents of Mr. Blaine came together, united upon Gov- 
ernor Hayes, and he was nominated the next morning. Roscoe Conkling, John 
M. Harlan, J. Donald Cameron and James N. Tyner arranged this combination 
and secured the defeat of Mr. Blaine. William Wheeler of New York was nom- 
inated for Vice-President. 

General Hayes was at the time of his nomination Governor of Ohio. He had 
been a distinguished soldier, and was a popular and successful man before the 
people of Ohio. He had beaten at the polls for Congress and Gov- 
ernor, George H. Pendleton, William Allen, and Allen G. Thurman, the three 
leading Democrats of Ohio. The Republican party united earnestly in the sup- 
port of Hayes and Wheeler. 

John L. Beveridge, elected as Lieutenant-Governor on the ticket with 
Governor Oglesby, November, 1872, and inaugurated as Governor January 13, 
1873, upon the election of Governor Oglesby to the United States Senate, is a 
native of New York. He was born in Greenwich, Washington County, July 6, 
1824, and was brought up on a farm. His ancestors were Scotch Presbyterians. 
He came to Illinois in 1842 with his father's family. He attended Granville 
Academy, in Putnam County, and Rock River Seminary, at Mt. Morris, Ogle 
County. He removed to Tennessee, engaged in teaching, studied law and prac- 
ticed that profession in his adopted State. In 185 1 he returned to Illinois, having 
in 1848 married Helen M. Judson, an Illinois girl. 

He lived at Sycamore three years, but in 1854 removed to Evanston, and 
opened a law office in Chicago with his partner, John F. Farnsworth. When 
the Civil War came on they both decided to enter the military service. John 
F. Farnsworth was commissioned colonel of the 8th Illinois Cavalry and Captain 
John L. Beveridge commanded one of the companies. He was soon promoted 
to the rank of major. The regiment served in the Army of the Potomac with 
great distinction. In 1863, Major Beveridge was commissioned colonel of the 
17th Illinois Cavalry, and had an extended service in Missouri. He was mus- 
tered out February 6, 1865, with the rank of brevet brigadier-general. In 1866 
he was elected sheriff of Cook County, Illinois. From that time forward his 
advancement in popularity and preferment was rapid. In 1870 he was elected 
to the State Senate. He resigned that position for Congressman-at-Large as 
successor of General Logan, who was elected to the United State Senate. In 

148 




<^^r^uoL, /^Wz^^J^/ 



149 



1872 he resigned this office to accept the office of Lieutenant-Governor. It is 
an interesting and remarkable fact that General Beveridge in three weeks held 
the several positions of Congressman-at-Large, Lieutenant-Governor and Gov- 
ernor of the State of Illinois. 

The Democratic party held their National Convention at St. Louis, June 27th, 
29th, 1876. The Convention adopted an elaborate platform demanding re- 
form. The vital issues presented were a demand for the repeal of the Resump- 
tion Act, and a tariff for revenue only. 

Samuel J. Tilden of New York and Thomas J. Hendricks of Indiana were 
nominated for President and Vice-President. These were both able men, lawyers 
of national reputation, experienced in public affairs, adroit in political manage- 
ment. Mr. Tilden was a millionaire, and both were popular with their party. 

Peter Cooper of New York, and Samuel F. Cary of Ohio, were nominated for 
President and Vice-President by the Greenback party, and Green Clay Smith of 
Kentucky was nominated for President by the Prohibition party. The American 
National Convention nominated James B. Walker of Illinois and Donald Kirk- 
patrick of New York for President and Vice-President. 

General Hampton of South Carolina in the Democratic National Convention 
promised the solid vote of the South for the Democratic nominees. 

The important issues of the campaign were, purity of elections, the Repub- 
licans demanding a "free ballot and a fair count" : the financial question, the 
Republicans advocating the resumption of specie payments ; and the tariff, the 
Republicans standing firmly in favor of a protective tariff, and the Democrats 
favoring a tariff for revenue only. 

It soon developed that the Democracy of the South proposed to carry the 
election of their States by intimidation. The Ku-Klux-Klan had introduced this 
system through a mysterious and disguised organization which performed its 
work at night. The laws of Congress had favored the disbandment of that asso- 
ciation. 



150 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

The Campaign of 1876. Shelby M. Cullom Elected Governor. The 
Electoral Commission. President Hayes' Administration. 

In 1874 the Democracy of Alabama had carried that State by open violence 
and fraud. The same policy was inaugurated in Mississippi in 1875. 

Volunteer military companies were organized and armed; they operated in 
twenty-six counties where Republican majorities existed, they broke up Re- 
publican meetings and assassinated many people by shooting, hanging and 
drowning; they overcame a Republican majority of 35,000, and carried the State. 
In these States the Democratic party having by intimidation, murder and fraud 
placed in the ballot boxes a majority of votes for their candidates, secured their 
election and seized those State governments. The success of these political enter- 
prises were so great that Southern Democratic leaders decided to apply the 
''Mississippi Plan" to the whole South. 

Every necessary step in the way of armed political organization was adopted. 
A reign of terror was inaugurated, particularly in Louisiana, Mississippi, Ala- 
bama, South Carolina and Florida. Murder ran riot. The history of the political 
campaign and election in those States in 1876, is a history of intimidation, fraud 
and murder. With a peaceful and fair election all of those States were Republican. 
In Illinois the entire Republican State ticket was elected. 

Shelby M. Cullom, Governor-elect, of Springfield, Illinois, was born No- 
vember 22, 1829, at Monticello, Wayne County, Kentucky. 

In 1 83 1 his father, Richard N. Cullom, removed with his family from Ken- 
tucky to Tazewell County, Illinois, where he engaged in farming. Mr. Cullom 
became prominent in politics and was elected four terms to the Legislature, 
serving in the 10th, 12th, 13th and 18th General Assemblies. Young Cullom 
was raised on a farm. He attended the local schools and upon proper prepara- 
tion entered Rock River Seminary, at Mount Morris, where he remained two 
Stewart & Edwards, in Springfield, and was admitted to the bar in 1855. His 
first official position was city attorney. 

In 1856 he was elected to the Illinois Legislature. He identified himself 
with the Republican party and was again elected to the Legislature in i860, and 
was chosen Speaker of the House. In 1862 President Lincoln created a claim's 
commission, to which were appointed George S. Boutwell of Massachusetts, 
Charles A. Dana of New York and Shelby M. Cullom of Illinois. In 1864 Mr. 
Cullom was nominated and elected to Congress from the Springfield district, de- 
feating his old law preceptor, John T. Stewart. He was re-elected in 1866 and 
in 1868, and participated in the enactment of the important measures at the 
close of the war, including the 14th and 15th Amendments to the Constitution. 
In 1872 he was again returned to the Legislature, and was again made Speaker, 
and was re-elected to the Legislature in 1874. With this long and varied experi- 
ence in both State and National affairs, Shelby M. Cullom was nominated and 
elected Governor of Illinois. Few men have ever been better prepared to un- 
dertake the performance of the duties devolving on the Governor of a great State 
than Governor Cullom. He proved himself to be a capable executive officer. 
His career as a public officer has covered a greater period of time than any other 
of its citizens who ever held important public offices. He was six years a mem- 
ber of the Illinois Legislature and twice Speaker. Six years in the lower house 
of Congress, six years as Governor and eighteen years a United States Senator — 
making thirty-six years of almost constant public employment, and this does not 
include his service as city attorney, nor service on the claims' commission. 

151 



This public service of Senator Cullom's covers the most important era in 
modern times. He was an active participant in connection with the legislation 
of this country during the Civil War and since the war, and covers also the Span- 
ish War and the legislation incident to that important event. He has been on 
the side of the great progressive movement in law and in politics, inaugurated 
and carried forward by the Republican party, and has taken an active part as a 
constructive legislator, framing laws to meet the necessities of this great and 
growing country. 

The election for President turned upon the result in 'Louisiana. South Caro- 
lina and Florida. Both parties claimed a. victory. Basing his decision on the 
telegrams of the Governors of those States, as to the result of the election. Zach- 
ary Chandler. Chairman of the National Republican Committee, sent out a mes- 
sage that "Hayes and Wheeler have received 185 votes and are elected." The 
returning boards of those States decided that Haves and Wheeler had received 
majorities. 

The Presidential succession after the election became a grave national issue. 
Distinguished men of both political parties visited the States in dispute and in- 
vestigated the conduct of the campaign and election. The atrocious and bloody 
deeds of the Democratic organizations were fully brought to light. The con- 
tention and agitation aroused at this time was so great that civil war seemed 
imminent. 

Congress, whose duty it was to count the vote, took the subject up, and 
passed a law organizing an "Electoral Commission", consisting of fifteen mem- 
bers,, five Senators, five members of the House, and five Judges of the Supreme 
Court. The Electoral Commission was composed of the following named: 
Judges Clifford. Field, Miller, Strong, and Bradley ; Senators Edmunds, Mor- 
ton, Frelinghuysen, Bayard and Thurman ; Members of the House Abbott, Hun- 
ton, Payne, Garfield and Hoar. Senator Thurman retired and was succeeded by 
Senator Kernan. 

This august body met. deliberated, passed upon all the questions presented 
and decided that Hayes and Wheeler were elected President and Vice-President. 
During the progress of this controversy. President Grant was visited by a com- 
mittee of prominent Democrats to discuss the question. 

The President assured the committee that he could not and would not take 
part in deciding the question of the succession, but he declared most emphatically 
that he proposed that his successor should be peacefully inaugurated and put in 
possession of the presidential office. 

This interview dispelled the idea that Air. Tilden could by some strategem 
seize the Presidency. The Demucracy submitted to the result of the decision 
of the Electoral Commission ; the joint session of the two houses counted the 
votes ; Hayes and Wheeler received 185 votes and were declared elected. The 
public inauguration occurred on Monday, March 5. 1877; although Air. Hayes 
had previously taken the oath of office privately. 

President Grant retired from office with the affection and confidence of the 
American people. 

The political campaign of 1876 will ever remain memorable in the political 
history of the country. It was the final struggle of the Democratic party by open 
violence in the South to seize the National Government. 

The dispute which arose as to the result of the election in three of the States, 
and which involved the presidential succession, brought clearly to light the fact 
that there was no provision of constitutional or statutory law to meet a contest 
of that kind : and the importance of such a law was emphasized by the excitement 
that prevailed throughout the country over the question. When Congress finally 
passed a law creating the Electoral Commission and that commission decided in 
favor of Hayes and Wheeler, the great mass of the people cheerfully acquiesced 
in the decision. But many prominent leaders of the Democratic party claimed 
that Air. Tilden had been cheated out of the Presidency, and this question was 
constantly kept before the public. Finally the Legislature of Maryland passed 
a resolution that due effect had not been given to the Elector vote of that State, 
by reason of fraudulent returns of electoral votes from the States of Florida and 
Louisiana. 

152 





153 



On May 13. 187S. Clarksen X. Potter, member of Congress from New 

York introduced into the House of Representatives a resolution for a select 
committee of eleven members to investigate alleged frauds in the canvass and 
votes for President and Vice-President in 187 : 

In the Senate the political division was 39 Republicans and 36 Democrats; 
in the House there were 156 Democrats and 137 Republicans. Samuel J- Ran- 
dall of Pennsylvania was Speaker. The Potter resolution was adopted and a 
committee of investigation appointed. The Democratic platform of 1876 de- 
nounced the Republican party as incompetent, extravagant and corrupt. It 
demanded a reform in every branch of the Government, and the repeal of every 
important act of legislation. They held themselves out as par excellence the party 
of wisdom and integrity. 

In demanding and entering upon this great inquest, in respect to the presi- 
ucntial election, the alleged sentiment and feelings of the Democracy were voiced 
by Mr. Manton Marble in a lengthy document arraigning the Republicans; he 
declared, in a spirit of injured innocence "that the absolute trust of Mr. Tilden and 
his adherents in the presidential contest had been in moral forces." The resolu- 
tions had specifically named Hon. John Sherman, then Secretary of the Treasury, 
as having advised and encouraged ohicers of the Returning: Board of Louisiana 
to falsely and fraudulently exclude certain votes and thereby change the result of 
the election for President in that State. 

Mr. Sherman addressed a letter to the committee. May 20, 1878, broadly 
denying the charge, and ottering to prove that the election in the parishes named 
were controlled by force, violence, and intimidation by Democrats, so revolting 
as to excite the common indignation of all who became acquainted with it. 

The country waited with such patience as it could summon, for the ex- 
traordinary disclosures of fraud which were promised, but proof of the frauds 
was not forthcoming. At its session of 1S76-7. the Senate had made an investiga- 
tion into the Oregon electoral case and had secured by subpoenas to the tele- 
graph companies some 30.000 telegraphic dispatches bearing on the election. 

Many of the messages were in cipher and although made public, had not 
been translated. All but about 700 of these dispatches had been returned to the 
telegraph companies. These still remained in the custody of an employe of the 
Senate committee. The task of solving the mysteries held by these cipher dis- 
patches was undertaken by two gentlemen acting separate and apart, and each 
upon lines of his own invention. In due time the cipher codes were discovered 
by both parties and the whole secret was unraveled. 

The fact was disclosed that a concerted effort had been made in South Caro- 
lina. Florida and Oregon to secure by purchase one or more electoral votes for 
Samuel J. Tilden. An interesting feature of the disclosure was that Mr. Manton 
Marble, so devoted to "moral forces" in politics, had actively engaged in the work 
of securing the Presidency for Mr. Tilden by bribery. 

J. H. X. Patrick was sent to Oregon to manage the business theie. He sent 
the following dispatch : 

"Portland, November 28, 1876. 
To W. T. Pelton. 

Xo. 15 Grammercy Park. New York: 

By vizier association innocuous tc leg i^ence cunning minutely previously 
readmit doltish to purchase afar act with cunning afar sacristy unweighed afar 
pointer tigress cattle superanuated syllabus dilatoriness misapprehension contra- 
band Kountz bisulcuous top usher spiniferous answer. 

"J. H. X. PATRICK." 

"I fully endorse this. James K. Kelley." 

When translated this dispatch read: 

rtificate will be issued to one Democrat. Must purchase a Republican 
Elector to recognize and act with Democrats and secure the vote and prevent 
trouble. Deposit Si 0,000 to my credit with Kountz Brothers, Wall Street. 

Answer." 

The following dispatch was found : 

154 



"New York, Dec. 6, 1876. 
"To James K. Kelly : 

"The eight deposited as directed this morning. Let no technicality prevent 
winning. Use your discretion." 

(Xo Signature.) 

William T. Pelton, a nephew of Air. Tilden, sent and received these telegrams 
of corruption; 15 Grammercy Park being Mr. Tilden's residence. Manton 
Marble, C. W. YVoolley and John F. Coyle went to Florida in Air. Tilden's 
interest. 

Mr. Marble to Air. Pelton in cypher : 

"Have just received a proposition to hand over at any time required Tilden 
decision of Board and Certificate of Governor for $200,000." 

Mr. Pelton telegraphed : 

"Proposition too high." Marble and Woolley then telegraphed that an 
"elector could be had for $50,000." Air. Pelton returned answer in cipher that 
"They could not draw until the vote was received." 

Smith M. Weed went to South Carolina for the same purpose. 

He telegraphed in cipher to Henry Havemeyer that the "Board demand 
$75,000 for giving us two or three electors." "Something beyond will be needful 
for the interceder, perhaps $10,000." The same day he telegraphed to Air. Have- 
meyer, "It looks now as though the thing would work at $75,000 for all seven 
votes." 

On the 18th Air. Weed telegraphed : "Alajority of Board have been secured. 
Cost is $80,000 — one parcel to be sent of $65,000 ; one of $10,000 ; one of $5,000 ; 
all to be in $500 or $1,000 bills, notes to be accepted as parties accept and given up 
upon votes of South Carolina being given to Tilden's friends. Do this at once 
and have cash ready to reach Baltimore Sunday night." 

Mr. Weed went at once to Baltimore, where he met Mr. Pelton. They both 
went to New York to secure the money. 

On November 226. the Canvassing Board declared and certified the election of 
the Republican electors, and thus put an end to the attempt of bribery by Air. 
Weed. 

In Oregon the Republican electors filled the vacancy occasioned by the 
ineligibility of Air. Watts, the postmaster, and the vote of Oregon was cast for 
Flayes and Wheeler. This Potter investigation which was begun by the Demo- 
crats with a ponderous claim of honesty ended in the production of indubitable 
proof of a bold effort to secure the Presidency for Samuel J. Tilden by bribery. 

President Hayes was sincerely desirous of contributing to the restoration 
of a fraternal spirit of harmony between the people of the Southern and Northern 
States. As an evidence of this feeling he appointed David M. Key of Tennessee 
(a Democrat and an ex-Confederate soldier) Postmaster-General. 

The President recognized the Democratic Governors in the States of South 
Carolina, Florida and Louisiana, where conflicts existed as to whether the Re- 
publican or Democratic candidates for Governor and other State officers had 
been elected in November, 1876. 

In those States the Democrats set up conflicting State governments, claim- 
ing that their candidates had been elected. Civil war between the conflicting 
parties was imminent. President Grant had at the request of the Republican 
State authorities stationed troops at various points in those States to maintain the 
peace. President Hayes withdrew the troops. The Republicans of Louisiana 
were the last to yield ; that State was the last of the Southern States with a Re- 
publican majority, where a free ballot and a fair count could be had, to succumb 
to the determined efforts of the Democratic party for a "solid South." 

President Hayes was sound upon all financial questions. On February 28, 
1878, he vetoed the bill for the free coinage of silver; he presented clearly the 
unwisdom of the act of making the silver dollar a legal tender for the payment 
of debts, when the commercial value of the metal was less than its coinage value. 

In accordance with the Democratic platform, the Democrats of the House 
of Representatives passed a bill repealing the resumption act. This bill found 
no favor with the majority in the Senate ; the bill would have been vetoed by the 
President, if it had been sent to him. 

155 



The Democrats having the control of the House of Representatives, decided 
to repeal those sections of the Revised Statutes which authorized the appoint- 
ment of, or the performance of any duty by. any chief or other supervisor of 
elections, or any special deputy marshal of elections, or for any services per- 
formed as such. An amendment to this effect was offered to a bill making ap- 
propriations for the legislative execution and judicial departments of the Govern- 
ment. 

This amendment elicited an earnest and lengthy debate winch was continued 
to the adjournment of Congress, the appropriation bill having failed of passage. 

Immediately upon the adjournment of Congress. March 4. 1879. the Presi- 
dent called an extra session to meet March 18. Congress met on that day and for 
the first time since December, i860, the Democracy found themselves in a ma- 
jority of both hoi: ses ; : C g r ess. 

In the Senate there were 42 Democrats and 33 Republicans : in the House 
there were 149 Democrats and 130 Republicans. This political condition 
strengthened the Democrats in their purpose to repeal all laws securing Federal 
supervision at elections for President. Vice-President and Congressmen. 

To the bill making appropriations for the support of the army, riders were 
added by the Democrats repealing the obnoxious laws. 

An exciting partisan debate ensued. General Garfield delivered an able and 
impassioned address on March 29th. He said : 

"The last act of Democratic domination in this capital eighteen years ago 
/r striking and dramatic, perhaps heroic. Then the Democratic party said to 
the Republicans, If you elect the man of your choice as President of the 
United States we will shoot 30m- government to death ; and the people of this 
country refusing to be coerced by threats of violence voted as they pleased, and 
lawfully elected Abraham Lincoln President of the United States. Then your 
leaders, though holding a majority in the other branch of Congress, were he 
enough to withdraw from their seats and fling down the gauge of mortal battle. 

.ailed it rebellion ; but we recognized it as courageous and manly to avow 
your purpose, take all the risks and fight it out on the open field. Notwith- 
standing your utmost efforts to des:: ; :. the Government was saved. 

"To-day, after eighteen years of defeat, the book of your domination is again 

opened, and your first act awakens even- unhappy memory and threater.f :: 

destrov the confidence which 3-our recent profession of patriotism inspired. 

You turned down a leaf of the history that recorded your last act of 

power in 1861, and you have now signalized your return to power by beginning 

sc ;ond chapter at the same page; not this time by a heroic act that dec 
war on the battle-field, but you say if all the legislative powers ;:' the govern- 
ment do not consent to let you tear certain laws out of the statute book you will 
not shoot our government to death as you tried to do in the first chapter ; bur 
declare if we do not consent against our will, if you cannot coerce an independent 
branch of this Government against its will, to allow you to tear from the statute 
book some leaves put there by the will of the people, 3-ou will starve the gov- 
ernment to death." 

After a month's consideration, the bill with the objectionable amendment 
having passed both houses of Congress, it was vetoed by the President. 

Other appropriation bills to which political riders were added suffered the 
same fate. The Democrats, finding that the President was not to be coerced into 
signing a bill which he regarded as unwise and vicious, shrunk from car: 
out the threat of Mr. Tucker of Virginia that "the army dies on the 30th day of 
June unless we resuscitate it 03- legislation," and brought forward an acceptable 
appropriation bill for the support of the army which was approved by the Presi- 
dent June 6, 

The action President Hayes had taken in recognizing the Democratic Gov- 
ernments in South Carolina, Florida and Louisiana was disapproved b}- many 
prominent Republicans, who on this account were not disposed to give the ad- 
ministration cordial support, but the control of Cong: the Democra: 
the South brought Republicans together, and caused a great political reaction 
throughout the country against the Democratic pa: 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

The Illinois Republican Convention May 19, 1880. 

The administration of President Hayes had been eminently practical and 
successful. The South was regaining prosperity ; time was cooling the passions 
of the war; the government had resumed specie payments and established the 
credit of the nation on a permanent foundation, and the country was entering upon 
an era of grand development and prosperity. 

President Hayes was not a candidate for re-election. Hon. John Sherman, 
Secretary of the Treasury, was a candidate for the Republican nomination and 
had the friendship of the administration. 

Mr. Sherman had shown great ability as a legislator during his long service 
in the Senate, and had added much to his reputation by the able manner in which 
he administered the financial affairs of the government. 

The opinion was universal that Mr. Sherman was eminently qualified for the 
Presidential office, but he did not attract men to him. William Windom of 
Minnesota, George F. Edmunds of Vermont, and E. B. Washburne of Illinois, all 
of splendid ability and experience were candidates for the nomination; James G. 
Blaine of Maine, was also a candidate ; he had a large and enthusiastic following. 
Mr. Blaine had the gift of making friends and of keeping them ; he had a wonder- 
ful memory for faces and names ; having made the acquaintance of a person he 
never forgot him. Thoroughly conversant with the politics and politicians of 
every state, Mr. Blaine entered the canvass of 1880 with ardor; he was confident 
and his friends were confident of his nomination. 

In the fall of 1879, General Grant returned from his trip around the world. 
He had received the highest honors that could be bestowed on any private citizen 
by the government of every country he visited. Wherever he went he exhibited 
such composure, self-possession, good sense and the true American spirit, that 
he was more respected and beloved by the people on his return than at any time 
during his official career. 

There was a very general demand for his re-election to the Presidency. The 
question was taken up in many states ; he had the earnest friendship of a large 
proportion of the rank and file of the party throughout the country. But while 
this was so, other candidates had their friends and supporters, and the question of 
a "third term" was brought forward as an insuperable objection. This question 
was earnestly pressed, it being contended as a part of the unwritten law of the 
country that no man shall be elected president a third term. All of the candi- 
dates were supported by men of power and influence. General Grant had not by 
word or act declared himself as a candidate. He simply remained silent upon the 
subject and left the decision to the people. General Logan of Illinois, Senator 
Conkling of Xew York, and Senator Cameron of Pennsylvania were recognized 
as Republican leaders in their states. They all favored the election of General 
Grant and worked to that end. 

The friends of Mr. Blaine, acting with his sanction, decided to make a con- 
test in the home state of General Grant for delegates. An active campaign was 
set on foot throughout the State of Illinois under the management of Hon. 
Charles B. Farwell. Mr. Farwell was an experienced political manager; he had 
been chairman of the State Central Committee and had a large acquaintance 
throughout the State, but he was particularly strong in Cook County. 

Mr. Farwell and General Logan both lived in Chicago. They had long been 

157 



fast friends personally and politically, but this year their path divided. The con- 
test in Cook County was vigorous and exciting. The call of the State Central 
Committee divided the 92 delegates., to which the county was entitled, between 
the seven senatorial districts according to the number of their Republican votes. 
At the primary election for delegates to the County Convention, three of the 
Senatorial districts were carried by Geneal Grant and four were carried by his 
opponents. The Chairman of the County Convention, Horace M. Singer, was 
a Grant man. When the County Convention met at Farwell Hall, Mr. Singer, as 
was his duty, called the Convention to order, and attempted to nominate for the 
action of the Convention Mr. Struckmann (a Washburne delegate) for temporary 
chairman. 

As had been previously arranged by the Blaine and Washburne delegates, 
this action was interrupted and prevented. Some delegate selected for the pur- 
pose mounted a chair, nominated Elliott Anthony as chairman of the convention 
and put the motion and declared it carried. 

Mr. Anthony mounted the platform, from which Mr. Singer was temporarily 
forced. The convention was in a tumultuous uproar. Mr. Singer, returning to 
the platform, undertook to call the convention to order ; no heed was paid to him. 
The uproar continued and increased. Xo business could be transacted because 
of the confusion, whereupon Mr. Singer declared the convention adjourned to 
meet at the club room of the Palmer House. 

A large number of the delegates recognized the adjournment, proceeded 
immediately to the Palmer House, and assembled in the club room, where they 
were called to order by Mr. Singer, organized a convention and proceeded to 
business. 

The Blaine and Washburne delegates remained at Farwell Hall. They or- 
ganized a convention and proceeded to business. As a result of this split in the 
convention, two sets of delegates of 92 members each were chosen to the State 
Convention. One set under the leadership of Mr. Farwell and the other set 
under the leadership of General Logan. The two delegations contained many 
of the most able and distinguished men of Chicago. 

The State Convention met in the hall of the House of Representatives of 
the new Capitol, May 19th, 1880; the building was approaching completion ; this 
meeting was the first held in the building. It was called to order to A. M. Jones, 
chairman of the State Central Committee, Daniel Shepard acting as secretary. 

Green B. Raum, of Pope County, holding a proxy from Capt. J. W. King, 
was selected by agreement as temporary chairman. In his address upon calling 
the convention to order, he counseled moderation, assuring the contesting dele- 
gations that they could depend upon fair treatment by the convention ; he urged 
harmony, and predicted a great Republican triumph. The contesting delega- 
tions were not admitted to seats during the temporary organization. A few 
members of each of the Chicago delegations, however, held proxies of delegations 
from other counties, and thus participated in the proceedings ; from the begin- 
ning General Logan was one of these. 

It soon became apparent by votes of the convention that a majority outside 
of Cook County were favorable to General Grant. The usual committees were 
appointed. 

Every step taken in the convention was fiercely contested. At first the in- 
terest centered in the Cook County contest ; the great issue, however, was the 
selection of delegates to the National Convention ; this question really over- 
shadowed the nomination for Governor and other State officers. The sittings 
of the convention extended through three days and two nights and were almost 
continuous. The agitation and excitement at times was so great that the dissolu- 
tion of the convention seemed imminent. 

A large audience is ever ready to observe an amusing side of an incident ; 
this convention was not lacking in this quality. General Logan was a citizen of 
Cook, but held a proxy of a delegate from another county. The General arose 
and addressed the chair. The presiding officer, with perfect deliberation, recog- 
nized him as "the gentleman from Jackson", this being the county from which he 
held a proxy. A ripple of mirth passed over the convention ; it relaxed its rigor- 
ous expression for a time. 

158 



The phrase "the gentleman from Jackson" was frequently on the lips of 
both friends and opponents, so that it became fixed in the minds of delegates and 
others who attended the convention. 

Before the committee on contested seats made its report the chair prepared 
an "order of business" to cover the debate and final vote upon the report. This 
resolution was offered by General Logan ; its terms were so fair for both sides 
that it was adopted by a unanimous vote. The object the chair had in preparing 
the order was to bring the report of the committee to a vote on the merits with- 
out the possible interposition of dilatory motions. This result was secured. The 
report of the committee provided for seating delegates from each Senatorial dis- 
trict according to its vote at the primary election, thus giving each Senatorial 
district the right of choosing its own delegates. 

The claims of the Palmer House delegates were presented by Robert T. Lin- 
coln, chairman of delegation ; Stephen A. Douglas, secretary ; Richard S. Tuthill, 
John H. Clouch, A. M. Wright, C. H. Wellett and Charles L. Easton, executive 
committee; and Emery A. Storrs and Leonard Swett, special committee. 

In the debate before the convention, Mr. Storrs and Mr. Swett, represented 
the Grant delegates, and Elliott Anthony and Kirk Hawes, the Blaine and Wash- 
burne delegates. Able and eloquent speeches were made by all those gentlemen. 
They were all lawyers of great prominence in Chicago, and thus espoused the 
causes they represented with ardor and no doubt with perfect sincerity. 

The convention adopted the report of the committee and seated 36 Grant 
delegates and 56 Blaine and Washburne delegates ; there were some other con- 
tests, but they excited much less attention than the contest from Cook County. 
This decision was reached late on the second night of the convention. None of 
the other committees had yet reported. The temporary organization had con- 
tinued during two days and nights. The important work of the convention was 
yet to be done. The permanent officers of the convention were to be selected; 
a platform adopted; Presidential Electors chosen; delegates to the National 
Convention elected; and candidates for Governor and other State officers nom- 
inated. 

General S. A. Hurlbut, a delegate from Boone County, had taken an active 
part in the anti-Grant movement. He was a man of marked ability, well known 
throughout the State, an experienced parliamentarian ; his splendid military 
career and his eloquence as a public speaker gave him great influence. He, how- 
ever, was quick of temper, keenly sarcastic of his opponents, and wanting in 
that spirit of conciliation and compromise so essential to the success of political 
deliberations. 

General Hurlbut had threatened a bolt from the convention if the demands of 
the anti-Grant leaders were not acceded to ; in this he was supported by other 
prominent men. On the morning of the last day, as the chairman was about 
entering the hall, he met General Hurlbut, who was waiting to see him. The 
General stated that he wished to be recognized as soon as the convention was 
called to order, for the purpose of offering a resolution for the convention to 
immediately proceed to the nomination of candidates for State offices. The 
chairman expostulated with General Hurlbut, contending that the first business 
in order would be the reports of the committees, the permanent organization of 
the convention, the adoption of a platform, and the selection of electors and dele- 
gates, etc. The General declared that if his resolution was not adopted the con- 
vention would find itself with a large proportion of the delegates absent when 
it came to make nominations. The chairman felt that a crisis was about to be 
reached. He at once went to the speaker's room and sent for General Logan 
and for Mr. Bull, chairman of the committee, and informed them of the situation. 
Mr. Bull stated that the reports were all ready to be presented to the convention. 
The chair called the convention to order, the chaplain delivered a prayer; Mr. 
Bull arose and was recognized. General Hurlbut was instantly on his feet and 
demanded recognition ; he waived his resolution aloft ; the reports of the com- 
mittees were presented. The General still insisted on being heard and shouted 
with a loud voice, "Will the Commissioner of Internal Revenue give me the 
floor?" The chair declined to recognize the General. The reports were sub- 
mitted to the convention and adopted. 

159 



After the adoption of the reports from the committees, the convention settled 
down to the important work of nominating candidates for the State offices. 
The threatened bolt did not occur ; upon the contrary, a better feeling was ex- 
hibited by the delegates, and a spirited contest occurred in the selection of 
candidates. 

Governor Cullom was a candidate for renomination, but he had active com- 
petition in the race. General John I. Rinaker, of Macoupin County, being the 
most popular opponent. During the final ballot the excitement ran high, and 
considerable confusion prevailed, and it was difficult to verify the vote. When 
the vote was counted, it was found that Mr. Cullom had received a majority, and 
his nomination was declared. 

John M. Hamilton of McLean County was nominated for Lieutenant-Gov- 
ernor ; Henry C. Dement of Lee for Secretary of State ; Charles P. Swigert for 
Auditor; Edward Rutz of St. Clair for Treasurer; and James McCartney for 
Attorney-General. 

A dramatic scene occurred during the balloting for candidates for Auditor. 
Thomas B. Needles of 'Washington County was a candidate for renomination. 
When the convention met he had no apparent opposition. Mr. Needles was a 
competent and popular man, and had given entire satisfaction in his office, "and 
his friends supposed he would easily secure a renomination. 

A number of delegates finally decided to present the name of an ex-soldier 
for that position. Charles P. Swigert of Kankakee was selected, and his name 
was presented to the convention. The Chicago delegates espoused his cause, and 
during the progress of the vote "Long" John Wentworth and others seized Mr. 
Swigert and, raising him above their heads, declared that they presented to the 
convention a one-armed soldier for their votes. 

The empty sleeve aroused sympathy and enthusiasm, and Mr. Swigert was 
nominated by a tremendous majority. He was elected, filled the office with ability 
and was re-elected for a second term. The nominations being made, the work 
of the convention was practically ended. The excitement was gone. Good fel- 
lowship prevailed. 

Hon. William E. Kieffner of St. Clair obtained the floor and addressed the 
convention. He said: "We are about to conclude what I suppose has been the 
most exciting and most protracted convention ever had by the Republican party 
of the State. During all this time the duties of the chair have been most arduous 
and difficult, and I, as one of the minority, desire to bear testimony to the uniform 
courtesy and impartiality and efficiency with which the chair, as well as the offi- 
cers of the convention have discharged their duties." 

Mr. Keiffner then offered the following resolution: "Resolved, That the 
thanks of the members of this convention are due, and are hereby tendered to 
the Hon. Green B. Raum, the President, and to all the other officers of this con- 
vention, for their honesty and impartial discharge of the arduous duties devolved 
upon them during the three days' session of this body, and that this resolution be 
spread upon the records of this convention." The resolution was adopted unan- 
imously by a rising vote. 

The convention unanimously and with great enthusiasm passed a resolution 
declaring that they would "Support the nominees of this convention for State 
officers and the nominees of the Chicago Convention for President and Vice- 
President." 

There being no further business presented to the convention, it adjourned 
without day. 

It is probable that no State convention ever excited greater general interest 
throughout the country than this Illinois Republican Convention of 1880. The 
friends of General Grant had made him a candidate for the Presidency ; it was 
supposed that his home State would be conceded to him without a struggle. 

After the adjournment of the convention, credentials were prepared for the 
delegates and alternates to the National Convention ; for the Presidential Electors 
and for the Members of the State Central Committee, in the form of a certificate, 
of which the following is a copy of one of the original documents, now in the pos- 
session of the writer and which is given as the final work of this historical con- 
vention : 

160 



Illinois State Republican Convention. 



SPRINGFIELD, ILL., May 21st, 1880. 

This is to certify that at the Convention of Republicans of the State of Illinois, held 
on the nineteenth, twentieth and twenty-first days of this month, at this place, pursuant to 
the call of the National Republican Committee and of the State Republican Committee of 
Illinois, the following named Delegates and Alternates were duly elected by said Conven- 
tion to represent the Republicans of the State in the National Republican Convention to be 
held at Chicago, on the 2d day of June, 1880, in pursuance of the following resolution: 

'■'■Resolved, That the President of this Convention appoint a Committee, composed of one member from 
each Congressional District, whose duty^ it shall be to report to this Convention lour delegates for the State 
at Large and two delegates from each Congressional District to the Republican National Convention ai Chi- 
cago, with the requisite number of Alternates." 



DELEGATES AT LARGE. 



JOHN A. LOGAN, of Chicago, Cook 
County. 

EMORY A. STORRS, of Chicago, Cook 
County. 



GREEN B. RAUM, of Golconda, Pope 

County. 
DAVID T. LITTLER, of Springfield, 

Sangamon County. 



ALTERNATES AT LARGE 
Chester, Randolph 



WM. McADAM, of 
County. 

ROSS GRAHAM, of Carmi, White Coun- 
ty. 



of Ottawa, La 



SOLOMON DEGAN, 
Salle County. 

C. C. CAMPBELL, of Grant Park, Kan- 
kakee County. 



DISTRICT DELEGATES. 



st District — John Wentworth, Chicago, 
Cook County. 
Stephen A. Douglas, Chica- 
go, Cook County. 
2d District— A. M. Wright, Chicago, Cook 
County. 
R. S. Tuthill, Chicago, Cook 
County. 
3d District — John L. Beveridge, Evanston, 
Cook County. 
L. J. Kadish, Chicago, Cook 
County. 
4th District — N. C. Thompson, Rockford, 
Winnebago County. 
N. N. Ravlin, Kaneville, 
Kane County. 
5tn restrict — Jas. B. Brown, Galena, Jo 
Daviess County. 
Miles White, Lena, Stephen- 
son County. 
6th District — Henry T. Noble, Dixon, Lee 
County. 
Wm. H. Shepard, Cambridge, 
Henry County. 
7th District— E. F. Bull, Ottawa, La Salle 
County. 
E. W. Willard, Wilmington, 
Will County. 
8th District— J. B. Wilson, Wellington, Ir- 
oquois County. 
R. J. Hanna, Kankakee, Kan- 
kakee County. 
9th District — Joab Mershon, Vermont, Ful- 
ton County. 
Richard H. Whiting, Peoria. 
Peoria County. 
10th District — Hosea Davis, Littleton, 
Schuyler County. 
F. P. Burgett, Mercer 
County. 



nth District— O. B. Hamilton, Jerseyville, 
Jersey County. 
Thos. G. Black, Clayton, 
Adams County. 
12th District— Geo. M. Brinkerhoff, Spring- 
field, Sangamon County. 
Chas. M. Eames, Jackson- 
ville, Morgan County. 
13th District — John McNulta, Blooming- 
ton, McLean County. 
Vespasian Warner, Clinton, 
Dewitt County. 
14th District — John V. Harris, Champaign, 
Champaign County. 
James W. Haworth, Deca- 
tur, Macon County. 
15th District — Wm. H. Barlow. Effingham, 
Effingham County. 
Alvin P. Green, Sullivan, 
Moultrie County. 
16th District— J. M. Truitt, Hillsboro, 
Montgomery County. 
Louis Krueghoff. 
17th District— Andrew W. Metcalf, Ed- 
wardsville, Madison Coun- 
ty. 
Richard Rowett. Carlinville, 
Macoupin County. 
18th District— Chas. O. Pattier, Cairo, Al- 
exander County. 
John M. Davis, Carbondale, 
Jackson County. 
19th District— C. W. Pavey, Mt. Vernon. 
Jefferson Countv. 
W. H. Williams, Benton, 
Franklin County. 



1 61 



RN 



ATES 
nth 



ALTE 

ist District — Chas. H. Crawford, Chicago, 
Cook County. 
S. P. Sedgwick. Wheaton, 
DuPage County. 
2d District — John Baumgarten, Chicago, 
Cook County. 
Chas. W. Woodman, Chica- 
go, Cook County. 
3d District — Homer Wilmarth, Chicago, 
Cook County. 
S. M. Millard, Highland 
Park, Lake County. 
4th District — A. E. Smith, Rockford, Win- 
nebago County. 
H. K. Wolcott, Kane County. 
5th District— Wm. H. Holcomb, Rochelle, 
Ogle County. 
Ira Scoville. Coleta. White- 
side County. 
6th District — C. N. Whitney, Kewanee, 
Henry County. 
Henry J. Swindler, Magnolia, 
Putnam County. 
7th District— Geo. M. Hollenbach. Mill- 
brook, Kendall Count}-. 
Francis Bowen, Sheridan, La 
Salle County. 
8th District— H. W. Snow. Sheldon. Iro- 
quois County. 
Ira C. Mosier, Kankakee, 
Kankakee County. 
9th District — Wm. Jackson, Stark County. 
Martin Kingman, Peoria, 
Peoria County. 
10th District — J. H. Finley. Warsaw. Han- 
cock County. 
E. Mitchell, Warren County. 

And the following resolutions were adopted by said convention: 

"Resolved, That Geu. U. S. Grant of Illinois is the choice of this Convention for President of the United 
States. 

"Resolved. That Gen. U. S. Grant is the choice of the Republican party of Illinois for the Presidency, 
and the delegates from this State are instructed to use all honorable means to secure his nomination by the 
Ch ; cag-o Convention, and to vote as a uuit for him, and the said delegates shall have power to fill all vacan- 

GREEK 13 . RAUM, President. 
J. R. MOSSER, j 

JAMES H. PADDOCK. > Secretaries. 
A. D. REED. \ 

Headquarters Illinois Delegation at Grand Pacific Hotel. Rooms 1. 3 and 5. 



Discfict — M. D. Massie, New Canton, 
Pike County. 
Lyman F. Wheeler, Greene 
County. 
12th District— Geo. N. Black, Springfield, 
Sangamon County. 
Edward S. Greenleaf, Mor- 
gan, Morgan County. 
13th District — Hugh Fullerton, Havana, 
Mason County. 
R. B. Latham, Lincoln, Lo- 
gan County. 
14th District — Albert Emerson, Monticello, 
Piatt County. 
Thomas E. Bundy, Tuscola, 
Douglas County. 
15th District — J. W. Fisher, Edgar County. 
Daniel L. Gold, Lawrence- 
ville. Lawrence County. 
16th District— E. M. Ashcraft. Vandalia. 
Fayette Count}*. 
R. T. Higgins, Vandalia. 
Fayette County. 
17th District — Frederick H. Pieper. Belle- 
ville, St. Clair County. 
Jonathan Miles, Miles Sta- 
tion. Macoupin County. 
18th District — E. O. Freeman. Cobden, 
Union County. 
James A. Viall, New Bruns- 
wick. Johnson County. 
19th District — Chas. Churchill. Albion. Ed- 
wards County. 
Wm. H. Robinson, Fairfield. 
Wayne Countv. 



GEO. SCHNEIDER. 

County. 



ELECTORS AT LARGE. 
Chicago, Cook I ETHELBERT CALLAHAN. Robinson, 



Crawford County. 



DISTRICTS 

1. Robert T. Lincoln, Chicago, Cook 11 

County. 

2. John M. Smyth, Chicago. Cook Coun- 12 

ty. 

3. J. A. Kirk. Chicago, Cook County. 13 

4. C. M. Brazee, Rockford, Winnebago 

County. 14 

5. R. E. Logan, Morrison, Whiteside 

County. 15 

6. Col. I. H. Elliott, Princeton, Bureau 16 

County. 

7. James Goodspeed, Joliet, Will County. 17 

8. A. Sample. Paxton, Ford County. 

9. S. D. Puterbaugh. Peoria, Peoria 18 

County. 
10. E. C. Humphrey, Aledo, Mercer 19 

County. 

162 



Wm. A. Grimshaw, Pittsfield. Pike 
County. 

J. C. McQuigg, Pana. Christian Coun- 
ty. 

Capt. J. H. Rowell, Bloomington. [Mc- 
Lean County. 

W. R. Jewell. Danville. Vermillion 
County. 

J. M. Sheets, Paris. Edgar County. 

J. W. Peterson. Carlyle. Clinton 
County. 

W. T. Norton, Alton. Madison Coun- 
ty- 

Geo. W. Smith. Carbondale, Jackson 
County. 

W. H. Johnson, Carmi, White County. 



REPUBLICAN STATE CENTRAL COMMITTEE AT LARGE. 

Robert Bell. Alt. Carmel, Wabash County. M. B. Thompson, Champaign, Champaign 

John W. Bunn, Springfield, Sangamon County. 

~ George T. Williams, Chicago, Cook Coun- 

County. ty s 

W. F. Calhoun, Clinton, De Witt County. h. L. Taylor, Streator, La Salle County. 

REPUBLICAN STATE CENTRAL COMMITTEE BY DISTRICTS. 



ii. E. J. Pearce, Whitehall, Greene 
County. 

12. John S. Nicholson, Beardstown, Cass 

County. 

13. Jonathan Merriam, Springfield, San- 

gamon County. 

14. James H. Clark, Mattoon, Coles 

County. 

15. H. Van Seller, Paris, Edgar County. 

16. John R. Tanner, Louisville, Clay 

County. 

17. W. P. Bradshaw, Edwardsville, Madi- 

son County. 

18. Daniel Hogan, Mound City, Pulaski 

County. 

19. Thos. W. Scott, Fairfield, Wayne 

County. 



1. John H. Clough, Chicago, Cook 

County. 

2. George B. Swift, Chicago, Cook 

County. 

3. H. H. Thomas, Chicago, Cook Coun- 

ty. 

4. M. B. Castle, Sandwich, De Kalb 

County. 

5. A. M. Jones, Warren, Jo Daviess 

County. 

6. J. M. Beardsley, Rock Island, Rock 

Island County. 

7. L. B. Ray, Morris, Grundy County. 

8. E. A. Wilcox, Minonk, Woodford 

County. 

9. Frank Hitchcock, Peoria, Peoria 

County. 
10. H. F. McAllister, Oquawka, Hender- 
son County. 

DANIEL SHEPARD, Secretary. A. M. JONES, Chairman. 

A primary election was held in the seven Senatorial districts of Cook County 
for delegates to the county convention. The popular vote of the county at this 
election was for General Grant. In fact there is no doubt that if the delegates 
in each county to the State Convention had been chosen by popular vote, that 
the convention would have been overwhelmingly for General Grant's nomina- 
tion ; as it was, General Grant's friends had a strong working majority, and 
sought to exercise their rights as a majority in the selection and instruction of 
delegates to represent the Republican party of the State in the National Con- 
vention. 

As is shown above, the convention passed a resolution instructing the dele- 
gates to use all honorable means to secure the nomination of Ulysses S. Grant, 
and vote as a unit in his support. 

This resolution was in the precise language employed by the convention of 
i860 and 1864, when delegates were selected and instructed to vote for the 
nomination of Abraham Lincoln, and similar resolutions of instructions were 
adopted by the convention of 1868 and 1872 for the nomination of General Grant. 
In six preceding conventions the Republicans of Illinois had selected their dele- 
gates to National Conventions, through the instrumentality of State conventions, 
and had exercised the right and power of electing delegates, whose opinions 
agreed with the majority, of instructing the delegates, and by resolutions requir- 
ing them to vote as a unit in support of the candidate who was the choice of the 
Republicans of the State. This had been the practice of political parties in the 
State from time immemorial. 

The Republican majority in the Illinois State Convention of 1880, in select- 
ing delegates to the National Convention, and in instructing them, were, in their 
opinion, carrying out the wishes of a majority of the Republicans of the State 
by exercising the traditional powers of a State convention. The right to "in- 
struct" and to impose the "unit rule" was as old as Illinois politics. 



163 



CHAPTER XXV. 

The Republican National Convention at Chicago, June 2, 1880. Gar- 
field and Arthur Nominated. 

The National Republican Convention of 1880 met at 12 o'clock noon, Wed- 
nesday, June 2d, in Exhibition Hall, Chicago, and was called to order by Hon. 
J. Donald Cameron, chairman of the National Committee. Rev. D. Kittredge 
offered prayer. The call for the convention was read by Col. Thos. B. Keogh, 
secretary of the National Committee. Mr. Cameron delivered an address, and 
nominated Hon. George F. Hoar of Massachusetts as temporary chairman; the 
nomination was unanimously agreed to. A committee consisting of Davis of 
Texas, Frye of Maine, and Raum of Illinois conducted him to his seat. 

Mr. Hoar delivered an able and eloquent address. Other temporary officers 
were selected, whereupon a resolution was adopted for the appointment of four 
committees, "Permanent organization", "Rules and order of business", "Creden- 
tials'', and "Resolutions", to consist of one member from each State and Terri- 
tory, to be named by the chairman upon the call of the roll. The roll being called, 
the committees were appointed. The members from Illinois were : Credentials, 
Green B. Raum ; Resolutions, Emery A. Storrs ; Permanent organization, Rich- 
ard H. Whiting : Rules and Order of Business, A. W. Metcalf. 

Upon motion of General Logan, 500 tickets of admission were to be given 
daily to the Veteran Soldiers' Association. On motion of Mr. Conkling, the 
convention at 3 105 p. m. adjourned until Thursday morning. 

This convention was composed of 750 delegates. All the States, Territories 
and the District of Columbia were represented. Each State sent to this conven- 
tion men of ability and standing. The Southern delegations contained many men 
who then were prominent and who have since occupied positions of importance. 

On the second day of the convention the Committee on Permanent Organi- 
zation made its report, recommending that the temporary offices be continued as 
the permanent organization. The report presented a list of vice-presidents and 
assistant secretaries with a member from each State and Territory. Illinois was 
represented by John Wentworth as vice-president and George W. Brinkerhoff, 
assistant secretary. The report of the committee was adopted. 

The Committee on Credentials not being ready to report at 1 o'clock p. m., 
the convention took a recess until 5 130 p. m., and, having met at that hour, after 
some debate at 7 130 p. m. adjourned until 10 o'clock the following day. 

Many contests for seats as delegates were pending before the Committee on 
Credentials. Contests were made in ten Congressional districts of Illinois. In 
the First by William J. Campbell and Elbridge G. Keith, Alternates Arthur Dixon 
and Louis Hutt ; Third, Washington Hesing, Elliott Anthony, Alternates George 
Struckman, John A. Maison ; Fourth, C. W. Marsh, Lot B. Smith, Alternates 
D. M. Marsh, A. C. Fassett ; Fifth, Robert E. Logan, W r . H. Hoicombe, Alternates 
J. H. Maiser, J. S. Kosier ; Sixth, James K. Edsall, John P. Hand, Alternates S. J. 
Hume, William Jackson ; Ninth, John A. Gray, W. Selden Gale, Alternates C. 
Ballance, John Lackey ; Tenth, Henry Tubbs, John Fletcher, Alternates Wil- 
liam Venable, J. P. Graham ; Thirteenth, F. Low, E. D. Blenn, Alternates D. R. 
Smith, W. E. Gapen ; Seventeenth, William E. Kueffner, E. Guelich, Alternates 
H. M. Kimball, C. W. Thomas. 

On June 4th, at 10 a m., the convention met and was opened by prayer. Mr. 
Conkling of New York offered the following resolution : 

"Resolved, as the sense of this convention, that every member of it is bound 
in honor to support its nominee, whoever that nominee may be ; and that no man 
should hold a seat here who is not ready to so agree." 

164 



The resolution was adopted. General Garfield, chairman of the Committee 
on "Rules and order of business", by direction of the convention, made his report, 
which was read for information. A minority report signed by eleven members, 
including Mr. Metcalf of Illinois, was presented. The minority made objections 
to changing Rule 6 of the Convention of 1876 ; that rule was as follaws : "Rule 6. 
In the record of the vote by States, the vote of each State, Territory and the 
District of Columbia shall be announced by the chairman ; and, in case the vote 
of any State, Territory or District of Columbia shall be divided, the chairman 
shall announce the number of votes cast for any candidate, or for or against any 
proposition." 

The majority report contained the following addition to that rule : "but, if 
exception is taken by any delegate to the correctness of such announcement by 
the chairman of his delegation, the president of the convention shall direct the 
roll of members of such delegation to be called, and the result shall be recorded 
in accordance with the votes individually given." The minority objected to this 
change in the rule. 

The object of the majority was to relieve delegates from the operation of 
"instructions" and the "unit rule". The minority held to the view that State con- 
ventions possessed power and authority to bind the consciences of their dele- 
gates to vote in the nominating convention for the candidate who was the choice 
of a majority of the State convention. Action on the rules was postponed until 
after the report of the Committee on Credentials was made and disposed of. 

Mr. Conger of Michigan presented the report of a majority of the Com- 
mittee on Credentials. This report recommended the admission of the contesting 
delegates in the First, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Ninth, Tenth, Thirteenth and 
Seventeenth Districts of Illinois, and in favor of A. M. Wright and R. S. Tuthill, 
the sitting delegates from the Second District of Illinois. Contests of seats of 
delegates from Kansas, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Utah were also reported 
upon. 

The action of the committee in the Illinois cases was based upon the claim 
that these contesting delegates w 7 ere elected by Congressional District Conven- 
tions held at Springfield during the State Convention, composed of the delegates 
sent to the State Convention from their Congressional Districts. General Clay- 
ton of Arkansas, on behalf of the minority of the committee, made a report in re- 
gard to all the contests. 

The minority report was signed by B. F. Tracy, New York; Powell Clayton, 
Arkansas ; Webster Flanagan, Texas; Green B. Raum, Illinois; William H. 
Hooker, Maryland ; Isaac Heyman, Alabama ; George T. Clark, Colorado ; 
Richard P. Stoll, Kentucky; H. E. Havens, Missouri; J. M. Thornburg, Ten- 
nessee ; John Cessna, Pennsylvania ; Charles C. Tompkins, Virginia ; William 
N. Taft, South Carolina; Joseph E. Lee, Florida. This report showed that the 
Republicans of Illinois had always chosen delegates to National Conventions by 
means of State Conventions; that this was done in 1856, i860, 1864, 1868, 1872 
and in 1876; that the uniform practice of the State Conventions was to form 
a committee consisting of one member from each Congressional District charged 
with the duty of selecting delegates to the National Conventions. In summing 
up the history of Republican State Conventions in Illinois this report said: 
"Thus it is seen that the final source of power, so far as political precedents and 
history of the State of Illinois are concerned in selecting delegates to National 
Conventions, is the State Convention itself." 

The Illinois contest was recognized as involving the most important prelimi- 
nary question before the convention ; it aroused profound interest with every dele- 
gate and with the immense throng of citizens attending the convention as specta- 
tors — it excited a great deal of bad feeling on both sides. The arguments before 
the committee were earnest and able and at times vehement and acrimonious. 
Some of the ablest men in the State appeared before the committee arguing the 
questions involved on the one side or the other. 

The morning session of the convention continued until 4:20 p. m., when a 
recess was taken until 7 o'clock p. m. 

When the convention was called to order at 7 o'clock p. m., the contested 
cases were taken up. The Illinois case was reached in due course. Mr. Quarles 

165 



of Wisconsin introduced a resolution fixing one hour as the time for discussion 
of the Illinois contests and allowing the contestants to select someone to represent 
their case. Hon. George S. Boutwell of Massachusetts offered the following as 
a substitute : 

"Resolved. That all the cases of contested seats be decided by adopting the 
usage of each State, as that usage has existed heretofore ; and that in each State 
in which the uniform usage has been to elect delegates to the Republican National 
Convention by a State Convention, that usage shall be deemed binding; and 
the same shall be true in respect to delegates sent by Congressional District 
conventions in States where tliat has been the usage." 

Mr. Conger objected to the substitute as not being germane to the question 
before the convention. Mr. Boutwell spoke to the question at considerable 
length and with great earnestness. Among other things he said : "I know that 
this is an important day, an important moment in our proceedings. I call the 
attention of the committee, both majority and minority, to the circumstance that 
they have this day in the presence of this convention, by their common judg- 
ment, and finally by the ratification of the convention., closed this question, unless 
the convention will follow the lead of the committee. What have they said ? That 
in Louisiana, a State Convention, without reference to the districts might elect 
delegates to this convention, and my friend Gen. Warmoth and his delegation sit 
here by the judgment of the gentleman from Michigan [Mr. Conger), and his 
associates, and by the judgment of this convention, without a district in the 
State of Louisiana having had one word to say about that election. We have a 
mighty constituency behind us. who have taken no oath to observe the obligation 
that we have imposed upon ourselves. 

"Will they obey, will they abide by, will they ratify what you will do. if they 
believe that a State, that States, that constituencies, that Republicans, by the mere 
power of numbers in this convention have ratified and determined that to be the 
law of the convention which defies argument, despises reason, tramples logic 
under foot and leaves no exercise for the conclusion except the possession of 
power? When this committee has allowed Louisiana to come in here as a State. 
not recognizing the existence of districts as constituent, independent powers in 
the organization of that convention, I ask what they have to say to Illinois, to 
Kansas, to West Virginia and to the other States where the district system does 
not exist. 

"Now, I fear that Xew England delegates, living in a community where the 
district system has always existed, may suppose that because their plan is the 
approved plan with them, and because of usage and by habit, and upon judg- 
ment they believe that plan to be the better, will undertake in this convention 
to impose that plan upon States and communities which have not voluntarily 
adopted it. 

"I have this to say, that the State of Illinois either is entitled to the thirty- 
eight representatives who sit here by authority of the State Convention which 
met at Springfield on the 19th of May last, or it is not entitled to any representa- 
tion whatever, except the four delegates who come from the State at large. If 
the right of the twenty men whose seats are contested is vicious, and are not 
to be supported here, then send home every delegate from the State of Illinois 
except the four, if you would be consistent. But if you intend to disown and 
disavow and trample under foot the usage of a State like Illinois, like Kansas and 
like Nebraska, you should have set an example by denying to Louisiana the 
right to come in when her delegation was contested." 

General Logan addressed the convention on this question. He said : "Illi- 
nois asks you to allow her to be represented as she has been in every Republican 
convention from 1856 down to the present hour. Men talk about district repre- 
sentation. The gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Bateman) eloquently spoke of his 
State. But his State has a mode of holding conventions differing from that of 
our State. In Ohio delegates are elected by district conventions, and State dele- 
gates at large by a State convention. That is their proceeding. It is not ours. 
The State of Maine elected her four delegates-at-large by her Legislature. Is 
not that true? (A delegate from Maine, "Yes.") Very well; that is different 

166 



from ours. We do not seek to interfere with Maine, and Maine should not put 
her clutches on the rights of Illinois. 

"Massachusetts elects her delegates by district conventions. We do not wish 
to disturb the rules in Massachusetts. Louisiana elects her delegates the same 
as we do in Illinois, by a State convention. You have not interfered with Louis- 
iana; why interfere with Illinois? In 1856 the first Republican convention in 
this State sent her delegates to the national convention by a committee of one 
from each Congressional district, reporting to that convention delegates, three 
from each district and six from the State at largre, and thev were affirmed by 
that convention, on the report of that committee. The committee in i860 did the 
same. In 1864 the same. In 1868 the same. In 1872 the same. In 1876 the 
same. In 1880 the same. I introduced a resolution in the State convention, a 
convention of delegates not sent to district conventions, but delegates appointed 
by the several counties of this State to represent the State in the State conven- 
tion. For what purpose? For the purpose of nominating State offices, for the 
purpose of electing delegates to the national convention; for the purpose of 
selecting Electors for our Presidential election ; for the purpose of electing a 
State Committee. That convention was a State convention, not a district con- 
vention. It was composed of delegates from counties. They met together. A 
committee was appointed by the chairman, on a resolution, of one Republican 
from each Congressional district to make a report to that convention. That 
committee reported two delegates from each Congressional district, and four 
Delegates-at-large, Electors for the State, and they were voted on in that con- 
vention by counties, and adopted in that convention as all delegates ought to 
be in a State convention. 

"All this noise ; all this clamor about the convention of the State of Illinois, 
is the thought of an after hour, and for a purpose. Now let me say to the 
Sherman men here, to the Blaine men, to the Edmunds men, if I may call them 
such, I mean the men who represent these different candidates, gentlemen, if you 
can beat the old soldier all right. For him I claim nothing that is not due to 
each and every citizen of this grand Republic ; he asks nothing that he will not 
grant to others ; we demand nothing for him that is not due to each and every 
other man, and each and every other candidate. We that support him do it 
because we think he is worthy, and you do the same for the candidates you 
support. Not one word has ever been lisped by the Grant men against any of 
your candidates. You have never heard a Grant man say he would bolt your 
nomination — not one — and you never will. If, as I said, you can beat him, all 
right ; he will stay here till vou do it. But do not beat the old soldier bv tricks ; 
do not, by chicanery, beat the old soldier, that led your armies and saved your 
country ; do not by such means beat the man that has been recognized by every 
civilized nation of the earth as the grandest citizen the world knows to-day. 

"I ask why this new rule shall be established by this convention, before any 
State has ever received notice that it shall be so done ? If you pass a resolution 
by this National Convention that the States shall hereafter hold their conven- 
tions by districts, Illinois will cheerfully obey it ; but, until the National Con- 
vention shall establish that rule by resolution requiring it to be done, no State is 
required to change its form or its mode of procedure in their State conventions. 
So it is with reference to our State ; we have so selected our delegates ; and 
what I wanted to call the attention of delegates to is this, and I say it now not 
in the manner of warning — I never make threats — I have none to make ; God 
forbid that I should ; but I do say this : If I was a candidate for President I 
would not want a convention that nominated me for President to do it by de- 
priving my opponent of the votes from his State. I appeal to this convention. 
I have no desire to discuss the question, only to have this convention understand 
the position of the delegation from Illinois, that they may deal with it fairly. 
This is all we ask. I do think that the chairman of the committee should cer- 
tainly change his resolution. He certainly should give an opportunity for fair 
and free debate on this question." 

Mr. Butterworth of Ohio offered a resolution fixing one hour for each side 
in the debate in the Illinois cases, and that at the expiration of the time the 

167 



convention should proceed immediately to vote upon the question. This resolu- 
tion was agreed to. 

Mr. Conger, chairman of the committee, and Elliott Anthony of Chicago 
spoke for the contestants. Green B. Raum and Emery A. Storrs spoke for the 
sitting delegates. The whole burden of the argument in favor of the contestants 
was tliat they were chosen by Congressional district conventions, organized at 
Springfield, of delegates of the State convention from the several districts, and 
that tlie contesting delegates held certificates of election from the officers of 
those Congressional district conventions. There was no claim that the action 
of the alleged Congressional district conventions was reported to the convention 
and approved by it. The broad ground was taken that the State Convention 
had never claimed the right nor exercised the power of choosing the delegates to 
represent the districts. 

Mr. Anthony in an able and eloquent address presented these views and 
concluded by saying: "We are here pleading for justice, and we ask no more 
than to follow the precedents of the party." In the course of his address General 
Raum said: "The sitting delegates from the State of Illinois are willing to rest 
their rights upon the law of this case, and upon the precedents which have been 
established by long usage of the party in the State of Illinois. 

"It has been well said by various gentlemen who have addressed this con- 
vention that there is not to-day and never has been a uniform rule in all tlie 
States in respect to the selection of delegates to the National Convention. 
Whenever a uniform rule is adopted, the Republicans of Illinois will cheerfully 
acquiesce in that rule ; but I say to you, Mr. President, as is said in this minority 
report, that we do not wish to be subjected to an ex post facto rule — a rule 
adopted after the facts. We want this case tried by the law, as it exists to-day. 
that law having been established by the usages of the Republican partv since 

1856. 

"There is an unbroken line of precedents in the State of Illinois to the effect 
that the State conventions from time immemorial have selected the delegates 
and sent them to the Republican National Conventions of this country. The 
usage of both of the parties of the State of Illinois has been the same for the 
last forty years. To my certain knowledge since 1852 no convention. Whig, 
Democratic or Republican, sending delegates to the National Conventions in 
this country, have acted otherwise than through a State Convention. I assert 
that it is a fact that cannot be controverted, that there never was a district con- 
vention held in the State of Illinois to select a delegate to a National Conven- 
tion." 

Upon the question of the instruction of delegates by the State Conventions 
of Illinois, General Raum said : 

"In i860 when Lincoln of sainted memory, was presented by the Republi- 
cans of Illinois for the suffrages of the people of this country, the delegates were 
selected by a State Convention and the following resolution was adopted : Re- 
solved. That Abraham Lincoln is the choice of the Republican party of Illinois 
for the Presidency, and the delegates from this State are instructed to use all 
honorable means to secure his nomination by the Chicago Convention, and vote 
as a unit for him. And the said delegates shall have power to fill all vacancies." 
In 1864 the delegates were selected in tL^ same way by a State Convention, and 
a similar resolution was passed, instructing the delegates to that convention to 
vote for Abraham Lincoln as a unit. In 1868. I happened to be a delegate to 
the convention. I was on the Committee on Resolutions and assisted in the 
preparation of the letter of instruction to those delegates. Those delegates were 
selected by the State Convention. They took their instructions from the State 
Convention, and went to the National Convention and assisted in the nomination 
of Ulysses S. Grant. In 1872. Ulysses S. Grant was again presented by Illinois 
to the suffrages of the people of this country. I had the honor of penning the 
letter of instructions to the delegates, to use all honorable means and vote as a 
unit for Ulysses S. Grant. Mr. President, the fact that the Republicans of 
Illinois have always and everywhere claimed the right to instruct their delegates 
is conclusive evidence that they also claim the right of selecting delegates who 
would obey their instructions. 

168 



"What was the issue in the Springfield Convention? When we went down 
to Springfield, we found a minority in that convention who were threatening up 
and down the streets of that city, and through the corridors of the hotels, that 
unless we conducted the affairs of that convention according to their will and 
pleasure, they would bolt the convention. There was an issue. The majority 
©f the convention was in favor of selecting delegates to support Ulysses S. Grant, 
and the minority of that convention told us in the convention itself, in the course 
of debate, that they would not obey the instructions that that convention might 
give them to vote for Ulysses S. Grant. 

"W T e have been told by the honorable chairman of the Committee on Cre- 
dentials, that there are fifty contests here in this National Convention. Why 
these contests ? Why is it that from one end of this country to the other, you 
find that there are contests for seats in this National Convention ? I will tell you 
Mr. President why. It is because you are seeking to invade, to overturn and 
destroy the ordinary methods of the Republican party in these states. I say to 
you that these are revolutionary measures. This convention can turn those 
eighteen delegates out. You have the power to do it, but I say to you if this 
revolutionary spirit is carried forward another four years, the hour has struck 
for the destruction and overthrow of the Republican party. I warn you, Mr. 
President, and 1 warn you, gentlemen of the Convention, that the Republican 
party cannot stand such a strain another four years. We are willing to learn 
from New England, we are willing to learn from adjacent states, we are willing to 
be taught our A B C's in politics. I have been in politics these thirty years and 
I find that I do not know anything about it. I find that the whole thing is to be 
learned over again. I find that if a State Convention meets, and nobody objects, 
why then they can send delegates to a National Convention. But if somebody 
gets into one corner of a hotel and gathers two or three around him, and files a 
protest and comes up with credentials and says : 'Here is a district convention,' 
then your State Convention is of no validity." 

Mr. Storrs made the closing speech. It was after midnight when he began ; 
every delegate was present; every seat in the galleries was filled. Mr. Storrs 
reputation as a speaker was national. On this occasion he was at his best. He 
earnestly believed in the rightfulness of the cause he represented. Mr. Storrs 
began: "A proposition is made for the first time in the political history of a 
National Convention to abolish State Conventions in Illinois. It will not work. 
We have gone along since 1856 under our system of State Conventions and have 
rolled up magnificent Republican majorities. I hope that Maine, I hope that 
Ohio, looking back to their troublesome history as Republican States, will not 
undertake to force upon us their methods. It is very clear that they had better 
adopt ours. I stand here tonight with the only evidence of title as a delegate to 
this Convention, that a delegate from the State of Illinois ever presented. It is 
a question of title. I hold tonight the credentials from the State Convention, and 
my title is no better because the evidences are the same as to the eighteen dele- 
gates who you propose to exclude. Since 1856 this State has held Republican 
State Conventions and there has never been an instance in its history — not one 
— in which a delegate was appointed to a National Convention where the author- 
ity to make the appointment did not proceed from the Convention at large. I do 
not care how vigorous, declamatory, noisy or vehement the assertion to the 
contrary may be. That is the history of the State. 

"Let me call your attention to the call for this convention. It is a conven- 
tion of what? Of the Republicans of the State of Illinois. To meet how? To 
meet in State Convention. For what purpose? As a State Convention — as an 
entire, complete, indivisible body to nominate candidates for State offices, and 
to name forty-two delegates to this body. That is the call. Recognizing the call, 
the thousands of Republicans of this State sent 693 delegates, not to a congrega- 
tion of Congressional Conventions, but to a great solid body called a State Con- 
vention, in which either the majority or the minority must rule. 

"Never has there been an instance in the entire history of this State when 
such a thing as a Congressional District Convention was held within, outside, 
on the verge of, near by, or adjacent to a State Convention. Never. Now, what 
is the offense which the State of Illinois on this occasion has committed? It 

MS 



desired, speaking authoritatively through its State Convention, to give expres- 
sion to its will. Whatever its will, we knew of but one method by which that 
will could be ascertained. It was by an appeal to the convention itself. When 
the convention, representing the Republicans of the State, declared by its ma- 
jority its preference for a particular candidate, that was the will of the State, and 
if it had the power thus to express its will, it had, I undertake to say, power to 
make this expression effectual. 

"If it had the right to instruct, and no one denies that it does possess that 
power, with the right to instruct it had the right to make its instructions s, 
vigorous that they would be obeyed. If it could express its will, it had a right 
to enforce the execution of that will. It had a right to defend itself against 
treachery, trickery, fraud, corruption, violated faith, broken pledges and disre- 
garded instructions. It did protect itself, and that convention, as all prior con- 
ventions have done, selected men who needed not to be instructed. It selected 
men who knew no law but the will of the majority which they represented ; who 
knew no "boss" and no allegiance to anything and recognized no despotism ex- 
cept the stern, inexorable and irreversible despotism of duty. 

"Xow it is within your province to determine for us how we shall select our 
delegates to a State Convention. Will you please be good enough, and fan- 
enough, and just enough to tell us what the law shall be in the future ? Obedient 
citizens, bending before and recognizing the will of the Republicans of the nation 
as they have expressed it. we will undertake to obey, but make no law for us to- 
day, which shall be operative yesterday. Impose upon us no change in the policy 
of our party which shall be retroactive in its effect. So long as we transz [ress 
none of the rules of our political organization, so long as we are faithful to its 
creed, so long as by a majority running up to 50.000. we carry your banner in 
victory to the front, always in front, respect our precedents and consider kindly 
our peculiarities. 

"The Republicans of the State of Illinois are not the men to indulge in 
threats. We do not undertake to terrorize others, and we decline to be terrorized 
ourselves. We support the ticket : we are for the candidate first, last and all the 
time, whomsoever he may be. We never saw a foe yet in the political field in 
whose presence our standard was ever voluntarily lowered even an inch. It has 
gone down sometimes in defeat. It has never been drawn down. It has never 
known a surrender. 

"I appeal to considerations away beyond the mere personal preferences 
which we feel tonight. I appeal to those considerations infinitely grander, vastly 
nobler, than those personal preferences that inspire the galleries, and. I am 
afraid, the body of this Convention. I appeal to the great cause which absorbs 
within itself and is grander than all the greatness of our individual leaders. I 
appeal for that harmony in the future which we must have. I appeal to that 
just judgment of the party which I do not believe will ever knowingly, or 
willingly, or deliberately inflict a wrong. I conjure you to stay your hand over 
what the Republican party in this State will regard as an outrage on its dignity, 
and on the freedom of its action. And now, looking to this future, into which 
we are so rapidly walking — looking to this great contest upon which we arr so 
soon entering, do not. I beg you, by one single word that you may utter, or one 
vote you may cast, impair the energy- of that great rank and file which con- 
stitute the 50.000 Republican majority of the State of Illinois. I beg you to deal 
justly with us all, and whatever individual preferences this great convention may 
express. will be responded to. not half-heartedly, not desparingly. not doubtingly, 
but with whole soul and in dead earnest. 

"Nominate James G. Blaine if you will, and when the gentlemen who are 
cheering in the galleries tonight are reposing under the soft summer sky, tired 
of politics and disgusted with its fatigues, you will find the followers of the grand, 
old. silent soldier awake by their camp fires, and carrying the banner of the slug- 
gard forward to triumphant victory."' 

Loud and long-continued applause followed this portion of the address. In- 
somuch that it interfered with the conclusion of Mr. Storrs* speech. 'Sir. Raum 
arose and said : "This Convention can be brought to profound order by every- 

17 



body uniting in three cheers for the nominee of this Convention." The cheers 
were enthusiastically given. 

Mr. Storrs proceeded: "Give the grand old state that never knew a draft 
and never filled up a regiment with paper soldiers — give the grand old state, the 
home of Lincoln and Douglas and Grant, a fair chance. 

"Citizens of one country, members of one party, let us remember that while 
we accept no indignities from our enemies, we hope, and trust and pray our 
friends will put none on us. Here in the midnight, with the storm without, and 
these assembled Republicans within, we are first to be just, first to be fair, and vic- 
tory is ours as sure as the morning comes." This address elicited loud and long- 
continued applause. 

Mr. Conger of Michigan asked unanimous consent that Col. Robert G. 
Ingersoll should be permitted to address the convention on behalf of the con- 
testants. Mr. Ingersoll not being a delegate, under the rules prepared by the 
majority, was not entitled to speak ; unanimous consent was not given. 

At one o'clock Mr. Butterworth moved to adjourn until 10 o'clock in the 
morning. The convention was in no mood for delay and refused to adjourn by a 
vote of 653 to 103. The convention proceeded to vote upon the Illinois contested 
cases. General Clayton of Arkansas moved to substitute the minority report 
which favored the sitting members, the districts to be voted upon separately ; this 
motion was lost by a vote of 353 yeas, 387 nays. Of those voting nay, 22 were 
from New York and 24 from Pennsylvania, making 46 votes of delegates who had 
been instructed to cast their ballot for General Grant. These votes were decisive. 
Had they been cast in the interest of General Grant's nomination the result 
would have been 391 yeas, 338 nays, and the contesting delegates from Illinois 
would have been refused admission. But the friends of Mr. Blaine, Mr. Sherman, 
Mr. Edmunds, Mr. Washburne and Mr. Windom united almost to a man in 
applying the plan of Congressional District Conventions for the selection of 
delegates in the State of Illinois, when no such plan had ever been the practice 
with any party in the State. To say that this action excited a great deal of 
opposition and indignation is stating the case mildly. The friends of General 
Grant in every state felt, and in their hearts believed, that the action of the Na- 
tional Convention was a usurpation of power. 

In the New York delegation the bitterness of feeling was intensified by the 
fact that some of the sitting delegates who voted with the majority to turn the 
Illinois Grant delegates out, had been delegates to the New York Republican 
State Convention and had publicly pledged themselves to abide by the instruc- 
tions of the convention, directing the delegates to support General Grant. Had 
these delegates declined to do this their names would have been stricken from 
the list of names presented to the convention and other persons selected who 
were known to favor General Grant's nomination. General Steward L. Wood- 
ford made a movement in the convention to this effect, but was deterred from 
pressing it to a vote by the declaration of parties in open convention that they 
would consider themselves in honor bound to obey the instructions of the State 
Convention. 

After voting upon four districts, the call for the division of the question was 
withdrawn and the majority report was adopted, whereby the 18 contesting dele- 
gates were to be admitted to seats in the convention. At 2 o'clock and 20 minutes 
a. m. the Convention adjourned to 11 o'clock Saturday morning. 

The Convention met Saturday, June 5, at 11 o'clock. The Rev. Mr. Paxton 
offered prayer. He delivered a solemn and eloquent appeal to the throne of 
grace. He prayed: "Forbid, O God, that the cry of passion should be louder 
here than the calm voice of duty. Forbid, O God, that prejudice should warp 
judgment and compromise principle. Forbid that personal preference should 
impair or imperil the peace, harmony, the enthusiasm, the unity of purpose, and 
the fidelity to trust of this convention. Teach these men that they be brethren, 
and teach them all that the cause they represent, the principles they advocate, the 
interests at stake, the ends to be secured are vastly greater and more important 
than the success of any man in the race for the nomination." 

The contests in the Second and Third Districts of Kansas were taken up. 
Four persons claimed seats as having been chosen by Congressional District 

171 



Conventions. Notwithstanding the decision of the Convention in the Illinois 
cases, Hon. P. B. Plumb, representing the sitting delegates, felt that the principle 
involved was too important to be surrendered without further struggle. He felt 
that the customs of the Republican party in the various states, should be re- 
spected, and that any fixed rule to govern all the states should operate in the 
future and not have retroactive effect. He said: "I simply say that whatever 
rule may be for the future, however the judgment of the Republicans of the 
United States may be as to what shall prevail hereafter, a rule should not now 
be made which should operate in an ex post facto manner ; that we should have 
the benefit in a Republican Convention of our own precedents, and what we 
believe to be in our own State Conventions the fair intent and meaning of the call 
of the National Committee. I may say further, that the cases cited by the gentle- 
man from Ohio yesterday as to the action of his state, are not at all parallel, and 
I am as proud of the independence of the Republican votes of that state as he is. 
I was one of them myself once. I know about as much, I think, as any one need 
to know about the practice in that state. I know that it differs entirely, and al- 
ways has differed from the practice that has obtained in Kansas. In Ohio, the 
districts elect their delegates themselves, independent of the State Convention 
and independent of the machinery of that convention. The districts elect dele- 
gates to perform two things, i. e. : To go to the State Convention and assist in 
choosing four delegates-at-large, and to choose, acting in their separate capacity 
as district delegates, acting directly for the district, the two persons to represent 
that Congressional district in the National Convention. 

"I beg this Convention to note that there is no parallel whatever between 
these two cases as matter of fact, because in the case in Ohio, as in Massachusetts 
and these other states where they have this town meeting idea in regard to 
things, which they now seek to apply to communities where this practice does 
not apply — I say their proceeding is different from ours. We have not elected 
— never have elected men whose functions were solely and only, or even partially, 
to be members of a District Convention for the election of two delegates to repre- 
sent that district in National Convention. In Ohio, under the practice also, when 
these district delegates are nominated their names are certified to the State Con- 
vention, which, as a matter purely of form and convenience, certifies or ratifies 
the action of the district, and the persons so named are put upon the rolls of the 
delegates from the State of Ohio. We contend simply for a rule of action we 
believe to be right." By a vote of the Convention the contesting delegates from 
Kansas were given seats. The contests from West Virginia and Utah were de- 
cided in the same way. The report of the Committee on Credentials was then 
adopted. 

The next business in order was consideration of the report of the Com- 
mittee on Rules. Mr. Sharp of New York offered a substitute which fixed the 
time to be occupied in the nomination of candidates and provided for an im- 
mediate ballot for candidates for President and Vice-President. 

General Garfield, chairman of the committee, opposed the substitute and 
insisted upon the adoption of a full set of rules. He addressed the Convention at 
some length and in the course of this speech said : "It is the business of this con- 
vention to prescribe a rule which all shall obey — chairman and delegates equally. 
No man is greater than the law, and no man should be greater than a just rule. 
Settle the rule. Settle it in any way you please. Make it the unit rule, and I am 
bound by it. Make it the individual rule — that each individual shall have the 
right to vote, and I am bound by it, for two reasons : First, because you make 
it the rule, and, greater still, because I believe it to be everlastingly right." It is 
obvious that General Garfield recognized the fact that the question of "Instruc- 
tions" by State Conventions and the "Unit Rule" were involved in this con- 
troversy. The substitute of Mr. Sharp was voted down. The further considera- 
tion of the report was resumed. 

The tenth rule reported by the committee read as follows : "Rule 10. A 
Republican National Committee shall be appointed to consist of one member 
from each State, Territory and the District of Columbia, represented in this 
Convention. The roll shall be called and the delegates from each State, Territory 

172 



and the District of Columbia shall name, through their chairman a person to act 
as a member of such committee." 

Two amendments were offered to this rule, one by Mr. Boutwell of Massa- 
chusetts, and one by Mr. Butterworth of Ohio, which were adopted and were as 
follows : "Said committee shall within the next twelve months prescribe a 
method or methods for the election of delegates to the National Convention to be 
held in 1884, announce the same to the country, and issue a call for that conven- 
tion in conformity therewith. Provided that nothing in the method or rule so 
prescribed shall be so constructed as to prevent the several districts of the United 
States from selecting their own delegates to the National Convention." This 
rule in regard to "District Representation" was the first of the kind ever adopted 
by a National Republican Convention. It in direct terms operated upon the 
future, and established the present system of selecting district delegates by Con- 
gressional District Conventions, instead of by State Conventions. 

The Convention refused to adopt the minority report, objecting to the 
amendment of Rule 6 of 1876, which was reported as Rule 8. The amendment 
read as follows : "But if exception is taken by any delegate to the correctness of 
such announcement by the chairman of his delegation, the president of the Con- 
vention shall direct the roll of members of such delegation to be called, and the 
result shall be recorded in accordance with the votes individually given." The 
rules reported and thus amended were adopted by the Convention. 

Three great states, Illinois, Pennsylvania and New York, had, through their 
State Conventions, instructed their delegates to support General Grant as a 
candidate for President, and vote as a unit ; the 18 delegates admitted on contests 
in Illinois, were opposed to General Grant ; 24 of the Pennsylvania and 22 of the 
New York delegates, although instructed, were not favorable to General Grant's 
nomination ; three delegates from Alabama and two delegates from Kansas, who 
were admitted on contests, were opposed to General Grant. So there w^ere 23 
anti-Grant delegates admitted on contests and 46 delegates instructed for Gen- 
eral Grant relieved from their instructions, making a total of 69 delegates from 
those five states which the friends of General Grant felt he was unjustly deprived 
of. 

Mr. Pierreport of New York presented the report of the Committee on 
Resolutions. The platform was an admirable presentation of the claims of the 
Republican party upon the confidence and support of the American people, and 
of the principles and policies which were to govern the party in the future. The 
platform was adopted by a unanimous vote. At 5 125 p. m. the Convention took 
a recess until 7 o'clock p. m. 

The Convention met Saturday evening, June 5th, at 7 o'clock p. m. The 
first business was the appointment of a Republican National Committee to con- 
sist of one member from each State, Territory and District of Columbia. General 
John A. Logan was selected to represent the State of Illinois. The roll of states 
was then called in alphabetical order for the nomination of candidates. 

On the call of the State of Michigan, Mr. Joy in an able speech nominated 
James G. Blaine of Maine. The nomination brought long-continued applause. 
The nomination was seconded by Mr. Pixley.of California, and Mr. Fry of Maine. 

On the call of the State of Minnesota, Mr. Drake nominated William Win- 
dom as a candidate for President. 

On the call of the State of New York, Mr. Conkling, in a most able and elo- 
quent address, nominated Ulysses S. Grant. Mr. Bradley of Kentucky seconded 
the nomination. 

On the call of the State of Ohio, Mr. Garfield eloquently and ably presented 
the claims of John Sherman and nominated him as a candidate for President. 

On the call of the State of Vermont, Mr. Billings nominated George F. 
Edmunds as a candidate for President. 

On the call of the State of Wisconsin, Mr. Cassody nominated Elihu B. 
Washburne as a candidate before the Convention. 

At 11 -.46 p. m. the Convention adjourned until Monday, June 7, at 10 o'clock 
a. m. 

Fifth day. Monday, June 7th, 10 a. m., the President called the Convention 
to order. The business in order was balloting for candidates. The President 

173 



directed the reading of rules 7 and 8, which related to the manner of proceeding. 

The roll of the States was called and a vote taken, which resulted : 

Total number of votes cast 755. Necessary to a choice, 378. Ulysses S. 
Grant received 304, James G. Blaine 284, John Sherman 93, George F. Edmunds 
34. Elihu B. Washburne 30, and William Windom 10. Upon this ballot the vote 
of Illinois was Grant 24, Blaine 10, Washburne 8; New York was Grant 57, 
Blaine 17, Sherman 2 ; Pennsylvania was Grant 32, Blaine 23, Sherman 3. 

Thus 63 delegates disregarded the instructions of their State Conventions, 
and instead of casting their votes as a unit for Ulysses S. Grant, voted for other 
candidates ; these 63 votes, added to the 304 cast for General Grant, would have 
given him 367 votes, lacking but 11 of a nomination. It cannot be doubted that 
with such a vote on the first ballot, General Grant would have been finally nom- 
inated. 

After the 18th ballot at 3 135 p. m. the Convention took a recess until 7 p. m. 

The President called the Convention to order at 7 o'clock, p. m. The Con- 
vention continued to ballot for a candidate for President. Ten ballots were taken 
during the evening. The 28th ballot stood as follows : Grant 307, Blaine 279, 
Sherman 91, Edmunds 31, Windom 10, Washburne 35, Garfield 2. Necessary 
to a choice, 378. 

At 9:50 p. m. the Convention adjourned until Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock. 

Sixth day. Tuesday, June 8, 1880, at 10 a. m. the Convention met and was 
called to order by the President. Prayer was offered by Rev. Dr. H. W. Thomas. 
The 29th ballot was taken, the only material change was a gain by Mr. Sherman 
of 25 votes, 19 of which were Massachusetts delegates, changing from Edmunds 
to Sherman. 

On the 30th ballot, Mr. Sherman received 120 votes, this being his highest 
number. On the 34th ballot General Grant received 312. It was clear that there 
would be no break in the Grant forces, and that continued balloting would 
steadily augment his strength. The hour had come for a change. The Wis- 
consin delegation led the way. They cast 16 of the 20 delegates for Garfield; 
that gave him 17 votes. Blaine 275, Sherman 107, Edmunds 11, Windom 4, 
Washburne 30. On the 35th ballot, of her 30 votes, Indiana cast 27 for Garfield, 
giving him 50 votes, while Grant had 313. 

The roll of the States was again called and a vote taken. Votes cast, 755 ; 
necessary to a choice, 378. James A. Garfield received 399, Ulysses S. Grant 306, 
James G. Blaine 42, Elihu B. Washburne 5, John Sherman 3. 

When the result of the vote was announced, Mr. Conkling delivered a short 
address and moved that James A. Garfield be unanimously presented as the 
nominee of the Convention. This motion was seconded by General Logan, 
General Beaver, Mr. Hale, Mr. Pleasants of Virginia, Mr. Campbell of West 
Virginia, Mr. Hicks of Florida, Mr. Norton of Texas, Colonel Houck of Ten- 
nessee, and General Harrison. The nomination was made unanimous. At 2 125 
p. m. the Convention took a recess until 5 p. m. 

The Convention was called to order at 5 o'clock p. m. ' Nominations for 
Vice-President were in order, and the roll of States was called for that purpose. 

Mr. Pixley of California nominated Elihu B. Washburne of Illinois. 

Mr. Robinson of Connecticut nominated Marshall Jewell of Connecticut. 

Mr. Hicks of Florida nominated Thomas Settle of North Carolina. 

Mr. Conger of Michigan, by request of the Michigan Convention, presented 
the name of Thomas W. Ferry of Michigan, and also a letter from Mr. Ferry 
declining to stand as a candidate. 

Colonel Houck of Tennessee nominated Horace Maynard of Tennessee. 

General Woodford of New York nominated Chester A. Arthur of New 
York. This nomination was seconded by General Kilpatrick of New Jersey, 
Mr. Storrs of Illinois, Mr. Lynch of Mississippi, and Mr. Filley of Missouri. Mr. 
Harris of North Carolina withdrew the name of Mr. Settle and then seconded 
the nomination of General Arthur. 

Mr. Chambers of Texas nominated Edmund J. Davis of Texas. 

During the roll call there were many friendly remarks made in regard to the 
selection of a candidate for Vice-President, the interest, centering on the candi- 
dacy of General Arthur. There were 757 votes cast ; necessary to a choice, 376. 

174 



The votes were divided as follows : Arthur 468, Washburne 193, Jewell 44, May- 
nard 30, Bruce 8, Alcorn 4, Davis 2, Settle 1, Woodford 1. 

Upon the motion of Mr. McBeth of Missouri, seconded by Mr. Raymond of 
California, the nomination of General Arthur was made unanimous. And so the 
Convention unanimously nominated as candidates, James A. Garfield for Presi- 
dent, and Chester A. Arthur for Vice-President. 

After adopting a resolution of thanks to the officers of the Convention and 
the citizens of Chicago, and also a resolution for the appointment of a committee 
to formally notify the candidates of their nomination, the Convention at 7 o'clock 
and 25 minutes p. m. adjourned sine die. 

General Garfield and General Arthur, both being delegates to the Con- 
vention, were in the city. At 11 p. m. the Committee on Notification, consisting 
of one member from each State, Territory and the District of Columbia, assem- 
bled in the club room at the Grand Pacific Hotel, the President of the Conven- 
tion, Hon. Geo. F. Hoar, chairman. A committee was appointed to conduct the 
nominees to the room. Upon their appearance Mr. Hoar delivered addresses to 
each of the candidates informing them officially of their nomination and received 
from them their formal acceptance of the nomination conferred upon them. 



17. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

Democratic and Greenback Conventions of 1880. The Campaign. Elec- 
tion of Garfield and Arthur. Assassination of President Gar- 
field. General Arthur Becomes President. 

The Democratic National Convention met June 22d, at Cincinnati, and nom- 
inated Winfield S. Hancock of Pennsylvania for President and William H. Eng- 
lish of Indiana for Vice-President. The platform was more brief than their great 
"Reform platform" of 1876. The principal declarations of the Convention were: 

1. We pledge ourselves anew to the Constitutional doctrines and traditions 
of the Democratic party. 

2. Opposition to centralization. 

3. Home rule, honest money and a tariff for revenue only. 

4. The right of a free ballot. 

5. The existing administration is the representative of conspiracy only. 

6. The fraud of 1876-7 to be punished in 1880. 

The Greenback National Convention met in Chicago, June nth, and nomi- 
nated James B. Weaver of Iowa and B. J. Chalmers of Texas as candidates for 
President and Vice-President. 

The Prohibition Convention met at Cleveland, Ohio, June 17th, and nomi- 
nated Neal Dow of Maine for President. 

Both of these last named parties promulgated lengthy platforms presenting 
their issues to the country. As a national issue the prohibition question attracted 
no attention. The Greenback agitation taking its rise in the west lost its force 
there, but had gradually worked eastward and was now making its final struggle 
in the state of Maine. 

The Democrats of Illinois nominated Lyman Trumbull for Governor, with 
a full State ticket. 

Judge Trumbull was a man of splendid ability ; he had a national reputa- 
tion as a lawyer; he served on the State supreme bench; was elected to the 
United States Senate in 1854 as an anti-Nebraska Democrat; identified himself 
with the Republican party ; was one of its trusted leaders in the Senate ; was 
chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary, and aided in framing the recon- 
struction laws during and after the war; was twice re-elected, in 1861 and 1867. 
Judge Trumbull was in the Senate during the impeachment trial of President 
Johnson, and was one of the seven Republican Senators who voted against im- 
peachment. His action in this case was not approved by his Republican col- 
leagues of the House, and was severely commented upon in the public press. 
The impeachment of the President divided the country on party lines ; the 
mass of Republicans believed the President guilty and that he should be removed 
from office, while the Democrats were united in opposition. 

These seven Republican Senators differed with their party friends upon this 
great and important question, and the result was that they lost the prestige in 
the party and were all retired from the Senate. 

When the time came to elect a successor to Judge Trumbull in 1873, Gov- 
ernor Richard J. Oglesby was chosen, and Judge Trumbull was permanently 
retired to private life. After the impeachment trial was over, the Illinois Re- 
publican State Convention met at Peoria and nominated General Palmer for 
Governor. 

The Committee on Resolutions reported to the convention a strong party 
platform, but did not allude to Judge Trumbull's action on the impeachment 
question. That matter was seriously discussed by the committee, but they de- 

176 



-cided that Judge Trumbull had acted in a judicial capacity, under the sanction 
of an oath, and that it was not proper in a party platform to call in question the 
motives which moved him to pursue the course he did. After he failed of re- 
flection to the Senate, the judge fell away from the party, and, as has been seen, 
in 1880 was nominated for Governor. He received the hearty support of the 
Democratic party. 

The nomination of Garfield and Arthur was well received throughout the 
•country. The friends of General Grant everywhere gave the ticket earnest and 
.•sincere support. The Republican National Committee called a meeting of promi- 
nent republicans for August 5th, 1880, in New York City. General Garfield 
visited New York at the same time and was a guest at the Fifth Avenue Hotel 
where the conference met. It was a large gathering of the most influential Re- 
publicans of the country ; but Roscoe Conkling did not attend. Mr. Blaine, Mr. 
.Sherman, General Logan and a host of other notable characters were present, 
but the great New Yorker was absent. He left no word and his immediate 
-friends made no explanation. It was well known that an enmity of fourteen 
years' standing existed between him and Mr. Blaine, an enmity which on the 
part of Mr. Conkling was irreconcilable. 

The best solution of Mr. Conkling's absence was that he was determined 
that there should not be an open breach between himself and Mr. Blaine at that 
meeting, in his home city, and to avoid such a chance, he decided to remain 
.away. The rupture between these two men exerted a powerful influence upon 
-the public career of both, and also upon the politics of the country. It occurred 
on April 13th, 1866, in the House of Representatives of which both were mem- 
bers. A few days previous Mr. Conkling moved to strike out of the Army 
Appropriation Bill the section which made appropriation for the support of the 
office of Provost Marshal General, then occupied by General James B. Fry of 
Illinois. 

Mr. Conkling in commenting upon the law said "it created an unnecessary 
office, for an undeserving public servant ; it fastens an incubus upon the country, 
a. hateful instrument of war, which deserves no place in a free government in a 
time of peace." General Grant had expressed the opinion that the office was then 
unnecessary. 

On the day mentioned Mr. Blaine read a letter addressed to him from 
General Fry in which grave charges were made against Mr. Conkling, namely, 
-that he had received a fee from the government improperly, if not illegally, in 
the case against Mr. Haddock, and that he did not act in good faith in discharg- 
ing his duties as an attorney for the government in the prosecution of cases. 

As might have been expected, the reading of this private letter in Congress 
precipitated a most bitter and accrimonious debate. A committee of investiga- 
tion was ordered. Mr. Schellabarger of Ohio was Chairman and Mr. Windom was 
on the committee. The report of the committee completely exonerated Mr. 
Conkling. The resolution presented by the committee declared that the charges 
in the letter "are wholly without foundation truth, and for their publication there 
were in the judgment of the House no facts connected with said prosecution fur- 
nishing either a palliative or an excuse." Mr. Conkling could never forgive Mr. 
Blaine for this attack, and no doubt did not wish to trust himself at the meeting 
•of August 5th, where he would necessarily meet Mr. Blaine. 

The plan of campaign was discussed at this meeting. Mr. Blaine insisted 
that the first and most important thing to do was to redeem the state of Maine 
:at the election for Governor. In arranging the work of the campaign that end 
was kept in view. As chairman of the Republican committee of Maine, Mr. 
Blaine filled the state with speakers. For six weeks the old state resounded with 
-oratory; great meetings and small meetings were alike addressed by the best 
Republican talent of the country, but while gains were made by the Republicans 
the Greenback-Democratic coalition carried the state. The old cry, "As goes 
Maine, so goes the Union," was now the watchword of the Democracy. 

General Garfield remained at his home at Mentor, Ohio, where he received 
numerous delegations from various parts of the country. Here he delivered a 
series of speeches to these visiting crowds which in point of political doctrine, 
liistorical reference, masterful delivery, faultless diction and true eloquence have 

177 



f :; « 
Maine 7 garded as discouraging. 

For : r purpose of giving the greatest possible emphasis to the oft-made 
nation that the Mends of General Grant were earnestly supporting the Xa- 

.:::.. :::ke: i::i ::■ :::. - :::e ::::::::: n: t :::/.■_■ «.:::" :■: 7.t: .: ":"..:: i :'. f tvery- 

as arranged that General Grant, Simon Cameron. Roscoe Conkhng 

and General Logan should visit Mentor, pay their respects to General Garfield 

and attend a great public meeting at the near-by town of Warren. These men 

were ie :t _ : : :7t : r::. ::: . -. : :■: :. - Rt . : " :el:rve: :7i: its r .:i = 

; ; -: : :; ..'.'. r :.:.:::: . : : ..- _ " ;-. . : -.:.. __:: 7 ::.::.: . .7 :irriri ::::: : t :^" - 
paign. The visit was made An agTeeable meeting was had at General Garfield's 

: . ; ; - - 

thusiastic meeting at Warren. This public demonstration aroused enthusiasm 

ut the country. General Grant's speech, terse, dear and convincing, was 

est .ampaign document of the year. Many states were placarded 

with this speech. Air. Conkhng had already made an able opening speech in 

he now visited Cleveland, Cincinnati and other cities in Ohio 

ami addressed large meetings where he gave his entire r : r ength and influence in 

support ; : t the :nal tickt: 

the campaign was conducted with great ability by a committee of 
; A. M. Tone s was airman and Daniel Shepard, Secretary. The supporters 
-ant were determined not to allow the division of opinion in support- 
ing him for the Presidency, which had so agitated die State and National Con- 
:: enter info the r:::7 election. 
It must not be supposed that the Democratic party was idle. General Han- 
: ; ;.•: " : . f :. ■; ; : .7:.r :.i::ii: -::nre r . :: : :::c 7 -:;.:: : 

party and received the cordial support of all Union soldiers who had adhered 
e Democratic organization. The tide of public opinion was obviously set- 
. : -.-.. ~ :irr it: Viir.t ::: .:::::::- 

as by 164 major a great gain made by the Republican party 

ihc : 7 :7 i:::g e.r:r:::: 
j ut two weeks before the November election the Democratic managers 
7 :i7 uted one of the most outrageous and viMianous tricks ever perpetrated in 
a political campaign. The "Morey letter :' urged, lithographed and sent 

■ s : throughout the country. It purported to have been written by General 
Garfield, Thi Letter approved of Chinese immigration to the United State s : 
comp : ith home labor. General Garfield branded the letter as a forgery and 
ample pr : : - need to show that his opinions and public utterances were 

incon sistenl genuineness, but the Democratic managers and a number of 

their most distinguished leaders used that forged letter to the end of the cam- 
paign 

and Arthur were elected by a splendid majority. They received 
214 e :ile Hancock and English received 155 votes. The popular 
darnel _._:_._:6; Hancock :_ Weaver : 8 5 - 8 : scatter- 
In Congress the Senate stood iff Republicans, 37 Democrats, 1 
The B 152 Republicans, 130 Democrats, 9 National _ 
asters 
The election _ 

iiHomand the entire state ticket were elected. The legislature was strortg- 
be stood 52 Republicans. 18 Democr its : Socialist- The 
] j Republicans. 70 Democrats- Lieutenant Governor John M. Ham- 
James EL Paddock was elected secretary. General 
H. H. Thorn ir icago was chosen speaker of the house and W. R. Taylor 

The - -" - : 7 _-- : - l - - • ; - -- 

J . S t r eet e j 

th, 1881, for his second term. 
The omposed largely of men of ability, many of whom have 

steadily retained the confidence of the people. In the senate were George E» 
Adams 7 :: D. Condee. Charles E. Fuller, H_ H. Evans, 



Conrad Secrest, George Torrance, Joseph W. Fifer, George Hunt, Horace S. 
Clark, Thomas B. Needles, John R. Tanner, Andrew J. Kuykendall, George E. 
White and Christopher Mamer. All men who have exerted great influence in the 
affairs of the state. 

In the house were Horace H. Thomas, Lorin C. Collins, Albert G. Good- 
speed, Thomas F. Mitchell, John M. Pearson, Nathan Crews, Ezra B. Keen, 
Charles T. Strattan, Isaac M. Kelly, William S. Morris, John D. Young and 
many other prominent Republicans. Several prominent Democrats who had 
served the country for years appear in this legislature, notably William A. Rich- 
ardson, who had served long in both Houses of Congress, Samuel H. Martin, 
Robert A. D. Wilbanks, Francis M. Youngblood and James M. Gregg, all men 
of ability. 

In the Congressional elections the Republican party carried 13 districts, the 
Democrats 6. The Republicans elected to the 47th Congress were William Al- 
drich, George R. Davis, Charles B. Farwell, John C. Sherwin, Robert M. A. 
Hawk, Thomas J. Henderson, William Cullen, Lewis E. Payson, John H. Lewis, 
Benjamin F. Marsh, Dietrich C. Smith, Joseph G. Cannon and John R. Thomas. 
Major Hawk died and was succeeded by Robert R. Hitt. 

The Democratic members were James W. Singleton, William M. Springer, 
Samuel W. Moulton, William A. J. Sparks, William R. Morrison and Richard W. 
Townshend. 

The Democratic party of Virginia was seriously divided upon the question 
of the public debt of the state. General AVilliam Mahone led the Readjuster 
faction of the party in 1879. In 1880 they nominated a separate electoral ticket 
for Hancock and English, refusing to support the regular ticket. 

The State of Virginia by a plurality vote was carried by General Hancock, 
but the Readjuster and Republican vote combined constituted a large majority 
of the electors of the state. 'These voters the following year came together, nom- 
inated Cameron, a Readjuster, for Governor and Lewis, a Republican, for Lieu- 
tenant Governor and carried the state, electing the state ticket and five Congress- 
men. This movement brought General Mahone into the Republican ranks and 
contributed to a more friendly relation in politics between the North and South. 
Green B. Raum, of Illinois, then Commissioner of Internal Revenue, exerted 
great influence in bringing about the affiliation of the Republican and Readjuster 
parties of Virginia. He visited the State and spoke from the same platform with 
Colonel Cameron, the fusion candidate for Governor. 

The inauguration of General Garfield as President on March 4th, 1881, was 
a popular and interesting event. People from all parts of the country flocked 
to Washington. The President appointed the following Cabinet officers : Secre- 
tary of State, James G. Blaine ; Secretary of the Navy, William H. Hunt ; Secre- 
tary of the Treasury, William Windom ; Secretary of War, Robert T. Lincoln ; 
Postmaster General, Thomas L. James ; Secretary of the Interior, Samuel J. Kirk- 
wood ; Attorney General, Wayne McVeagh. 

General Garfield's administration opened auspiciously. During his public 
career the President had made a wide circle of acquaintances, and had established 
a reputation for ability equal to that of any other statesman of the country. His 
friendships were numerous, warm and cordial. Secretaries Blaine and Windom 
were men of the broadest experience, with hosts of friends, and ambitious to give 
the country a great and successful administration. These three men were warm, 
personal friends, had been long-time associates in public life and each possessed 
the confidence of the other. 

Every member of the Cabinet was well qualified to perform the important 
duties of their respective departments. Harmony prevailed in the excutive ad- 
ministration. In the 47th Congress the Senate was practically divided equally 
between the two great parties, the House of Representatives, however, contained 
a large Republican majority, and this gave the Administration all the legislative 
support required for successful administration. 

It seemed improbable that any act would be done to precipitate a crisis in 
the Administration. When it came to the selection of persons for appointment 
to the important offices in New York the President requested a conference with 
Senator Conkling and other prominent Republicans of the State. The interview 

179 



occurred at the Executive Mansion on a Sunday evening. The list of appoint- 
ments then to be made were agreed upon to the satisfaction of both the President 
and the Senator. When Mr. Conkling was about to withdraw he turned to the 
President and inquired if he wished to consider the appointment of the Collector 
of the Port of Xew York ; the President replied that that question would be left 
for a future interview. The next day the appointments agreed upon were made, 
but William H. Robertson was also appointed Collector of the Port. It trans- 
pired that the President received numerous telegrams from Xew York City 
after the interview with Mr. Conkling, urging him to appoint Mr. Robertson ; and 
yielding to these demands he sent Robertson's name to the Senate. Senator 
Conkling and Senator Piatt were surprised and indignant. Senator Conkling 
felt that after his conversation with the President he should have been consulted 
before the appointment of Collector of the Port was made. He had serious 
objections to Air. Robertson. The Senator held that Robertson had been guilty 
of a great breach of faith as a delegate to the National Convention of 1880. Mr. 
Robertson and several other persons who were personal and political friends of 
Mr. Blaine were selected as delegates to the National Republican Convention of 
1880 by the Republican State Convention of New York. That convention passed 
a resolution instructing their delegates to support General Grant as a candidate 
for President and to vote as a unit. It had long been the practice of New York 
Republicans to instruct their delegates to National Conventions. Such repre- 
sentations were made on the floor of the convention by some of Air. Blaine's 
friends that the convention became satisfied that all of the delegates would hold 
themselves bound by the instructions. 

The State Convention contained a large majority in favor of General Grant; 
if it had been announced by these friends of Air. Blaine that they would not abide 
by the instructions, other delegates would have been selected in their place, but 
Air. Robertson and others accepted their credentials as delegates encumbered 
with the instructions of the State Convention without protest or objection. 

When the National Convention met, Air. Robertson and the other friends of 
Air. Blaine in the New York delegation at once affiliated with the opponents of 
General Grant, and upon all important preliminary questions voted with the 
friends of Mr. Blaine. When it came to balloting for candidates for President 
these men, led by Air. Robertson, bolted the instructions of their State Conven- 
tion and cast their ballots first for Air. Blaine, and afterwards for General Garfield. 
Senator Conkling believed that these bolting delegates were in honor bound 
to observe and carry out the instructions of their State Convention ; he regarded 
their failure to do so as an act of political treachery, and on that account he ob- 
jected to the appointment of Air. Robertson as Collector of the Port of New York. 

It is now understood that Air. Blaine did not urge the appointment of Rob- 
ertson at the time it was done ; although Senator Conkling and his friends 
all believed that Air. Blaine had influenced the President to make the appoint- 
ment ; but after the appointment was made, and the struggle with New York 
Senators was precipitated. Air. Blaine exerted all his power to sustain the Admin- 
istration. 

Senators Conkling and Piatt resigned their seats in the Senate. When the 
legislature of New York entered upon the task of electing their successors they 
were candidates for re-election. A great struggle ensued. The Administration 
members of the Legislature refused to enter a caucus and thus bind themselves 
to submit to the action of the majority. Air. Conkling and Air. Piatt were de- 
feated and retired to private life. The political struggle created a serious seism 
in the Republican party of New York. The wounds of such a conflict are slow 
to heal. President Garfield did not live to witness the outcome of the breach. 

On Saturday morning, July 2, 1881, just as he and Secretary Blaine entered 
the Sixth Street Railroad depot in Washington City to take a train for Long 
Branch, President Garfield received, in the back, a mortal wound from a pistol in 
the hand of the assassin Guitteau. The President fell to the floor. He was at 
once carried up stairs and placed upon a mattress on the floor in one of the large 
offices. The most skilful physicians of the city were instantly called to his relief. 
It was obvious that the wound was of a most serious nature ; the President suf- 
fered intense pain as from ten thousand needles pricking his feet, but he endured 
the pain with wonderful composure, and spoke freely with the doctors and 

180 



others who were admitted to the room. He was conveyed to the Executive Man- 
sion and everything was done for him that the most distinguished physicians and 
surgeons could devise, but no medical or surgical skill, no tender nursing of 
loved ones could relieve him in that hour of trial. He died at 10:35 P- M. Sep- 
tember 19th, 1881, at Elberon, New Jersey. 

Chester A. Arthur, Vice-President, was in New York at the time of the 
death of the President ; the Cabinet officers stopping at Long Branch informed 
him by telegraph of the sad event and advised him to take the oath of office. This 
he did during the night of September 19th ; three days later the oath of office 
was publicly administered in the marble room of the capitol at Washington. 
On the same day the Cabinet, through Secretary Blaine, tendered their resigna- 
tions. The President requested them to continue in the discharge of their duties, 
which they all agreed to do until such time as the President should see fit to 
form a Cabinet of his own selection. Certain changes were soon made. Mr. 
Blaine was succeeded by Theodore Frelinghuysen as Secretary of State ; Mr. 
Windom by Charles J. Folger as Secretary of the Treasury ; Mr. James by Tim- 
othy O'Howe as Postmaster General ; Mr. Kirkwood by N. M. Teller as Secretary 
of the Interior, and McVeagh by Benjamin Brewster as Attorney General. 

The country was in a prosperous condition. Agriculture, manufacturing, 
mining and commerce were steadily being developed ; foreign trade was expand- 
ing. The financial condition of the country was sound and the revenues of the 
government were ample to pay current expenses and steadily reduce the public 
debt. In fact, the revenues had so grown that during President Arthur's term 
nearly $45,000,000 of internal revenue taxes were repealed. The Administration 
was successful and satisfactory to the general public. President Arthur grew 
upon the people in popularity. 

In 1882 a governor was to be elected in New York. The Democratic party 
nominated Grover Cleveland, Mayor of Buffalo, as their candidate for governor. 
The Republican party held their convention and Charles J. Folger was nomi- 
nated for governor by a large majority. Judge Folger had served many years, 
with great distinction, on the bench of the Court of Appeals of New York, and 
was at the time of his nomination Secretary of the Treasury under President 
Arthur. His connection with the Arthur administration identified him wth the 
"stalwart" wing of the Republican party of New York, although the judge had 
not been active in politics for many years because of his position on the bench. 
His nomination was antagonized by the wing of the party which had supported 
Mr. Blaine in 1880. After the nomination was made it transpired that a gen- 
tleman sat with the State Central Committee as a proxy of Hon. William H. 
Robertson without authority, it being alleged that the telegram upon which he 
acted was not sent by Mr. Robertson. It was not pretended that the action 
of this man in the committee had any influence whatever in securing the nomi- 
nation of Judge Folger, but it was alleged to have been a fraud by one of his 
supporters and should be atoned for by the withdrawal of Judge Folger and the 
nomination of some one else. 

It will be recalled that Mr. Robertson, who made this complaint, was the 
same person who was delegate to the National Convention of 1880 and bolted his 
instructions, and was in 1881 appointed Collector of the Port of New York by 
President Garfield. Having been retired by President Arthur, he was now get- 
ting his revenge. Judge Folger declined to withdraw. He made the race for 
governor as the regular nominee of the Republican party of New York and 
was defeated. Grover Cleveland was elected by Republican voters who bolted 
the Republican nomination and gave him enough support to raise his majority to 
194,000. The men who supported Mr. Blaine in 1880 at Chicago took the lead 
in defeating Judge Folger in 1882. 

The election of Grover Cleveland by so great a majority instantly made 
him a Presidential possibility with the Democratic party in 1884. It will be 
seen later on that he was nominated and elected, and his election was brought 
about by a few Republicans remaining from the polls. These men abstained from 
voting for the simple reason that they were close personal friends of Roscoe 
Conkling. They were in strong sympathy with him, believing that he had been 
deeply wronged by Mr. Blaine, and therefore they withheld their votes and Mr. 
Blaine was defeated. 

181 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

The Conventions and Campaign of 1884. Causes Which Led to the 
Election of a Democratic President. Illinois Elects Governor 
Oglesby for the Third Time. Gen. Logan Re-elected Senator. 

The law of cause and effect works with perfect sincerity. A just action bears 
good fruit, while an unjust action portends evil. It is now perfectly clear that 
a chain of political misfortunes followed the Republican party as the legitimate 
effect of the action of the majority of the convention of 1880. The act of setting 
aside and overthrowing the long-established practice of "instructions" and the 
"unit rule" and making the new rule operative in that convention was obviously 
for the purpose of releasing delegates who were instructed for Genera] Grant. 
The minority submitted, but the action sowed the seeds of discord It divided the 
party in New York. It caused the appointment of William H. Robertson as 
Collector. It caused the resignation of Conkling and Piatt. It prevented the 
Republicans of the New York legislature from holding a caucus to nominate 
candidates for Senator. It caused the defeat of Conkling and Piatt for the Senate. 
It divided the party in New York, causing thousands of Republicans to vote the 
Democratic ticket to defeat Folger for Governor and elect Cleveland. It de- 
feated Mr. Blaine for President in 1884. This lesson clearly demonstrates the fact 
that to enable great political bodies to exercise a healthful control upon public 
opinion, they must themselves be guided by the highest standards of justice and 
propriety. 

President Arthur's Administration had given great satisfaction to the coun- 
try. Every department had been run upon business principles. The President 
was a man of pleasing address, easy to be approached, with an extensive acquaint- 
ance of public men ; well versed in methods of administration, and deeply im- 
pressed with the principle that the public offices should be run in such a manner 
as to make the business affairs of the government acceptable and satisfactory to 
the people. It is a proper record to make that President Arthur's administration 
was popular with the people. President Arthur was a candidate for the presi- 
dential nomination and was earnestly supported by a large following. George 

F. Edmunds, John A. Logan and John Sherman were also candidates, but James 

G. Blaine was supported by the largest number of delegates. 

The convention consisted of 819 delegates. On the first ballot the vote was : 
Blaine, 334/^ ; Arthur, 278 ; Edmunds, 93 ; Logan, 63^ ; Sherman, 30 ; Hawley, 
13; Robert T. Lincoln, 4; General Sherman, 2; necessary to a choice, 410. On 
the fourth ballot Mr. Blaine received 541 votes. The friends of General Logan 
and John Sherman had gone to his support. With great unanimity of pur- 
pose, the convention nominated John A. Logan of Illinois for Vice-President. 
This ticket was enthusiastically endorsed by Republicans everywhere. 

The Prohibition party held a convention at Pittsburg, July 23, 1884, anc ^ 
nominated John P. St. John of Kansas and William Daniel of Maryland as can- 
didates for President and Vice-President. 

The Greenback party, at a convention held at Indianapolis, Ind., May 28, 
1884, nominated Benjamin F. Butler of Massachusetts and A. M. West of Mis- 
sissippi as candidates for President and Vice-President. It was perfectly well 
understood by every intelligent voter that neither the Prohibition or Greenback 
tickets could be elected, but the advocates of National Prohibition, and the advo- 
cates of an expansion of the Greenback currency, were anxious to agitate for these 
measures and have their friends counted. 

The country recognized that the contest was between the Republican and 
Democratic parties. 

182 



The Democratic Convention was held at Chicago, July 8 to n, 1884. A 
number of men prominent in public affairs and well and favorably known by 
Democrats throughout the country, were candidates before the convention. 
These men had been Governors of States, and Senators, and members of Con- 
gress. They had been before the public and had been leaders of the Democracy 
for thirty years. They were all popular men with their party, but the convention 
concluded that they must have a new man ; a man without a record ; a man of 
ability, of course, but one who had taken no part in the political conflicts grow- 
ing out of the slavery question and the war. That man was at hand ; he was 
then Governor of New York. He had beaten Judge Folger, the Republican 
candidate, by 194,000 majority. Mr. Cleveland was nominated as a candidate 
for President and Thomas J. Hendricks of Indiana, was nominated for Vice- 
President. 

It was a somewhat remarkable fact that these two men had never met ; 
indeed, Mr. Cleveland's acquaintance with public men was exceedingly limited. 
He had never attended a National Convention, and had taken but little part in 
politics. The canvass was conducted with great spirit and energy on both sides. 
Blaine and Logan each made a tour of the country, addressing large audiences. 
Mr. Hendricks also delivered a number of addresses, but Mr. Cleveland made 
no active personal canvass. It was apparent from the start that New York was 
the pivotal state ; an independent Republican faction led by Carl Schurz, and re- 
enforced by George William Curtis and Henry Ward Beecher drew off many 
Republican votes. 

The "Burchard" incident at the interview of a number of ministers of the 
gospel with Mr. Blaine where, in characterizing the support of the Democratic 
party, Mr. Burchard coined the phrase of "Rum, Romanism and Rebellion," un- 
doubtedly lost many Irish votes to Mr. Blaine, but the real cause of the defeat 
of Blaine and Logan in New York state was the ill will existing between Mr. 
Blaine and Roscoe Conklirig. This was of long standing, and culminated during 
President Garfield's administration. Many friends of Mr. Conkling failed to vote 
and as a result the state of New York cast its vote for Cleveland and Hen- 
dricks. 

There were four candidates for Governor nominated in Illinois, in 1884, 
with a full complement for State officers on each ticket. The Republicans nom- 
inated Richard J. Oglesby, for Governor ; John C. Smith, Lieutenant-Governor ; 
Llenry Dement, Secretary of State ; Jason Gross, Treasurer ; Charles P. Swi- 
gert, Auditor, and George Hunt, Attorney General. 

The Democrats nominated Carter H. Harrison for Governor ; Henry Seiter, 
Lieutenant-Governor ; Michael J. Dougherty, Secretary of State ; Albert Oren- 
dorff, Treasurer; Walter E. Carlin, Auditor,, and Robert B. McKinley, Attorney 
General. 

The Greenback party nominated Jesse Harper for Governor, and the Pro- 
hibitionists J. B. Hobbs for the same office. 

The canvass was prosecuted with great energy on all sides. The fact that 
General John A. Logan was a candidate for Vice-President and General Oglesby 
was a candidate for Governor, and that the campaign was conducted for the Re- 
publicans by A. M. Jones, chairman of the State Central Committee, gave as- 
surance that the Republicans of Illinois would earnestly stand by their colors. 

Carter H. Harrison was a strong and popular man, particularly in Chicago ; 
he brought out the entire strength of his party. The Republicans carried the 
State by a plurality, the vote being as follows : Oglesby, 334, 234 ; Harrison, 
319,635; Harper, 8,606; Hobbs, 10,904. 

As compared with the vote four years previous, the Democrats had made 
a gain of 42,314 votes, while the Republicans' gain was only 6,197 votes. 

The popular vote was : Grover Cleveland, 4,874,986 ; James G. Blaine, 4,851,- 
981 ; Benjamin F. Butler, 175,370; John P. St. John, 150,369. The electoral vote 
was for Cleveland 219, for Blaine 182. 

President Cleveland was duly inaugurated March 5th, 1885. He appointed 
the following Cabinet: Secretary of State, Thomas F. Bayard of Delaware ; Sec- 
retary of the Treasury, Daniel Manning of New York ; Secretary of War, William 
C. Endicott of Massachusetts ; Attorney General, Augustus H. Garland of Arkan- 

183 



sas ; Postmaster General, William F. Vilas of Wisconsin ; Secretary of the Navy r 
William C. Whitney of New York ; Secretary of Interior, Lucius Q. C. Lamar 
of Mississippi. 

In Congress the parties were divided as follows : (49th Congress) Senate ; 
41 Republicans, 34 Democrats ; House : 182 Democrats, 140 Republicans. In the 
50th Congress the Republicans still had a majority in the Senate and the Dem- 
ocrats a majority in the House. The result of this political situation was thft 
the laws placed upon the statute books by the Republican party in respect to the 
finances and revenues of the government remained in full force. In each Con- 
gress an effort was made by Democratic leaders to change the tariff laws, and 
break down the protective system, under the leadership in turn of Hon. William 
M. Morrison of Illinois, and Hon. Roger O. Mills of Texas. Each brought for- 
ward a bill to reduce the tariff rates and increase the free list. In these efforts they 
were strongly aided by President Cleveland, who sent a message to Congress 
making a strong argument in favor of free raw material, selecting wool as the 
article to thoroughly illustrate his views. The President urged placing wool on 
the free list as the means of greatly increasing the products of' the mills, and 
materially reducing the cost of clothing. Under the leadership of Samuel J, 
Randall of Pennsylvania, there were a number of Democratic members opposed 
to reducing the tariff. Upon the final votes, these members united with the Re- 
publicans and defeated the bills. 

During this entire term of President Cleveland the revenues were ample to 
carry on the government and leave a large surplus to be applied to the reduction 
of the public debt, but the President was not favorable to buying bonds in the open 
market at a premium, so that the revenues continued to pile up in the treasury 
until business men and bankers alleged that the business interests of the country 
were suffering for want of sufficient currency. Still Mr. Cleveland declined to 
relieve the money market by the purchase of bonds. Finally the Secretary of 
the Treasury decided to increase the deposits of the government in the National 
Banks. The usual amount of government deposits in the Depository Bank was 
$15,000,000. This amount was swelled to about $65,000,000, and the banks held 
this money for many months without interest. At last Congress took up the sub- 
ject, and such action was taken as to bring the President and Secretary of the 
Treasury to continue the plan adopted by their Republican predecessors of 
reducing the public debt by the purchase of bonds, whenever there was surplus 
revenue in the treasury. This administration of President Cleveland was not 
notable for any special features in administration. W T hile great professions were 
made in favor of the civil service reform system, these did not stand in the way 
of the removal of thousands of Republicans from office and the appointment of 
Democrats in their stead. The Democrats had been out of power for 24 years, 
and it was quite natural that they should expect to fill the offices. The Admin- 
istration made haste to gratify the urgent demands upon them. Many prominent 
men who had opposed he prosecution of the war for the Union, and by their activ- 
ity had made themselves obnoxious, found this a favorable opportunity for their 
vindication ; they sought important positions and in many cases were appointed 
to them. The worst feature in the appointments made by Mr. Cleveland was 
that many persons utterly unworthy of trust were selected; notably men who 
had been indicted, convicted and punished for frauds at elections. It is, however, 
just to say that William C. Whitney, Secretary of the Navy, deserves great 
credit for the able manner in which he enlarged and carried forward the plans 
for increasing the strength of the navy so ably inaugurated by William E. 
Chandler, Secretary of the Navy under President Arthur. 

But one of the most cruel acts ever performed by a government was the 
unjust measures taken by Mr. Cleveland's administration against John Roach, 
the contractor, for the construction of four war ships under contracts made with 
Secretary Chandler. Mr. Roach was one of the most enterprising, able and con- 
scientious ship-builders in the world. He had done much to build up the Amer- 
ican merchant and war navy. Mr. Roach was a staunch, outspoken Republican; 
this made him a marked man with the Cleveland administration. Upon the 
trial trips of the "Dolphin" her construction was condemned, although it ap- 
peared that every beam, plate and bolt followed the naval plans. Payments were 

184 



suspended on the vessels, Roach was unable to carry the load of completing" 
the remaining three ships and he was forced into bankruptcy. Subsequent events 
conclusively showed that the vessels were in every way worthy and when finally 
completed under the management of the government, they fulfilled the expec- 
tations of the department. But Roach was ruined and died of a broken heart. 
It was left to a subsequent Republican Congress to make some reparation for this 
injustice by an appropriation to pay a balance due on the vessels. 

At the election of 1884 in Illinois, Richard J. Oglesby was elected governor, 
John C. Smith, lieutenant governor, and with them the whole Republican state 
ticket, but the legislature, consisting of 51 senators and 153 representatives was 
politically a tie, the Republicans having 102 members and the Democrats 102. It 
was the duty of this legislature to elect a Senator to succeed General John A. 
Logan, the sitting member, whose time expired March 4th, 1885. The news that 
the Democrats had elected an equal number of the legislature with the Repub- 
licans excited great interest throughout the state. It was soon noised abroad that 
an error had been made in the count of the votes for state senator in the Sixth 
Senatorial District, this being one of the Cook County Districts. 

The judges of election after the ballots were counted in that district had 
announced the results at the various polls, and it was found that Henry A. Leman, 
a Republican, had been elected by a majority of 390 votes ; this result was an- 
nounced in the newspapers, but upon a recount of the ballots it appeared that 
the name of Rudolph Brand was printed on a large number of Republican tickets 
instead of the name of Mr. Leman, thus giving Brand 6,696 votes and Leman 
6,686 votes, electing Brand the Democratic Senator by 10 votes. It also appeared 
that the tally sheets and certificates of the judges of election sustained this state- 
ment of the vote. The judges of election were taken by surprise by such infor- 
mation. An examination was made of the papers and a searching investigation 
of the facts. It was found that the tally sheets and certificates had been changed, 
and that counterfeit Republican ballots with Brand's name printed upon them 
had been subsituted for the genuine ballots which had Leman's name upon them. 
The genuine ballots had been stolen from the ballot box and the spurious ballots 
inserted in their stead. 

It appeared that the conspirators who perpetrated the fraud caused counter- 
feit ballots to be printed, that they secured access to the ballot boxes deposited 
in the county clerk's office and perpetrated the fraud as above stated. Evidence 
of these facts were produced to Governor Hamilton, who declined to have a cer- 
tificate of election issued to Brand, but caused a certificate to be issued to Leman. 
The Democratic contention was that on the face of the returns Brand was elected, 
and if Leman had any rights, it was the right of contest before the legislature. If 
this glaring and outrageous fraud had received such a recognition the Dem- 
ocratic party would have had a majority of one on joint ballot and Colonel Wil- 
liam R. Morrison, a Democrat, would have been elected to the United States 
Senate. The outcome of this fraud in the court was that Joseph C. Mackin, an in- 
fluential Democratic manager, was sent to the penitentiary for four years upon 
a charge of perjury. 

The legislature met January 7th, 1885, and was divided as follows: Senate, 
Republicans 26, Democrats 24, Greenback Democrat 1 ; House, Republicans j6, 
Democrats j6, Independent 1. The senate was presided over by Lieutenant Gov- 
ernor Smith. William J. Campbell was elected president pro tern, and L. F. 
Watson secretary. In the house Elijah M. Haynes, Independent, was elected 
speaker, and R. A. D. Wilbanks, Democrat, was elected clerk. Caucuses were 
held by members of the respective parties. Col. William R. Morrison was nomi- 
nated for the Senate by the Democrats, and General John A. Logan was nomi- 
nated by the Republicans. 

On February 10th the House of Representatives voted for a Senator, and 
on the 13th the Senate performed the same duty. On the same day the two 
houses met in joint assembly, 200 members being present. A vote for Senator 
was taken without an election. These joint assemblies continued from time to 
time from February 13th to May 19th, 1885, n8 ballots being taken before the 
final result was reached. The Democrats were determined to defeat General 
Logan and left nothing undone to accomplish that end. 

185 



Three legislators died during the session. Robert C. Logan, a Republican oi 
the house, died and was succeeded by a Republican. Dwight R. SpofTord. May 
21, 1885. Francis M. Bridges, a Democratic senator, died and was succeeded 
April nth by Robert H. Davidson. These vacancies did not influence the sen- 
atorial issue. J. Henry Shaw, a Democrat of the House, representing the 34th 
district, composed of the Counties of Mason. Menard. Cass and Schuyler, died. 
The election for his successor was set for May 6th. The counties were all Demo- 
cratic, having given a Democratic majority of 2.050 at the previous November 
election. The Democrats nominated Arthur A. Leeper to rill the vacancy. The 
Republicans made no nomination. They agreed upon William H. Weaver as their 
candidate and made a still hunt for votes. Mr. Weaver's candidacy was privately 
made known to prominent Republicans in every county who were charged to 
convey the information confidentially to their Republican acquaintances. So well 
was the secret kept that Weaver's candidacy did not become known until the polls 
were closed and the judges began to count the ballots. Mr. Weaver was elected 
by 336 majority. The Democrats of the district and throughout the state were 
indignant at the result, and the official declaration of the votes was needlessly de- 
layed. Senator Mason and Representative Calhoun visited Cass County ; Rep- 
resentatives Fuller and Messeck went to Mason County and Representatives 
Chapman and Snyder visited Menard, all for the purpose of seeing that the 
election of Weaver was properly declared. At the end of a week the returns for 
the election were made. Mr. Weaver received his certificate and on May 15th 
presented himself to the house for admission to his seat. 

The Democrats arranged to make a determined effort to defeat Logan 
before Weaver was recognized as a member: the joint session was prolonged 
and a recess taken to the next legislative day. and Weaver held at bay in 
the meantime. Lambert Tree of Chicago was now the Democratic candidate. Col. 
Morison having been withdrawn. The opinion among Democrats was that two 
or three Republicans could by fair means or foul be induced to bolt the Re- 
publican nominee and vote for Mr. Tree. In the event that plan could not be 
car- ied out, they were willing to cast their votes for some Republican who might 
have friends in Logan's ranks who would abandon him. Charles B. Farwell was 
selected by the Democrats as that man. It is proper to state, however, that 
Mr. Farwell did not seek to become the Democratic candidate. After a great 
struggle Weaver was sworn in and took his seat. May 19th. 1885. arrived and 
the Senatorial question was obviously on the eve of being brought to a close. 

The two houses met in joint session and the 118th and final ballot was 
taken. Logan received 103 votes, no Democrats at first voting. When the list 
of members not voting was called, 21 senators and "J2 representatives, in all 93 
Democratic members, voted for Mr. Farwell. This action by the Democrats did 
not shake the fidelity of the supporters of General Logan. Xot one of the 103 
offered to change his vote. When this maneuver was started Mr. Barry, a Dem- 
ocratic member from Calhoun, rose in his seat and at the top of his voice said. 
"I change from Lambert Tree to John A. Logan." This action was greeted with 
loud applause by the Republicans, but Mr. Barry upon the urgent solicitation 
of his party friends changed his vote to Lambert Tree, saying. "I want to be in 
harmony with my party, but I want to see everything done fairly here. I give 
notice that before any Republican shall take the election away from John A. Lo- 
gan I will vote for Logan." All the Democrats of the house changed from Tree 
to Farwell except Barry, Dill. Linegan and Prickett. When the Democrats of 
the senate commenced voting for Mr. Farwell, Mr. Barry again arose and said, 
4 T change to General Logan." 

Four Democratic senators. Gore. Merritt. Rinehart and McNary. declined 
to change from Tree to Farwell. This movement was an obvious failure and 
those voting for Mr. Farwell changed their votes. The Democratic vote as re- 
corded was :Tree 96, Black 2. Morrison 1. Hoxie 1, Schofield 1 : total 101. 

The vote cast for General Logan was as follows : Senate : Adams, Ains- 
worth, Berggren. Campbell, Clough. Cochran, Crawford, Curtis, Evans. Funk, 
Hogan, Leman. Mason, Morris. Ray. Rogers. Ruger. Sellar. Snyder. Sumner. 
Thompson, Torrance. Tubbs. Wheeler. White and Whiting — 26. House: Allen 
of Johnson. Allen of Vermillion. Baird. Barger, Bassett. Bogardus, Boudinot, 

186 



Boutelle, Boyden, Breckenridge, Brown of Edwards, Brown of Ogle, Buchanan, 
Calhoun, Campbell of Kankakee, Castle, Chapman, Clay, Cleaveland, Collins, 
Cooley, Fowler, Fuller, Gittings, Goodnow, Goodspeed, Greenleaf, Graham, Ham- 
ilton, Hanna, Harper, Headen, Hiatt, Hood, Humphrey, Hunter, Ingalls, Ken- 
nedy, Kerr, Kinsey, Lawrence, Logsdon, Long, MacMillian, McCord, Messick, 
Miller, Morgan, Nowers, Oldenburg, Orendorff, H. A. Parker, Francis W. Par- 
ker, Pike, Pollock, Powell, Prunty, Rogers of Jackson, Rodgers of Warren, 
Ruby, Scharlau, Sheffield, Sittig, Snyder, Spafford, Stassen, Stewart, Struckman, 
Sundelius, Taylor of Cook, Thomas, Tontz, Trexler, Unland, Weaver, Whitte- 
more, Yost — JJ ; total, 103. 

The taking of this vote occupied a great amount of time ; when it was finally 
concluded the speaker declared that "John A. Logan has received a majority. 
Therefore, I declare him duly elected United States Senator." The great struggle 
of over four months was ended. Enthusiastic applause followed in which Demo- 
crats joined. A committee consisting' of Messrs. Merritt, Fuller, and Chapman 
conducted General Logan into the hall ; he was presented by the speaker to the 
joint assembly and delivered an address in which he expressed his gratitude to the 
legislature and the people of the State for the honor conferred upon him. Of 
Colonel Morrison and Mr. Tree he spoke with respect, declaring, "I leave here 
having no bitter feeling towards anyone w 7 ho may have opposed me." 

The re-election of General Logan was received throughout the country with 
marks of great satisfaction. He and Mrs. Logan received telegrams of congratu- 
lation from prominent people from all parts of the country. A reception and 
banquet was tendered him at the Grand Pacific Hotel, which was followed by 
the Union League Club banquet, where 150 distinguished persons greeted him 
with speech and good cheer. General Logan by invitation visited New England, 
where he was received w T ith every mark of respect and consideration. He was 
given banquets in Boston and in the states of Maine and Connecticut. 



is; 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

The Campaign of 1888. Election of Hark:- : ano Morton. Joseph W. 
F iter Elected Governor of Illinois. Harrison's Administration. 

The Illinois Republican State Convention met at Springfield, May 2d, 1888. 
Hon. Lewis E. Payson, member of Congress from Pontiac, was made president. 
There were seven candidates for governor. On the first ballot the vote was as 
follows: Joseph W. Filer 288, John McXulta 136, Clark E. Carr 115, James A 
Connelly 100, John I. Rinaker 98, John C. Smith 58, Francis M. Wright 48. On 
the fifth ballot Filer received 606 votes and was nominated. 

There was a spirit e i ;::::::: ::r I:ev.:e::i::: ,:: t::::: : t: ": : ;; F ::;?:; I. rliy 
William H. Collins and James S. Cochran. Mr. Ray, however, carried off the 
honors 

Four popular men made an exciting contest for secretary of state. Senator 
Isaac X. Pearson, General Jasper X. Reece, Speaker W. F. Calhoun and Repre- 
sentative Thomas C. McMillan about equally divided the convention. Mr. 
Pearson was nominated on the fifth ballot. 

There were ten candidates for auditor. Three of these, Pavey, Berggren and 
Lewis, received the largest support, all the rest having retired before the fifth 
ballot, when the vote stood: Pavey 409, Berggren 279, Lewis 159. On the sixth 
ballot Charles W- Pavey was nominated. 

Colonel George W. Hunt was re-nominated for attorney general with but 
little opposition, and Charles Becker was nominated by acclamation for treasurer. 

This rrrong ticket, popular with the people and brought out the entire 

Republican vote. General Walter O. Gresham, formerly of Indiana, now a citi- 
zen of Chicago and Judge of the United States Circuit Court, was a candidate for 
I resi senator Cullom had many friends who were in favor of giving him 

: t en :rs::: ::: :: :::e ::;;ve::::::: ::r Frrsiie:::. :.:.: :'/.- :: r.ve:::: ::: ?s r ::;.:- 
siastic for Gresham, and passed a resolution endorsing his candidacy. The dele- 
grates to the Xational Convention were as follows, at large: Charles B. Farwell, 
'::;::: :, Z .-.-■•;. H:n:t 5. F.irk ?n: i VFFi::; F HaFry. :s:F:s:r::: V.":".1:e.:~: 
7. Campbell, Eugene Car; 2 Villiam E. Kent, Henry Scherer; 3d, John A. 
Roche, Leonard Swett _:h, William Boldenweck, Canute R. Matson; 5th, Isaac 
L. Elwood, Homer Cook ; 6th, Charles A. Works, William Spensely ; 7th, Thomas 
E. Milchrist. Joseph Little: 8th. Henry Mayo, L. E. Bennett; 9th, James E. 
Morrow, John H. Jones; 10th, JuHus S. Starr, Clarence E. Snively; nth, Ben- 
jamin F. Marsh, John M. Turnbull; 12th, William L. Disten. Richard W. Mills; 
13th, John A. Ayers. William Brown; 14th James Milliken. B. F. Funk: 15th, 
Frank K. Robinson, Charles P. Hitch ; 16th, Thomas W. Scott, D. B. Green ; 17th, 
R. T. Higgins, Benson Wood ; 18th, William A. Haskill, Cicero J. Lindley ; 19th. 
Jasper Partridge, George C. Ross : 20th, William R. Brown, Edward E. Mitchell. 

The Presidential electors selected by the convention were : Charles H. Deere, 
John Crerar. Michael B. Kearney, John R, Wheeler, Orrin W. Potter, Harvey 
A. Tones. Duncan Macka ames Dinsmoor, Isaac C. Xbrton, Richard J. 

Hanna. E. A. Bancroft, Robert Moir, James M. Truitt, Thomas Worthington. Jr., 
Deitrich C. Smith. Vespasian Warner, William R. Jewell, Ethelbert Callahan, 
Alexander M. McTaggart, Emery P. Slate, Allen Blakeley. Henry Clay Horner. 

The Democratic State Convention met at Springfield May 23d.' General 
sse J. Phillips was chosen president, John M. Palmer was nominated for gov- 
ernor; Andrew J. Bell, lieutenant governor; X. Douglas Ricks, Secretary of 
Andrew Welch, auditor; Charles H. Wacker, treasurer, and Jacob Creigh- 
attorney general. 





t-^cfL wT<%j^^ 



189 



The Democratic National Convention of 1888 :. . : - : 1 - V : t '■ 

and was called to order by Calvin S. Brice of Ohio, Chairman; Simon P. Sheerin 
acting as secretary. S. M. White of California was made temporary chairman 
and Patrick A. Collins of Massachusetts was permanent chair::: 

The convention was composed of the great leaders of the [ . 
parts of the United States. But one name was on the lip? ::" t -:; ielegirt ::~ 
nomination for the Presidency, and that was Grover Cleveland. Mr. Cleveland 
had led the Democracy to victory in 1884, and he was by acclamation made their 
standard-bearer for 1888. Hon. Allan G. Thurman of Ohi nominated for 

Vice-President by acclamation. Mr. Thurman undoubtedly addt 
strength to the ticket. A man of recognized ability and integrity :.-. ::: : :::e 
personal friendship and respect of hosts of Republicans. He had fL- 
public positions, and had served in the United States Senate with distinction 
as the colleague of Hon. John Sherman. 

The platform expressed the. opinion of the part}- on various topics and made 
a strong demand for the reform of the tariff and fc r the re iuction of the -.:... - 
in the National Treasury. 

The Republican National Convention met in Chicago June 30th, and re- 
mained in session until the 25th. The leading candidate for the nomination for 
President was John Sherman, of Ohio, then a Unite : - - ator. Much of the 

time of the convention was occupied in settling c; . r 7 vera! state delega- 

tions. On the first ballot the vote stood : John Sherman 229. W; 
109, Benjamin Harrison 85, Chauncey M. Z - _ A. Alger 84, AAllliam 

B. Allison ?2, and 153 scattering vote* 

Mr. Sherman's highest vote, 249, was cast on the second ballot. On the 
eighth ballot General Harrison received 544 votes, which gave Mm the nomina- 
tion, which was made unanimous. Levi P. Morton of IV" York was nominated 
for Vice-President. The canvass was active and spirited. '-: -: Harris::: re- 
mained at his home in Indianapolis during the canvass, where ht rtrtivr-: 
ous delegations. His speeches were able and eloquent. Mr. Fifer made 
canvass for governor. 

The vote in Illinois was as follows: For President, Benjan:::: Hirns::: 
370.473; Grover Cleveland. 348,378; Clinton B. Fisk (Prohit _: 0:5 
Streator (Labor), 7,090. 

This political contest again brought into the field four tickets : : : State offi- 
cers. The candidates for Governor were: Joseph W. Fifer. Repr. .: 
M. Palmer, Democrat; Willis X. Jones, Labor, and David H. H:::- ?r: :_:"::- 
tion. The Republican part}' carried the State and elected their whole ticket, 
but as in 1884, i* was by a plurality. The vote stood as folic w= 7 .::: : : " So: 
Palmer, 355.313; Harts, 18,915: Jones, 6.364. Total opp: : " _ 

This election gave the opponents of the Republican par:; : :::: :r:tv 
12,632 votes. The Democratic leader in this great struggle was John M. Palmer. 
the president of the first Republican State Convention of Illinois As has been 
seen, he broke with his party, and this year led the Democr: :: : :: : s:= ; : ■ ; . : : ; ; : :hf 
party he helped to organize. 

To the careful observer of politics and the drift of political ::::::::: :::-: 
elections in Illinois conclusively show that there was an impending :risi; :':: 
the Republican party. As will be seen, the crisis came four years later with the 
election of John P. Altgeld as Governor. 

The Prohibitionists and Labor party had less cause of complai::: 
the Republican partv than against the Democracy. The Repdblic: 
always followed restrictive measures regarding the sale of intoxic: 
legislated favorably for securing to labor steady employment and good w: \ 
while the Democratic party have done neither one nor the other. Bnt it is the 
natural course of mankind in politics for minority parties to do all the 
defeat the majority party. This principle of action often br:: 
most discordant elements, which unite simply for the pur: : — ;: --: - : ■--.: _- 
the dominant party. 

Joseph W. Filer, elected Governor of Illinois November. 1888, inangnrated 
Tanuarv 14, 1889, is a native of Virginia. He was born in the fine old town 
of Staunton, Augusta County, October 38, 1840. His father was a farmer and 

190 



a stone and brick mason. He removed to Illinois in 1857, settled in McLean 
County, bought a farm, engaged in farming, manufacturing and laying brick. 
His son Joseph was raised on the farm and learned the occupation of the father. 

In 1 86 1 he enlisted in Company C, 33d Regiment, Illinois Volunteers, known 
as the Normal Regiment, commanded successively by Colonels Charles T. Havey, 
Charles E. Lippincott and Isaac H. Elliott. This regiment performed distin- 
guished services and "Private Joe" did his part gallantly. On May 14, 1863, 
when General Grant attacked Jackson, Miss., during his great movement against 
Vicksburg, Joseph W. Fifer received a gunshot wound through the body. It was 
considered fatal, but he rallied, recovered and returned to the regiment and 
served out his three years' term. When he returned home he had a much broader 
view of life and decided to secure the best education available to him. He en- 
tered the Wesleyan University, at Bloomington, and graduated with honor in 
1868. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1869. He devoted himself 
closely to his profession, was elected corporation counsel for the city of Bloom- 
ington in 1 87 1 and in 1872 was elected State's Attorney for McLean County. 
He held this office for eight years and performed the duties in the most able 
and creditable manner. He was recognized by the profession as one of the ablest 
State's Attorneys in Illinois. 

In 1880 he was nominated and elected to the State Senate, succeeding John 
M. Hamilton, elected Lieutenant-Governor. Mr. Fifer served four years in the 
Senate and took a leading part in debate and legislation. His able career in the 
Senate brought him prominently and favorably before the people of the State, 
and, as has been said, was nominated and elected Governor. 

At the expiration of his term he resumed his law practice at Bloomington. 
In 1899 he was appointed on the Inter-State Commerce Commission by Presi- 
dent McKinley. 

Benjamin Harrison and* Levi P. Morton were elected President and Vice- 
President. The electoral vote stood: Harrison 233, Cleveland 168. The popular 
vote was for Harrison 5,440,708, Cleveland 5,536,242, Fisk 246,876, Streator 
146,836. It was made quite manifest by this election that the Prohibition agita- 
tion and the Union Labor movement as national political issues were too narrow 
in their scope to attract a large following of voters. 

The Illinois legislature was strongly Republican. The senate stood : 35 
Republicans, 17 Democrats and 1 Union Labor. The house stood: Republicans 
80, Democrats "J2, Independent 1. Colonel Asa C. Mathews was elected speaker 
and John A. Reeve, clerk. Colonel Mathews resigned his seat in the legislature 
to accept the office of comptroller of the United States treasury, and was suc- 
ceeded by James H. Miller, who died and was succeeded by William G. Cochran 
of Sullivan. Lieutenant Governor Ray presided over the senate. Theodore S. 
Chapman was elected president pro tern and Lorenzo F. Watson, secretary. 

The 51st Congress, elected November, 1888, was strongly Republican. The 
Senate stood: 47 Republicans, 37 Democrats. House: 173 Republicans, 156 Dem- 
ocrats. 

President Harrison was duly inaugurated March 4th, 1889, m the presence 
of an immense throng who visited the capital to take part in the ceremonies. He 
appointed the following Cabinet : James G. Blaine, Secretary of State ; William 
Windom, Secretary of the Treasury; Redfield Proctor, Secretary of War; B. F. 
Tracy, Secretary of the Navy ; John Wanamaker, Postmaster General ; John W. 
Noble, Secretary of the Interior ; William H. H. Miller, Attorney General ; J. M. 
Rusk, Secretary of Agriculture. 

In the House of Representatives there was a spirited contest for speaker. 
Thomas B. Reed of Maine, Joseph G. Cannon of Illinois, William McKinley of 
Ohio, and David B. Henderson of Iowa, were candidates. Mr. Reed received the 
caucus nomination and was elected. In forming the committees of the House 
William McKinley was appointed chairman of the committee on ways and means 
and Mr. Cannon was placed at the head of the appropriation committee. These 
are the two most important committees of Congress ; the one formulates the 
revenue laws and the other supervises the national expenditures. 

Much important legislation was brought before this Congress. The increase 
of the strength of the navy was a favorite idea with the Administration and Con- 

191 



gress responded with liberal appropriations. The rivers and harbors were not 
neglected. The refunding of the direct tax of S20. 000.000 levied the first year of 
the civil war. and which in the North had been paid by the states, to prevent the 
complication of private land titles, was refunded. A new pension bill known 

as the disability bill was passed. The tariff laws were amended, and the protective 
system extended. 

In the House of Representatives the Republicans had bu: ji:-::tt:: ::_s :~t; 
excluding the speaker. The Democratic minority was well led and aggressive. 
It soon became quite clear that under the old rules of the House, this large minor- 
ity could by dilatory and other obstructive measures prevent the enactment of any 
law to which they were earnestly opposed. To do business the Republicans must 
have not only a majority of a quorum present, but they must maintain a quorum 
of their own members, otherwise the Democrats by refusing to vote would break 
a quorum and thus prevent action. When the House found itself without a 
quorum, it had authority under the rules to require the attendance ::' ::.:::::::: 
until a quorum was secured : but there was no rale requiring members to vote 
when present. A member not voting was constructively absent, and enough 
members refusing to vote although present could at any time break a quorum 
and suspend business. 

Speaker Reed decided to break down this old S3 r stem. He adopted the 
practice, when a quorum was broken by members present refusing to vote, to 
count enough of these members to make a quorum a::c ::av~ :/_- r.trk e:::er 
their names on the journal as present and not voting. T::i* z r; ::; :e wa = rese:::e : 
by the Democrats with all their power. They were simply made furious by 
the speaker counting them as present when they refused to vote. At times the 
Democratic anger was so great that it seemed they would remove the speaker 
from his desk by violence : but Speaker Reed without consulting his colleagues 
had determined his course and he sat unperturbed by the denunciation and abuse 
of his opponents. The speaker forced this issue on the House, his party friends, 
although taken by surprise at his action, rallied to his support, and this principle 
of counting a quorum, if there is a quorum present, was incorporated into the 
rules, and has become established as correct parliamentary lav T .5 ::e en- 
ables majorities which are always responsible for legislation, to legislate. The 
adoption of this rule made it possible for the 51st Congress to do business. 

The most important legislation taken up by I : : _^.: r 5 -va = :he ~":e:;i:::r:;: 
of the tariff laws. It is undoubtedly true that Mr. McKinley was fortunate in 
being defeated for speaker. Had he been elected speaker he would simply have 
been credited with the government of the House ; as it was, he became identified 
with one of the most important pieces of constructive legislation ever enacted by 
Congress in respect to the tariff. This law will ever be known as the "McKinley 
Bill." The preparation of this measure involved an immense amount of labor, and 
an extensive and accurate knowledge of the various productive industries of the 
country, and the possibilities of the building up of new industries 

The McKinley Bill as a measure for the protection and development of Amer- 
ican industries in every field of endeavor, was undoubtedly far ahead of any legis- 
lation which had preceded it. It contained an important provision for establish- 
ing reciprocal advantages of trade, by treaty, between the United States and for- 
eign countries. Mr. Blaine. Secretary of the State, as was President Harrison, 
was fully alive to the importance of this measure. 

Reciprocity treaties were made with Brazil. Dominican Republic, Spain for 
Cuba and Porto Rico. Guatemala. Salvador, the German Empire, Great Britain 
for certain West Indian colonies and British Guiana. Nicaragua, Honduras and 
Austria-Hungary. Under these trade arrangements a free or favored admission 
was secured in every case for an important list of American products. Special 
care was taken to secure markets for surplus farm products in order to relieve that 
great underlying industry of the depression which the lack of an adequate foreign 
market for our surplus often brings. An opening was also made for manufac- 
tured products which was calculated to greatly augment our export trade. The 
treaties in all cases were negotiated upon the basis that certain American pro- 
ducts were to be admitted into those countries free or upon more favorable terms 
than the then existing laws of those countries provided, in consideration, that cer- 

192 



tain products of their countries were to be admitted upon terms more favorable 
than our tariff laws allowed. The McKinley Bill with its large free list, and its 
greatly extended system of protection, with the Reciprocity Treaties added, gave 
an impetus to American production and trade both domestic and foreign, the like 
of which had never been seen in the history of the world. 

A mistake was made, however, in not convening Congress in extra session 
immediately after the inauguration of President Harrison so as to give Congress 
ample time to pass the tariff law and have it in full operation before the succeed- 
ing Congressional election. Very soon after the McKinley Bill was enacted the 
Congressional campaign came on and the Democrats attacked the measure with 
great energy and vehemence, alleging that the price of nearly every article used 
by the common people was advanced. An increased duty had been placed on tin as 
a means of encouraging the erection of factories for the production of tin plate. 
Changes were rung all over the country upon the subject of the advance in price 
of tin ; the poor man's dinner-pail was made a great national issue. The election 
came off in November, 1890, and there was a great political landslide. For the 
Fifty-Second Congress the Democrats elected 235 members of the House, the 
Republicans elected 88, and the Farmers' Alliance, 9. Even William McKinley of 
Ohio was defeated ; but the Senate stood as a bulwark against hasty and unwise 
Democratic legislation. The Republicans numbered 47, the Democrate 37. 

Charles F. Crisp, of Georgia, was elected Speaker, and James Kerr,Clerk. 
William M. Springer, of Illinois, a strong competitor for Speaker, was appointed 
chairman of the committee on ways and means, and William S. Holman, long 
known as the watch-dog of the Treasury, was appointed chairman of the com- 
mittee on appropriations. Mr. Springer reported a tariff bill proposing legislation 
on the lines of Democratic opinion, that is, a tariff for revenue only. This meas- 
ure was debated with great ability by gentlemen of both parties. Speaker Crisp 
left his seat and delivered a lengthy and forcible address against Republican pro- 
tection and reciprocity, and was answered by a most able and incisive speech by 
Mr. Reed. The bill did not have a ghost of a chance in the Senate, but the Demo- 
crats of the House thought it to be their duty to send the Senate a Democratic 
tariff bill and leave the responsibility of its defeat with the Senate. 

When Congress met December 6th, 1892, President Harrison made a brief 
reference in his annual message to the condition of the country at that time. He 
said: 

"In submitting my annual message to Congress I have great satisfaction in 
being able to say that the general conditions affecting the commercial and indus- 
trial interests of the United States are in the highest degree favorable. A com- 
parison of the existing conditions with those of the most favored period in the 
history of the country will, I believe, show that so high a degree of prosperity and 
so general a diffusion of the comforts of life were never before enjoyed by our 
people. 

"The total wealth of the country in i860 was $16,159,616,068. In 1890 it 
amounted to $62,610,000,000, an increase of 287 per cent. 

"The total mileage of railways in the United States in i860 was 30,626. In 
1890 it was 167,741, an increase of 448 per cent.; and it is estimated that there 
will be about 4,000 miles of track added by the close of the year 1892. 

"The official returns of the Eleventh census and those of the Tenth census 
for seventy-five leading cities furnish the basis for the following comparisons : 

1880. 1890. 

Capital invested in manufacturing. . . .$1,232,839,670 $2,900,735,884 

Number of employes 1,301,388 2,251,134 

Wages earned 501,965,778 1,221,170,454 

Value of the product 2,711,579,899 4,860,286,837 

I am informed by the superintendent of the Census that the omission of cer- 
tain industries in 1880 which were included in 1890 accounts in part for the re- 
markable increase thus shown, but after making full allowance for differences of 
method and deducting the returns for all industries not included in the census of 
1880, there remain in the reports from these seventy-five cities an increase in the 
capital employed of $1,522,745,604, in the value of the product of $2,024,236,166, 
in wages earned of $677,943,929, and in the number of wage earners employed of 

193 



856,029. The wage earnings not only show an increased aggregate, but an in- 
crease per capita from $386 in 1880 to $547 in 1890, or 41.71 per cent. 

'The new industrial plants established since October 6, 1890, and up to Oc- 
tober 22, 1892, as partially reported in the American Economist, number 345, and 
the extension of existing plants 108 ; the new capital invested amounts to $40,449,- 
050, and the number of additional employes to 37,285. The Textile World for 
July states that during the first six months of the present calendar year 135 new 
factories were built, of which 40 are cotton mills, 48 knitting mills, 26 woolen 
mills, 15 silk mills, 4 plush mills, and 2 linen mills. Of the 40 cotton mills 21 have 
been built in the Southern States. Mr. A. B. Shepperson, of the New York Cot- 
ton Exchange, estimates the number of working spindles in the United States 
on September 1, 1892, at 15,200,000, an increase of 660,000 over the year 1891. 
The consumption of cotton by the American mills in 1891 was 2,396,000 bales, and 
in 1892, 2,584,000 bales, an increase of 188,000 bales. From the year 1869 to 
1892, inclusive, there has been an increase in the consumption of cotton in Europe 
of 92 per cent., while during the same period the increased consumption in the 
United States has been about 150 per cent. 

"The report of Ira Ayer, special agent of the Treasury Department, shows 
that at the date of September 30, 1892, there were 32 companies manufacturing 
tin and terne plate in the United States, and 14 companies building new works 
for such manufacture. The estimated investment in buildings and plants at the 
close of the fiscal year June 30, 1893, if existing conditions were to be continued, 
was $5,000,000, and the estimated rate of production 200,000,000 pounds per an- 
num. The actual production for the quarter ending September 30, 1892, was 
10,952,725 pounds. 

"The report of Labor Commissioner Peck, of New York, shows that during 
the year 1891, in about 6,000 manufacturing establishments in that state em- 
braced within the special inquiry made by him, and representing 67 different in- 
dustries, there was a net increase over the year 1890 of $31,315,130.68 in the value 
of the product and of $6,377,925.09 in the amount of wages paid. The report 
of the commissioner of labor for the State of Massachusetts shows that 3,745 in- 
dustries in that state paid $129,416,248 in wages during the year 1891, against 
$126,030,303 in 1890, an increase of $3,335,945, and that there was an increase of 
$9,932,490 in the amount of capital and of 7,346 in the number of persons em- 
ployed in the same period. 

"During the last six months of the year 1891 and the first six months of 1892 
the total production of pig iron was 9,710,819 tons, as against 9,202,703 tons in the 
year 1890, which was the largest annual production ever attained. For the same 
twelve months of 1891-92 the production of Bessemer ingots was 3,878,581 tons, 
an increase of 189,710 gross tons over the previously unprecedented yearly pro- 
duction of 3,688,871 gross tons in 1890. The production of Bessemer steel rails 
for the first six months of 1892 was 772,436 gross tons, as against 702,080 gross 
tons during the last six months of the year 1891. 

"The total value of our foreign trade (exports and imports of merchandise) 
during the last fiscal year w r as $1,857,680,610, an increase of $128,283,604 over the 
previous fiscal year. The average annual value of our imports and exports of 
merchandise for the ten fiscal years prior to 1891 was $1,457,322,019. It will be ob- 
served that our foreign trade for 1892 exceeded this annual average value by 
$400,358,591, an increase of 27.47 per cent. The significance and value of this 
increase are shown by the fact that the excess in the trade of 1892 over 1891 was 
wholly in the value of exports, for there was a decrease in the value of imports 

of $i7,5i3v54- 

"The value of our exports during the fiscal year 1892 reached the highest 
figure in the history of the Government, amounting to $1,030,278,148, exceed- 
ing by $145,797,338 the exports of 1891, and exceeding the value of the imports 
by $202,875,686. A comparison of the value of our exports for 1892 with the 
annual average for the ten years prior to 1891 shows an excess of $265,142,651, or 
of 34.65 per cent. The value of our imports of merchandise for 1892, which was 
$829,402,462, also exceeded the annual average value of the ten years prior to 
1891 by $135,215,940. During the fiscal year 1892 the value of the imports free of 
duty amounted to $457,999,658, the largest aggregate in the history of our com- 

194 



merce. The value of the imports of merchandise entered free of duty in 1892 was 
55.35 per cent, of the total value of imports, as compared with 43.35 per cent, in 
1891 and 33.66 per cent, in 1890. 

"In our coastwise trade a most encouraging development is in progress, 
there having been in the last four years an increase of 16 per cent. In internal 
commerce the statistics show that no such period of prosperity has ever before 
existed. The freight carried in the coastwise trade of the Great Lakes in 1890 
aggregated 28,295,959 tons. On the Mississippi, Missouri and Ohio rivers and 
tributaries in the same year the traffic aggregated 29,405,046 tons, and the total 
vessel tonnage passing through the Detroit river during that year was 21,684,000 
tons. The vessel tonnage entered and cleared in the foreign trade of London 
during 1890 amounted to 13,480,767 tons, and of Liverpool 10,941,800 tons, a 
total for these two great shipping ports of 24,422,568 tons, only slightly in excess 
of the vessel tonnage passing through the Detroit river. And it should be said 
that the season for the Detroit river was but 228 days, while of course in London 
and Liverpool the season was for the entire year. The vessel tonnage passing 
through the St. Marys canal for the fiscal year 1892 amountted to 9,828,874 tons, 
and the freight tonnage of the Detroit river is estimated for that year at 25,000,- 
000 tons, against 23,209,619 tons in 1891. The aggregate traffic on our railroads 
for the year 1891 amounted to 704,398,609 tons of freight, compared with 691,- 
344,437 tons in 1890, an increase of 13,054,172 tons. 

"Another indication of the general prosperity of the country is found in the 
fact that the number of depositors in savings banks increased from 693,870 in 
i860 to 4,258,893 in 1890, an increase of 513 per cent., and the amount of deposits 
from $149,277,504 in i860 to $1,524,844,500 in 1890, an increase of 921 per cent. 
In 1891 the amount of deposits in savings banks was $1,623,079,749. It is esti- 
mated that 90 per cent, of these deposits represent the savings of wage earners. 
The bank clearances for nine months ending September 30, 1891, amounted to 
$41,049,390,908. For the same months in 1892 they amounted to $45,189,601,- 
947, an excess for nine months of $4,140,211,139. 

"There never has been a time in our history when work was so abundant or 
when wages were as high, whether measured by the currency in which they are 
paid or by their power to supply the necessaries and comforts of life. It is true 
that the market prices of cotton and wheat have been low. It is one of the un- 
favorable incidents of agriculture that the farmer cannot produce upon orders. 
He must sow and reap in ignorance of the aggregate production of the year, and 
is peculiarly subject to the depreciation which follows overproduction. But while 
the fact I have stated is true as to the crops mentioned, the general average of 
prices has been such as to give to agriculture a fair participation in the general 
prosperity. The value of our total farm products has increased from $1,363,- 
646,866 in i860 to $4,500,000,000 in 1891, as estimated by statisticians, an increase 
of 230 per cent. The number of hogs January 1, 1891, was 50,625,106, and their 
value $210,193,925 ; on January 1, 1892, the number was 52,398,019, and the value 
$241,031,415. On January 1, 1891, the number of cattle was 36,875,648, and the 
value $544,127,908; on January 1, 1892, the number was 37,651,239, and the value 

$570,749,i55- 

"If any are discontented with their state here, if any believe that wages or 
prices, the returns for honest toil, are adequate, they should not fail to remember 
that there is no other country in the world where the .conditions that seem to 
them hard would not be accepted as highly prosperous. The English agricul- 
turist would be glad to exchange the returns of his labor for those of the Amer- 
ican farmer, and the Manchester workman their wages for those of their fellows 
at Fall River. 

"I believe that the protective system, which has now for something more 
than thirty years continuously prevailed in our legislation, has been a mighty 
instrument for the development of our national wealth and a most powerful agency 
in protecting the homes of our workingmen from the invasion of want. I have 
felt a most solicitous interest to preserve to our working people rates of wages 
that would not only give daily bread, but supply a comfortable margin for those 
home attractions and family comforts and enjoyments without which life is neither 
hopeful nor sweet. They are American citizens — a part of the great people for 

195 



whom our constitution and Government were framed and instituted — and it cart 
not be a perversion of that constitution to so legislate as to preserve in their 
homes the comfort, independence, loyalty, and sense of interest in the Govern- 
ment which are essential to good citizenship in peace, and which will bring this 
stalwart throng, as in 1861, to the defense of the flag when it is assailed. 

"It is not my purpose to renew here the argument in favor of a protective 
tariff. The result of the recent election must be accepted as having introduced a. 
new policy. We must assume that the present tariff, constructed upon the lines 
of protection, is to be repealed and that there is to be substituted for it a tariff 
law constructed solely with reference to revenue ; that no duty is to be higher be- 
cause the increase will keep open an American mill or keep up the wages of an. 
American workman, but that in every case such a rate of duty is to be imposed 
as will bring to the Treasury of the United States the largest returns of revenue. 
The contention has not been between schedules, but between principles, and it 
would be offensive to suggest that the prevailing party will not carry into legis- 
lation the principles advocated by it and the pledges given to the people. The 
tariff bills passed by the House of Representatives at the last session were, as I 
suppose, even in the opinion of their promoters, inadequate, and justified only by 
the fact that the Senate and House of Representatives were not in accord and that 
a general revision could not therefore be undertaken. 

"I recommend that the whole subject of tariff revision be left to the incoming 
Congress." 

This message was delivered to Congress within a month after the election of: 
INIr. Cleveland to his second term. On the date of that election no one could dis- 
cern a dark cloud in the commercial and financial sky of the country as large as 
a man's hand. Every dollar of money in the country, whether it was gold, silver, 
legal tender notes, silver certificates, gold certificates or treasury notes, all cir- 
culated at par from one end of the country to the other. There was no run upon 
the treasury for the redemption of any class of paper circulation. There was ab- 
solute confidence in the credit of the Xation ; of the ability of the Government to 
meet its obligations, and of the disposition and capacity of the Republican admin- 
istration to maintain the credit of the United States. The revenues of the Govern- 
ment during Harrison's administration had been ample, not only to meet the pub- 
lic expenses, but to steadily reduce the public debt. If an error of administration 
was committed by the Secretary of the Treasury at that time, it was in reducing 
the public debt too rapidly, that is, reducing the working surplus of the treasury 
too low for the convenient management of the public business. As is shown by 
the quotation from President Harrison's message, productive industries of every 
description, including many new enterprises, were being operated at full stroke, 
giving adequate employment to labor at remunerative wages. 

The McKinley tariff law as a whole, and the reciprocity feature in partic- 
ular, including the treaties made under it, had been denounced by the Demo- 
cratic platform as vicious, and a pledge was made by the Democracy for their re- 
peal upon gaining power. Business men everywhere soon began to reason upon 
this great industrial question, in view of Democratic opinions and pledges, and 1 , 
the conclusion soon became fixed, that a great change in the tariff laws was at 
hand and that the protective system which had been the basis of tariff legislation 
for thirty-two years was doomed. 

The Revolution in the Hawaiian Islands overthrew the monarchy and estab- 
lished a stable government. During the last year of President Harrison's admin- 
istration a treaty was negotiated with the Hawaiian Republic for the annexation 
of these islands to the United States. This treaty was signed February 13th, 1893, 
was transmitted to the Senate February 15th, and was pending before that body 
when President Harrison retired from office. The administration of President 
Flarrison will live in history as able and progressive. General Harrison was and 
is one of the ablest of American citizens. He is a thorough believer in the prin- 
ciples of the Republican party, and has contributed largely to the making of its. 
grand history. 



196 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

Campaign of 1892. Cleveland's Second Administration. 

The Republican National Convention of 1892 met at Minneapolis, June 7th. 
J. Sloat Fassett of New York was chosen temporary chairman and William 
McKinley permanent chairman. President Harrison was a candidate for renom- 
ination. Numerous friends of Mr. Blaine were desirous that he should be 
nominated. He had declared in a letter to Mr. Clarkson of Iowa that his name 
would not go before the convention. It was believed, however, that if the nomi- 
nation was tendered to him that he would accept it. Mr. Blaine was ambitious 
for the Presidency, and no doubt gave heed to the urgent demands of friends, 
believing that he might be nominated. The relations between the President 
and Mr. Blaine became strained, and he resigned as Secretary of State before 
the convention met. 

President Harrison was renominated on the first ballot ; 905 votes were 
cast, as follows: Harrison 535, McKinley 182, Blaine 181, Lincoln 1. 

Whitelaw Reid of New York was nominated for Vice-President. 

The platform was a forcible presentation of Republican doctrine and achieve- 
ment. The declaration upon the tariff was clear and emphatic. It was : "We 
reaffirm the American doctrine of protection. We believe that all articles which 
cannot be produced in the United States except luxuries should be admitted free 
of duty, and that on all imports coming in competition with the products of 
American labor there should be levied duties equal to the difference between 
wages abroad and at home." This was the clearest statement ever made of the 
reason and necessity for a protective tariff and has been the guiding principle of 
Republican tariff legislation. 

The Democratic National Convention met in Chicago, June 21st. W. C. 
Owens was made temporary chairman and W. L. Wilson of West Virginia per- 
manent chairman. There were a number of candidates for the nomination of 
President. Grover Cleveland was the popular choice, but the delegation from 
his State were unanimously in favor of David B. Hill. Mr. Cleveland was 
nominated on the first ballot. It was as follows: Cleveland 617, Boies 103, Hill 
114, Gorman 36, Carlisle 14, Stevenson 16, Morrison 3, Campbell 2, Russell 1, 
Whitney 1, Pattison 1. Adlai E. Stevenson of Illinois was nominated for Vice- 
President. 

The platform was lengthy and touched upon every political issue. Upon 
the tariff the declaration was emphatic. It was : "We denounce Republican pro- 
tection as a fraud, a robbery of the great majority of the American people for 
the benefit of the few. We declare it to be a fundamental principle of the Dem- 
ocratic party that the Federal Government has no constitutional power to impose 
and collect tariff duties except for the purpose of revenue only. W^e denounce 
the McKinley tariff law * * as the culminating atrocity of class legislation. 
* * We promise its repeal as one of the beneficent results that will follow the 
action of the people in intrusting power to the Democratic party." 

Other party organizations named candidates for President and Vice-Presi- 
dent, but the great issue for the people to decide was between the Republican 
and Democratic parties. 

Cleveland and Stevenson were elected and with them a large majority in 
the lower house of Congress. 

Mr. Cleveland in his inaugural address indicated clearly that in his opinion 
impending dangers were brooding over the country. His voice was full of 
warning. In the second paragraph he said : "I deem it fitting on this occasion, 
while indicating the opinions I hold concerning public questions of present im- 

197 



portance to also briefly refer to the existence of certain conditions and tendencies 
among our people which seem to menace the integrity and usefulness of the 
government. It behooves us to constantly watch for every symptom of insidious 
infirmity that threatens our national vigor." Speaking of the currency, he said : 
"In dealing with our present embarrassing situation as relates to this subject, 
we will be wise if we temper our confidence and faith in our national strength 
and resources with the frank concession that even these will not permit us to 
defy with impunity the inexorable laws of finance and trade. 

"Closely related to the exaggerated confidence in our country's greatness, 
which tends to a disregard of the rules of national safety, another danger con- 
fronts us not less serious. I refer to the prevalence of a popular disposition to 
expect from the operation of the government especial and direct individual 
advantages. 

"The verdict of our voters which condemned the injustice of maintaining 
protection for protection's sake, enjoins upon the people's servants the duty of 
exposing and destroying the brood of kindred evils which are the unwholesome 
progeny of paternalism. This is the bane of republican institutions and the 
constant peril of our government by the people. The lessons of paternalism 
ought to be unlearned and the better lesson taught, that while the people should 
patriotically support their government, its functions do not include the support 
of the people. 

"The people of the United States have decreed that on this day the control 
of the government in its legislative and executive branches shall be given to a 
political party pledged in the most positive terms to the accomplishment of 
tariff reform. When we tear aside the delusion and misconceptions which 
have blinded our countrymen to their condition under vicious tariff laws, we 
but show them that heretofore they have been led away from the path of con- 
tentment and prosperity. When we proclaim that the necessity for revenue 
to support the government furnishes the only justification for taxing the people, 
we announce a truth so plain that its denial would seem to indicate the extent to 
which judgment may be influenced by familiarity with perversion of the taxing 
power." 

Mr. Cleveland gave the country notice that in his opinion the country finan- 
cially was in an embarrassing situation. And he also gave notice that the people 
should be led back to the path of "contentment" by the repeal of the protective 
tariff. 

This address was delivered on March 5, 1893. On June 30, 1893, less than 
four months after his inauguration, President Cleveland issued a proclamation 
convening Congress in extra session August 7, 1893. In the preamble to said 
proclamation, he said : "Whereas, the distrust and apprehension concerning the 
financial situation which pervades all business circles have already caused great 
loss and damage to our people and threaten to cripple our merchants, stop the 
wheels of manufacture, bring distress and privation to our farmers, and with- 
hold from our workingmen the wage of labor." When Congress met the Presi- 
dent sent in a special message on August 8, 1893. He depicted the situation of 
the country as follows : 

"To the Congress of the United States : — The existence of an alarming and 
extraordinary business situation, involving the welfare and prosperity of all our 
people, has constrained me to call together in extra session the people's repre- 
sentatives in Congress, to the end that through a wise and patriotic exercise of 
the legislative duty, with which they solely are charged, present evils may be 
mitigated and dangers threatening the future may be averted. 

"Our unfortunate financial plight is not the result of untoward events, nor 
of conditions related to our natural resources, nor is it traceable to any of the 
afflictions which frequently check natural growth and prosperity. With plente- 
ous crops, with abundant promise of remunerative production and manufacture, 
with unusual invitation to safe investment and with satisfactory assurance to 
business enterprise, suddenly financial distrust and fear have sprung up on every 
side. Numerous moneyed institutions have suspended because abundant assets 
were not immediately available to meet the demands of frightened depositors. 
Surviving corporations and individuals are content to keep in hand the money 

198 



they are usually anxious to loan, and those engaged in legitimate business are 
surprised to find that the security they offer for loans, though heretofore satis- 
factory, are no longer accepted. Values supposed to be fixed are fast becoming 
conjectural and loss and failure have invaded every branch of business." 

This is the dismal picture President Cleveland drew of the country at the 
end of five months after his inauguration. Why did distrust and apprehension 
pervade all business circles? Why had loss and failure invaded every branch 
of business ? There is but one answer. Business men throughout the whole 
United States took alarm at the certainty that the Democratic party would so 
change the tariff law as to destroy the protective policy, under which the business 
of the country had been conducted for thirty-two years, and place the whole 
productive industry of the people under the influence of a tariff law, with many 
important products on the free list. Business men everywhere realized that a 
Democratic tariff meant the throwing open of the American market to the for- 
eigner; it meant a great struggle for control of the markets of the United States 
with all foreign manufacturers and producers combined against the manufac- 
turers and producers of the country. They knew that it meant a glutted market 
and a ruinous competition. Mr. Cleveland's inaugural address sounded the 
alarm. It was like a fire bell at night. The country realized that the Democratic 
platform was to be taken as the guide of congressional legislation on the tariff. 
The platform was hunted up and closely scanned. Section 3 was the center of 
interest ; it contained these ominous words : "We denounce Republican protec- 
tion as a fraud, a robbery of the great majority of the American people for the 
benefit of the few. W T e declare it to be a fundamental principle of the Democratic 
party that the Federal Government has no constitutional power to impose tariff 
duties except for the purposes of revenue only." 

"We denounce the McKinley tariff law enacted by the fifty-first Congress as 
the culminating atrocity of class legislation, and we promise its repeal as one 
of the beneficial results that "will follow the action of the people in intrusting 
power to the Democratic party." 

President Cleveland convened Congress for the purpose of recommending 
the repeal of the act of July 14, 1890, known as the Sherman Act, which pro- 
vided for the purchase of 4,500,000 ounces of silver monthly to be paid for in 
Treasury notes redeemable on demand in gold or silver coins at the discretion 
of the secretary of the treasury. It was declared in the act to be "the established 
policy of the United States to maintain the two metals on a parity with each 
other upon the present legal ratio or such ratio as may be provided by law." 

Mr. Cleveland declared in his message that the grievous misfortunes which 
had befallen the country were chargeable to this law, and he insisted upon its 
repeal. The President's party friends in Congress were not in sympathy with 
the proposition of repeal, but with the aid of Republican votes the law was 
repealed. No other important legislation was undertaken by the special session. 
The repeal of the silver purchase law had no influence whatever upon the panic ; 
it increased in severity until its crushing influences reached and depressed every 
business, and brought ruin and bankruptcy to thousands. 

The Democratic platform, upon which Mr. Cleveland stood when elected, in 
criticising Republican policies, declared that "We denounce a policy which fos- 
ters no industry so much as it does that of the sheriff." During the whole 
period of Republican control the sheriff had never been so active as during the 
Cleveland administration. The sarcasm of the paragraph must have excited 
in 1893 a grim humor in the breasts of those who prepared it. 

The second administration of President Cleveland with its Democratic legis- 
lation will forever stand as an example of Democratic unwisdom and incapacity, 
and a warning to the American people to trust them no more in control of 
National affairs. While every year under the Republican management the Na- 
tional debt had been steadily reduced until almost two billions of the principal 
had been paid, during Cleveland's administration, the public debt was increased 
$230,000,000, when the country was at peace. With full knowledge that the 
revenues were insufficient to pay current expenses, the President and the sec- 
retary of the treasury never suggested to Congress measures for increasing the 
public receipts. They preferred to borrow money to run the government in- 

199 



stead of increasing taxation. The result was that the National finances were 
controlled by the money lenders who reaped a rich harvest of profit in nego- 
tiating government loans. 

The panic of 1893 placed the country in the grip of hard times. During the 
four years there were 60,000 failures amounting to S900.000.000 ; 170 National 
banks closed their doors with S70.000.000 liabilities ; 177 railroads, with 45,000 
miles of track and three billions of bonds and stocks, failed to meet their interest, 
and were placed in the hands of receivers by the courts. Many manufacturing 
establishments in every line of production stopped business, and all others re- 
duced their output. As a result, fully one-third of the working population were 
thrown out of employment. The farmer, planter and herdsmen did not escape ; 
the prices of farm products fell and farm mortgages were foreclosed by the 
thousand. The sheep industry was practically destroyed by free trade in wool. 
Texas wool declined from 19 to 9 cents per pound, bankrupting the owners of 
sheep. Foreign and domestic trade suffered alike. 

There was a universal decline in values ; in real estate, personal property, 
stocks and bonds. This great depreciation in the value of property during the 
Cleveland administration as compared with values in 1892 may be safely placed 
at twenty-five per cent. This conservative estimate would place the cost of 
Democratic ascendency at sixteen billion dollars in the depreciation of values 
alone. The suffering of the unemployed and the shame and degradation of 
enforced mendicancy can never be truly estimated. 

Did Grover Cleveland and the Democratic party have a grudge against the 
country and wish to inflict a severe punishment upon it? Not so — He and they 
were perfectly sincere in the belief that legislation on strictly Democratic lines, 
on the tariff and on all other questions, meant for the people, as Mr. Cleveland 
stated in his message, a return to "the paths of contentment and prosperity." 
They were not vicious, but visionary ; they were Democrats, and adhered tena- 
ciously to the old time strict construction theories, which denied to Congress 
the power to enact a protective tariff ; to charter a National bank ; to improve 
rivers and harbors, or to expend money on internal improvement. They denied 
in toto the power of Congress to so fix the duties on imports that home manu- 
facturers would be encouraged and the home market secured to our own people 
for the products of agriculture, manufacture and mining. 

The regular session of Congress met in December, 1893, when the country 
was in the throes of the panic. Instead of Congress being looked to as a source 
from which relief might be expected, the assembling of that body intensified the 
distrust and alarm. Speaker Crisp placed Mr. Wilson of West Virginia at the 
head of the committee on ways and means. Mr. Wilson is a scholarly man, a 
fine speaker and well versed in Democratic constitutional theories. His com- 
mittee took up the tariff question and in good time prepared and passed a bill. 
Free raw material was the Democratic watchword. Mr. Wilson prepared a free 
list which struck at many important industries. Free coal and free wool led the 
way. The bill was a great reform measure. The McKinley bill was repealed and 
Republican reciprocity completely overturned. Free sugar with a bounty to 
home producers, provided for by the McKinley bill as a measure to give cheap 
sugar to the people, and at the same time protect the American product, was 
wiped out. This bill went to the senate, where it met with formidable resist- 
ance. Some of the schedules were materially changed, in securing which Re- 
publicans and a few Democrats co-operated. 

The rule of the senate allowing endless debate worked against the bill. 
Senator Quay, of Pennsylvania, prepared a speech of interminable length, of 
much historical value concerning the development of American manufacture, and 
of great power as an argument in favor of protection. His pile of manuscript was 
often brought into play to gain time, and friendly senators would relieve his 
arduous labor by reading portions of his address. The Democratic manager of 
the Senate attempted to secure the approval of the President and secretary of 
the treasury to the various modifications of the bill forced upon them, and sup- 
posed that they had such approval, but when the bill finally passed, and retained 
a duty on coal, and left a few industries with partial protection, it was con- 
demned by the President in a published letter addressed to a member of the 

200 



house, and the bill was allowed to become a law without the President's approval. 
Mr. Cleveland's course in this matter caused a serious breach between him and 
leading Democratic senators, and they were finally completely alienated from 
him politically. 

The Wilson bill stands out in tariff legislation as the measure which inflicted 
more injury to the business interests of the United States than any piece of 
legislation that ever found its way upon the National statute books. And it 
did not fairly represent Democratic opinion ; it was not drastic enough ; it left a 
modicum of protection, where free trade or a much lower rate of duty was 
expected. But it did introduce largely that vicious system of ad valorem duties 
instead of specific duties, thus opening the door to fraud by under valuations. 
There is so much vitality, so much ingenuity, so much push in the business 
men and the skilled workmen of the country that in spite of unwise legislation 
during the Cleveland administration, they kept the field and met foreign com- 
petition with undaunted courage. 

Mr. Cleveland was opposed to the annexation of the Hawaiian Islands. In 
this Judge Gresham, secretary of state, was in full accord. On March 9, 1893, 
the President withdrew from the further consideration of the Senate the treaty 
of annexation, as he alleged for the purpose of re-examination. His administra- 
tion then deliberately entered upon a movement to overthrow the republican 
government of Hawaii and re-establish the monarchy. The simple statement of 
the fact is enough to condemn the act, but happily all the plans miscarried and 
the republic sustained itself. 

While in fact Mr. Cleveland's administration was a calamity to the country, 
there were two redeeming features to which it is just to allude: First, Mr. 
Cleveland was in favor of sound money. He was unalterably opposed to' the 
free coinage of silver at 16 to 1. He favored firmly the gold standard. Upon 
this issue he parted company with his party. Second, Mr. Cleveland and Secre- 
tary Olney are entitled to 'great credit for the attitude taken in regard to the 
territorial dispute between Great Britain and Venezuela. The firm stand in favor 
of fair play with Venezuela brought about the arbitration of the dispute, whereby 
a boundary line was fixed which satisfied both sides. But for this timely inter- 
ference it is highly probable that Venezuela would have been, shorn of important 
territory to which she is and was justly entitled. 



201 



CHAPTER XXX. 



Governor Altgeld's Administration. 

The political campaign of 1892 resulted in a great Democratic victory in 
Illinois. Judge John P. Altgeld was elected Governor; Joseph P. Gill, Lieuten- 
ant-Governor ; William H. Hinrichsen, Secretary of State ; David Gore. Auditor ; 
Rufus N. Ramsey, Treasurer ; and Maurice T. Maloney, Attorney-General. 

The Legislature was Democratic in both houses, with ten majority on joint 
ballot. Governor Altgeld was inaugurated January 9, 1893, and the Lieutenant- 
Governor and other State officers were sworn in the same day. Alfred Oren- 
dorff was appointed Adjutant-General January 20. 

After thirty-six years of Republican management the affairs of the State 
of Illinois passed into the hands of the Democratic party. They had full legisla- 
tive and executive control. It was not the first time that the Democracy of 
Illinois had carried the Legislature ; but to carry the State, to elect an entire 
State ticket and have a good working majority in both houses of the Legislature, 
was a phenomenal political change. The State of Illinois not only elected a 
Democratic Governor, but aided in electing a Democratic President. There was 
nothing in the condition of the public affairs of the State that justified a great 
political reaction. 

The administration of Governor Fifer was able and economical. The offi- 
cers elected with him were men of high character, and performed the duties of 
their respective offices with fidelity. The public institutions of the State were 
under the management of most competent, trustworthy and conservative men. 
The finances of the State had been conducted with great ability ; the State tax 
levy had been gradually reduced to thirty-one cents per hundred dollars of the 
assessments, and had yielded sufficient revenue for an economical administra- 
tion, besides producing an accumulation of more than $2,898,000 in the treasury 
as a working capital. Besides this, the people of the State of Illinois were in a 
most prosperous condition. Agriculture, manufacturing, mining and commerce 
were all conducted at full stroke, while wages and the returns for labor were 
never more remunerative. 

There is a certain discontent connected with the greatest prosperity, which 
is more difficult to satisfy and appease than the discontent arising from misfor- 
tune, adversity, or hard times. In 1892, the Republican party encountered this 
condition of the public mind, and although an unparalleled prosperity existed, the 
perceptions of men seemed to have been dulled as to the causes which contributed 
to bring it about. The Democrats asserted that the laws enacted by the Re- 
publicans were unwise and vicious, and that their administration was corrupt. 
They declared that all that was needed to secure to the people supreme pros- 
perity, contentment and happiness was Democratic supremacy. The people 
listened to these Democratic appeals, and a majority voted the Democratic ticket. 

In due course of time Governor Altgeld. as far as was in his power, placed 
the public institutions of the State under Democratic management. He ap- 
pointed his party friends, as was expected of him, to all the important administra- 
tive positions throughout the State. The Democratic party, after being out of 
pcwer thirty-six years, was called back by the voice of the people, and was 
given an opportunity to demonstrate to the public the advantage or disadvantage 
of the change. Without going into a lengthy examination of public affairs as 
administered by Governor Altgeld, it is proper to state that during his term the 
Legislature authorized the erection of a number of new buildings and appro- 
priated money for the repair of others, so that many important improvements 
were made in the public institutions while he was Governor ; but there are two 

202 



questions which involved high executive judgment and discretion which are de- 
cisive of the unwisdom and incompetency of his administration, namely : His 
conduct during the Debs' strike-riots in Chicago, and his administration of the 
financial affairs of the State. 

The strike in Chicago at the Pullman works involved but few men and 
none of these railroad employes. The depression of the times had caused a great 
reduction in the demand for the construction and repair of cars. A reduction 
in the number of employes and of wages followed, and the strike was the result. 
Whether the Pullman Company acted with due consideration toward their old 
employes was a question upon which the public was divided. Not having suffi- 
cient orders to keep all employes at work, and claiming that the prices for work 
had fallen, they justified their action in reducing wages. 

Eugene Debs, president of a new organization known as the American Rail- 
way Union, fresh from the management of a successful railroad strike at St. 
Paul, Minn., came to Chicago and took charge of the Pullman strike. He soon 
had every railroad in the city of Chicago involved. While the employes of the 
railroads were in no way directly interested in the mechanics who had struck at 
Pullman, Mr. Debs introduced the sympathetic strike and in a short time the 
whole railroad transportation business of the city was paralyzed. No one could 
deny the right of men who were dissatisfied to leave their employment, but 
leaving their employment means nothing if other competent men were ready to 
take their places. Mr. Debs forbade the movement of trains. Riots ensued, 
life and property were endangered, Chicago was dominated by a mob, hundreds 
of cars and other property were burned and yet Governor Altgeld ignored the 
existence of the fundamental principle that it was his duty to see that law and 
order was maintained throughout the State of Illinois. He utterly failed to 
take necessary and proper steps to suppress the Debs riot in Chicago, to pre- 
vent the wholesale destruction of property by fire and otherwise, and to prevent 
the general paralysis of the transportation business of the city. 

Mob violence was allowed to run with a free hand by the governor, and when 
the President interposed with United States troops to enforce the orders of the 
United States Court, Governor Altgeld demanded that the troops be withdrawn. 
The railroad business of the city of Chicago was in the hands of an irresponsible 
committee, who regarded mob violence and arson as legitimate means to ac- 
complish their ends. What did Governor Altgeld do in this great emergency? 
Did he interpose his authority to prevent disorder and the destruction of prop- 
erty? Not so. Did he announce to Mr. Debs that while he could not and 
would not interfere with the strike, that he would see to it that law and order 
was maintained? Not at all. Pie took no steps whatever to maintain peace, 
to prevent disorder and to prevent the destruction of property. 

There is no proposition in connection with our system of republican govern- 
ment that meets with more universal and earnest endorsement than that law 
and order must be maintained. Our republican form of government stands for 
personal, political and religious freedom ; it is a guaranty for every element of 
order, for every element of protection. It is based upon the universal doctrine 
that the citizen with a grievance shall not be permitted to set the law at defiance, 
and seek a remedy in force and violence. 

It is recognized on all hands that the question of the settlement of contro- 
versies between employers and employed is at once of immense difficulty and 
gravity. Whether by mutual agreement a basis for the settlement of their contro- 
versies by arbitration will be reached; or that some law shall be devised, just 
alike to both sides, under which their controversies shall be settled, is for the 
future. But in the absence of these arrangements, and whether they are ever 
provided or not, the principle will continue, that law and order shall be main- 
tained. The course pursued by Governor Altgeld upon this question is a blemish 
upon his administration that can never be effaced. 

When Governor Altgeld took charge of state affairs there was in the treas- 
ury, to the credit of the revenue fund, for the ordinary expenses of the state, 
$2,898,245. This was exclusive of the registered bond fund, and the fund for 
public schools. This was the working capital of the treasury, and had been 
gradually increased under Republican management. There were unpaid appro- 

203 



priations of $1,683,429, against this sum, leaving a net working balance of 
$1,214,816. The old method of issuing auditor's warrants against an empty 
treasury, and paying those warrants when taxes were collected, was abandoned ; 
and this better system adopted, of having a surplus on hand to meet the current 
expenses of the state while taxes were being collected. This system of admin- 
istration is entirely in the hands of the governor, as he has control of the levy. 
The appropriations of the legislature, and the aggregate of the assessments of 
the State are before him ; consequently it is only a question of computation as to 
the rate of the levy, to produce the required amount of revenue. 

It happened, during the administration of Governor Altgeld, that the ex- 
penses of the State were greatly augmented by appropriations made by the legis- 
lature ; these increased expenses were approved by the Governor, and he, there- 
fore, became responsible for them. Instead of assuming the just responsibilities 
of his position, and levying the necessary taxes to produce the required reve- 
nue, he adopted a widely different policy. He ran the government from the 
start, with annual deficiencies ; his levies fell short of the appropriations, and the 
surplus was steadily exhausted. 

During the administration of Governor Fifer the levies for State expenses 
were 38 cents for 1889, 36 cents for 1890, 33 cents for 1891, and 31 cents for 1892. 
These levies produced $6,659,018, which sum paid the current expenses of the 
State, with some $450,000 over to be added to the surplus fund. During the 
administration of Governor Altgeld the levies for State expenses were 31 cents 
for 1893, 31 cents for 1894, 52 cents for 1895, and 55 cents for 1896. These levies 
produced $9,356,132, being $2,697,114 in excess of the amount levied and col- 
lected during the administration of Governor Fifer. This large sum of money 
did not meet the current expenses of the State ; not only was the surplus used, 
but large sums of money were borrowed by officers of a number of public insti- 
tutions to pay current expenses. 

The increased expense of running the State government under Governor 
Altgeld as compared with the administration of Governor Fifer can be summed 
up as follows : 

Net cash in treasury at end of Gov. Fifer's term $1,214,816 

Increased revenues collected 1893-1897 2,697,114 

Appropriations unpaid, less cash in treasury Jan. 1, 1897. 1,806,865 
Interest on loans contracted during Gov. Altgeld's term. 21,927 



$5,740,722 
When Governor Altgeld retired from office, instead of having nearly three 
millions in the treasury as a working capital, and almost one million and a quarter 
of a net surplus, there was only $163,040 in the treasury for State expenses to 
meet unpaid appropriations of $1,969,905. 

The financial affairs of the State of Illinois were conducted substantially 
upon the same line as the national finances. There was a constant deficiency, 
and a constant necessity to borrow money to keep the wheels- in motion. But 
Governor Altgeld had this advantage over the national treasury: he possessed 
the power without additional legislation to fix the levy high enough to produce 
the required amount of revenue, while the President and the Secretary of the 
Treasury required additional legislation. Governor Altgeld neglected to make 
the necessary levy. While President Cleveland and Secretary of the Treasury 
Carlisle failed to recommend to Congress increased taxation. The Constitution 
and Laws of Illinois contemplate that the expenses of the State government 
shall be provided for in advance by taxation. 

The 1 8th Section of Article IV of the Constitution contains the following: 
"Provided, the State may, to meet casual deficits or failure in revenue, con- 
tract debts, never to exceed in the aggregate two hundred and fifty thousand 
dollars ; and moneys thus borrowed shall be applied to the purpose for which 
they were obtained, or to pay the debt thus created, and no other purpose ; and 
no other debt, except for the purpose of repelling invasion, suppressing insur- 
rection, or defending the State in war (for payment of which the faith of the 
State shall be pledged) shall be contracted, unless the law authorizing the same 
shall, at a general election, have been submitted to the people, and then have 

204 



received a majority of the votes cast for members of the general assembly at 
such election." 

This provision of the constitution prohibits the creation of a debt, or the 
borrowing of money by the State in excess of $250,000, unless approved by a 
vote of the people. But this constitutional inhibition did not stand in the way 
of Governor Altgeld's administration. During the last sixteen months of his 
term $1,082,688 was borrowed for the use of thirteen of the State institutions, 
and $450,000 was borrowed from the Illinois Central Railroad Company in antici- 
pation of its annual payment to the State. All of these loans bore interest, the 
total amount of interest paid by the State being $21,927.30. Not only were 
current expenses provided for by large loans, but money was borrowed even for 
the erection of buildings which had been authorized by the legislature, and for 
the payment of which taxes had been levied. 

In a brief paragraph in his last message Governor Altgeld explains this 
business, he said: "Several hundred thousand dollars which had been appro- 
priated for the purpose of erecting buildings and which were to come out of the 
taxes to be collected next year, have been advanced because the State was 
needing the buildings, and owing to the low price of material and labor, it was 
better for the State to build at once than to wait." It did not seem to enter 
the mind of the Governor that his official actions should be controlled by the 
constitution. The chief executive of a State whose highest duty is to see that 
the laws are observed and enforced should be the last person to openly violate 
a provision of the constitution. 

These acts were subject to the personal control of the Governor and he was 
personally responsible for them. Whatever just censure is due to them must 
fall upon his head alone. Governor Altgeld, claiming to give the State an admin- 
istration based upon high business principles, was very unfortunate in the 
selection of the agents to administer many of the important trusts under his 
supervision. It is unfortunately true that Governor Altgeld's administration is 
noted for the dishonesty of a number of his most important appointees. The 
defalcations in connection with the University of Illinois, the West Park Board 
and the Chester Penitentiary amounted to almost nine hundred thousand dollars, 
while the mismanagement of the funds of the Industrial Home for the Blind, 
the Geneva Home for Girls and the Grain Inspection Department caused a loss 
of nearly $25,000. 

A remarkable case of negligence and ignorance occurred in the construction 
of the Asylum for the Incurable Insane in Peoria County. Over $60,000 was 
expended on this building, located over a coal mine which was liable to cave in 
at any time and destroy the house. The building found to be insecure, was 
taken down and rebuilt upon another site w T ith a total loss to the State of the 
first expenditure. Such wholesale dishonesty and incapacity amongst these 
Democratic appointees is a reflection upon the judgment of the man who made 
the appointments and of the party who furnished the appointees. It would seem 
when the people compare this Democratic administration with Republican man- 
agement they would be satisfied to leave the Democracy severely alone. 



205 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

Political Conventions in 1896. 

The loss of the State of Illinois in 1892 by the Republicans was a source 
of mortification to the rank and hie of the party; their united efforts in 1894 
had placed the State again in the Republican column, so that the campaign of 
[896 was entered upon with great confidence. 

The Republican State Convention of 1896 met, April 29, in the Capitol at 
Springfield ; it brought together many of the most notable men of the State. 
Amongst those from Chicago were Win. Penn Nixon, General John McNulta, 
Arthur Dixon. A. 11. Revell, George S. Willetts, Isaac M. Hamilton, D. W. 
Mills, Charles U. Gordon and Charles G. Dawes; from southern Illinois, Isaac 
Clemens, I'. W. Pavey, E. J. Ingersoll, W. H. Parish, James E. Job and J. R. 
Thomas. The central part of the State was well represented; among those 
present were General Horace S. Clark, E. C. Akin, H. A. Snapp, J. H. Rowell, 
H. G. Reeves. J. M. Sholl and Clark E. Carr. The following named members of 
Congress were present: J. Frank Aldrich, George E. White, George E. Foss, 
I-. D. Cooke, William Lorimer, Charles W. Woodman, Hugh R. Belknap, 
Walter Reeves, George R. Prince, W. F. L. Hadley, E. J. Murphy and A. J. 
Flopkins. 

The convention was called to order by the chairman, T. N. Jamieson, who 
named Martin B. .Madden as temporary chairman. Mr. Madden delivered an 
able and eloquent address. The usual committees were appointed. Senator 
Orville H. Berry of Hancock was selected as permanent chairman; James R. B. 
Van Cleave as secretary, with the following named assistants from each Con- 
gressional District: Herman Phillips, James B. Monahan, R. J. McDonald, 
P. O. Cooper, S. B. Weston, William Reed, A. W. Pulver, M. F. Walsh, Oscar 
Hnrd. ("rank R. Hinman, Charles P. Bascon, M. M. Stewart, William B. Roch, 
W. ( ). Clark, A. McLean, Thomas Williamson, W. A. Patterson, N. Eaton, 
James Gibson, \\\ P. Goudy, Theodore Schultz and James M. Young. 

The committee on resolutions was as follows : James H. Gilbert, D. D. 
Healy, Dennis Riley, Joseph E. Bidwell, Fred S. Baird, Graeme Stewart, James 
Reddick, Thomas P. Bryan, Charles S. Fuller, James F. Piatt, John Virgin, 
W. R. Jewell, E. S. Swigert, J. C. Jones, C. V. Chandler, F. A. Clements, C. 
Ridgeley, J. J. Brown, E. Callahan, Thomas S. Ridgway, Walter S. Louden and 
John F. Rector. The platform met with unanimous approval; it endorsed the 
time honored principles of the Republican party and stood firmly i'or a pro- 
tective tariff and for the gold standard. 

The I 'residential Electors chosen: At large, Emil G. Hirsch, Horace S. 
Clark; districts, X. B. Judah, Dayton C. Gray, Charles L. Sherlock, F. M. 
Blount, Ephraim Banning, Chester M. Dawes, Washington Van Horn, W. L. 
Sackett, E. W. Montgomery. Augustus G. Hammond, Marcellus \Y. Wilson, 
\V. R. Jewell. Dr. Allen T. Barnes, E. S. Easton, Warren E. Taylor, John H. 
Coates, II. X. Schuyler, John R. Pogue, Dr. Joseph Hall, Theodore J. Risley, 
Walter S. Louden and W. W. I hmcan. 

The delegates to the National Republican Convention were: At large, 
Joseph W. I- iter. Robert W. Patterson. William Penn Nixon and Richard J. 
< Iglesby. Alternates-at-large, Charles W. Pepper, James W. Ellsworth, Jordan 
Davis and P. T. Chapman. I'or the districts: Thomas X. Jamieson, William 
Lorimer, Abner Taylor, Frederick M. Blount, John M. Smyth, Samuel I». Ray- 
mond, Fred L. Wilk. John Stewart, S. II. Bethea, B. F. Baker, Wright Adams, 
If. [. Byrnes, Dr. S. S. Wilcox, C. /ell. Alexander Sholl. A. Dow, I. N. Recce, 
Walter C. Haden, L. L. Lehman, T. W. Scott, J. B. Messick and P. T. Chapman. 

206 



There was a spirited contest for the nomination for Governor. John R. Tanner 
of Clay, Andrew J. Hopkins of Kane and Dr. Joseph Robbins of Adams were 
placed in nomination. On the roll call of counties the following vote was cast 
for Governor: John R. Tanner, 1,081 ; A. J. Hopkins, 185; Joseph Robbins, 69. 
Mr. Tanner's nomination was made unanimous. There were three candidates 
for Lieutenant-Governor — William A. Northcott, P. T. Chapman and David 
Ross. In fact, every office was actively sought for. The full ticket nominated 
by the convention was : John R. Tanner, Governor ; \V. A. Northcott, Lieu- 
tenant-Governor ; James A. Rose, Secretary of State ; J. S. McCulloch, Auditor ; 
Henry L. Hertz, Treasurer ; E. C. Akin, Attorney-General ; University Trustees, 
E\ M. .McKay, T. J. Smith, Mrs. Mary Carriel. 

The most exciting feature of the convention w r as the contest over instruc- 
tions to the delegates-at-large to the National Convention. The friends of 
Senator Cullom were anxious to have the delegates instructed for him and 
Senator Charles W. Fuller presented a resolution to that effect. An amendment 
was offered by S. H. Bethea to substitute the name of William McKinley. The 
question was ably debated by Mr. Fuller in favor of Senator Cullom and by 
W. F. Calhoun in favor of Major McKinley. Upon the motion to lay the sub- 
ject on the table, made by a friend of Senator Cullom, the adherents of Major 
McKinley, under the leadership of Calhoun, Bethea, Allerton, Swift and others, 
voted the motion down with a majority of 200. This settled the question, and 
a resolution was adopted instructing the delegates-at-large to use their influence 
and vote for the nomination of W'illiam McKinley. This action by the con- 
vention was not actuated by want of friendship for Senator Cullom ; the opinion 
prevailed that he stood no chance of being nominated, and that an instruction 
for him would be of no practical value in securing his nomination ; besides, there 
was a strong feeling throughout the State in favor of Major McKinley, the 
opinion being that he was the best representative and exponent in the United 
States of the protective tariff principle, which was the dominant idea in the 
minds of the Republicans from one end of the country to the other. The con- 
vention had an inspiring effect upon the Republicans throughout the State, and 
this influence spread. The party entered the contest united and strong, with a 
determination to win. 

The Democratic State Convention met at Peoria, June 23, 1896, with 1,065 
delegates. The most important plank in the platform was as follows : "We 
demand the immediate restoration of the free and unlimited coinage of both gold 
and silver, as standard money, at the ratio of 16 ounces of silver to 1 ounce of 
gold of equal fineness, with full legal-tender power of each metal, without wait- 
ing or depending on any other nation on earth." They demanded the "abolition 
of government by injunction" and approved the administration of Governor 
Altgeld. The following nominations were made : John P. Altgeld, for Gov- 
ernor ; Monroe C. Crawford, Lieutenant-Governor ; Finis E. Downing, Secre- 
tary of State; W. F. Beck, Auditor; Edward C. Pace, Treasurer; George A. 
Trude, Attorney-General; Julia Holmes Smith, R. P. Morgan and M. W. Gra- 
ham, University Trustees. The Peoples' party having agreed to support the 
Democratic ticket if allowed to nominate the Auditor and three electors, Mr. 
Beck, the Democratic nominee, resigned, and A. L. Marshall, the Populist 
nominee, was substituted by the Democrats. 

The Populist party held their State Convention at Springfield, August 12, 
1896. The Gold Standard Democrats held a convention in Chicago, August 25, 
1896, adopted a platform approving the gold standard, selected delegates to a 
National Convention and nominated a State ticket as follows : John C. Black, 
for Governor ; Chester A. Babcock, for Lieutenant-Governor ; Charles S. Wiley, 
for Secretary of State ; F. E. Brink, for Auditor ; Edward Ridgeley, for Treas- 
urer; W 7 illiam S. Foreman, for Attorney-General; H. S. Busey, C. E. Babcock 
and August Niehaus, for University Trustees. On September 9, General Black 
declined the nomination and Hon. William S. Foreman was nominated to fill 
the vacancy and Daniel V. Samuels was named for Attorney-General. 

The Middle-of-the-Road Populists held a State Convention at Chicago, Sep- 
tember 15. The convention endorsed the nomination of Thomas E. Watson 

207 



for Vice-President and selected candidates for State offices except Governor— 
Henry D. Lloyd, Lieutenant-Governor; L. A. Quelmolz, Secretary of State; 
Grant Dunbar,' Auditor ; Joseph Schwerzer, Treasurer; E. I. Burdick, Attorney- 
General, and Mrs. Fanny Cavanaugh, University Trustee. Other conventions 
were held by the Prohibition and the Social-Labor Parties which nominated 
candidates for State offices. 

The depression in business which set in immediately after the inauguration 
oi President Cleveland involved every industry in the country; agriculture, 
manufactures, mining, commerce and finances, all alike suffered; bankruptcies 
increased, both individual and corporate, carrying down banks, railroads and 
other corporations; there was a large shrinkage in the value of real estate, 
sioek, bonds and every other form of personal property; the rate of wages 
declined, and hundreds of thousands of worthy people were thrown out of 
employment; the government's receipts were wholly inadequate to pay current 
expenses. Although the exports were largely in excess of the imports, there 
was a steady shipment of gold from the United States; want of confidence in 
the future value of American securities caused millions of dollars of stocks and 
bonds to be returned for sale in the United States ; the redemption reserve in 
the treasury was constantly encroached upon, and $262,000,000 United States 
bonds were sold ostensibly to replenish the reserve, but really to pay current 
expenses. While this condition of the country was at its height the time for 
the Presidential election approached. 

The Republican Convention met in St. Louis, Mo., June 16, 1896; whole 
number of delegates, 895 ; Marcus A. Hanna of Ohio was chairman of the 
Republican National Committee and William M. Osborn of Massachusetts was 
secretary. Charles W. Fairbanks of Indiana was made temporary chairman 
and John M. Thurston permanent chairman. The usual committee on resolu- 
tions was appointed and reported a platform which was adopted. Thirty-four 
members of the convention being in favor of the free coinage of silver at the 
ratio of 16 to 1, having ineffectually protested against the resolution in favor 
of the gold standard, withdrew under the leadership of Henry M. Teller, United 
States Senator from Colorado. On the first ballot for a candidate for President 
William McKinley was nominated. The vote was as follows : William Mc- 
Kinley, 661^ ; Thomas B. Reed, 84^ ; Matthew S. Quay, 6iy 2 ; Levi P. Morton, 
58; William B. Allison, 35^ ; J. Donald Cameron, 1 ; blank, 4. 

On the first ballot for a candidate for Vice-President Garret A. Hobart of 
New Jersey was nominated. The vote was as follows : Garret A. Hobart, 
535^4 ; Henry Clay Evans, 2JJV2 ; Morgan G. Buckeley, 39; James A. Walker, 
24; Charles W. Lippitt, 8; Thomas B. Reed, 3; Chauncey M. Depew, 3; John 
M. Thurston, 2; Frederick D. Grant, 2; Levi P. Morton, 1. 

The platform denounced the then existing Democratic tariff known as the 
Wilson Bill and endorsed the Republican doctrine of a protective tariff and the 
principle of reciprocity, promised protection to the wool growers and made 
this declaration in regard to finances : 

"The Republican party is unreservedly for sound money. It caused the 
enactment of the law providing for the resumption of specie payments in 1879; 
since then every dollar has been as good as gold. We are unalterably opposed 
to every measure calculated to debase our currency or impair the credit of our 
country. We are, therefore, opposed to the free coinage of silver except by 
international agreement with the leading commercial nations of the world, 
which we pledge ourselves to promote; and until such agreement can be ob- 
tained the existing gold standard must be maintained. All our silver and paper 
currency must be maintained at parity with gold, and we favor all measures 
designed to maintain inviolably the obligations of the United States and all our 
money, whether coin or paper, at the present standard, the standard of the most 
enlightened nations of the earth." 

The following resolution in regard to Cuba was adopted: 'The govern- 
ment of Spain having lost control of Cuba and being unable to protect the prop- 
erty or lives of resident American citizens or to comply with its treaty obliga- 
tions, we believe that the government of the United States should actively use 

208 



its influence and good offices to restore peace and give independence to the 
island." 

The Democratic party met at Chicago, July 7, 1896. James K. Jones of 
Arkansas was chairman of the Democratic National Committee and Charles 
A. Walsh of Iowa was secretary. John W. Daniel of Virginia was temporary 
chairman; Stephen M. White of California was permanent chairman. The 
advocates of the free and unlimited coinage of silver at the ratio of 16 to 1 had 
absolute control of the convention. The most conspicuous figures in the con- 
vention were Governor Altgeld of Illinois and Senator Tillman of South Caro- 
lina. The platform was an elaborate declaration of the principles of the party. 
The following quotations are made therefrom : 

"We demand the free and unlimited coinage of both silver and gold at the 
present ratio of 16 to 1, without waiting for the aid or consent of any other 
nation." 

"We denounce arbitrary interference by Federal authorities in local affairs 
as a violation of the Constitution of the United States and a crime against free 
institutions, and we especially object to government by injunction as a new and 
highly dangerous form of oppression by which Federal judges, in contempt of 
the laws of the States and rights of citizens, become at once legislators, judges 
and executioners." 

The New York delegation led a movement to amend the silver coinage 
resolution. Ex-Governor D. B. Hill offered an amendment to the effect that 
silver dollars issued under a free coinage law should not be a legal tender in 
payment of debts contracted previous to the passage of the law. This amend- 
ment was supported by Mr. Hill in an able speech, but was voted down by a 
great majority. The platform was finally adopted as at first reported by the 
vote of 628 to 301. 

William J. Bryan of Nebraska made an able and eloquent speech upon the 
silver question, which actually carried the convention away from its moor- 
ings and undoubtedly carried his nomination. William J. Bryan was nominated 
on the fifth ballot. The first ballot gave W. J. Bryan 119 votes, Richard P. 
Bland, 235 ; Robert E. Pattison, 95 ; Horace Boies, 85 ; Joseph S. C. Blackburn, 
83; Joseph R. McLean, 54; Claude Matthews, 37; Benjamin R. Tillman, 17, 
and seven other persons received votes ranging from 1 to 8. Arthur Sewall 
of Maine was nominated for Vice-President on the fifth ballot, receiving 568 
votes ; fifteen other persons were voted for for Vice-President. 

The Silver Party Convention met in St. Louis, Mo., July 22, 1896; Frank G. 
Newlands of Nevada, temporary chairman; William P. St. John of New York, 
chairman. This convention represented the bolting delegates from the Repub- 
lican Convention. They adopted a platform in favor of the free coinage of 
silver and nominated William J. Bryan for President and Arthur Sewall for 
Vice-President. 

The Peoples' Party Convention met at St. Louis, Mo., July 22, 1896. Marion 
C. Butler was temporary chairman and William V. Allen, chairman. The 
convention adopted a lengthy platform, of which the silver plank was the most 
important. It was as follows : "We demand the free and unrestricted coinage' 
of silver and gold at the present legal ratio of 16 to 1, without waiting for the 
consent of foreign nations." The vote of the convention for a Presidential 
candidate was as follows: William J. Bryan, 1,042; S. F. Norton, 321 ; Eugene 
V. Debs, 8; Ignatius Donnelly, 3 ; J. S. Coxey, 1. Thomas E. Watson of Geor- 
gia was nominated for Vice-President. He received 469^, Arthur Sewall 
2573^, and four others were voted for. 

The National Democratic Convention met at Indianapolis, Ind., September 
2. 1896. Roswell P. Flower of New York was temporary chairman; Donelsoii 
Caffery of Louisiana, permanent chairman. The convention favored the gold 
standard and nominated John M. Palmer of Illinois for President and Simon 
Bolivar Buckner of Kentucky for Vice-President. 

The Prohibition Convention met May 2y, 1896, at Pittsburg. A. A. Ste- 
vens of Pennsylvania was temporary chairman ; Oliver W. Stewart of Illinois, 
chairman, The convention adopted a prohibition platform and nominated 

209 



Joshua Levering of Maryland for President and Hale Johnson of Illinois for 
Vice-President. 

The National Party Convention met at Pittsburg, Pa.. May 28, 1896; A. L. 
Moore of Michigan, chairman. A platform was adopted opposing the manu- 
facture, sale, importation, exportation and transportation of intoxicating liquors ; 
favoring female suffrage, issuing of all money by the Government, and discuss- 
in- various other questions. The convention nominated Rev. Charles E. Bently 

ebraska for President and James H. Southgate of North Carolina for Vice- 
President. 

The Socialist Labor Convention met in New York City. July 6, 1896; Wil- 
liam Watkins of Ohio, chairman; and nominated Charles H. Matchett of New 
York for President and Matthew Maguire of New Jersey for Vice-President. 
The platform presented the views of the Socialist organization. The campaign 
brought out the best speaking talent of the country. The people took a pro- 
found interest in the event. Mr. Bryan made an extensive tour of the country, 
meeting immense crowds wherever he went. He fixed his attention solely on 
the silver question, and could not be drawn from its discussion, claiming that 
the free and unrestricted coinage of silver by the United States at the ratio of 
16 to 1 was the paramount question ; that the property and welfare of the country 
depended upon the success of that issue, and that all other questions must wait 
upon it. Mr. Bryan performed a labor as a public speaker unequaled by any 
man who had ever canvassed the country. 

Mr. McKinley remained at his home in Canton, Ohio, where he received 
numerous delegations from all parts of the country. He made many speeches, 
all clear, forceful and of great ability. He presented the questions of a pro- 
tective tariff and sound finance in a manner to be comprehended by all. His 
speeches were full of short, pointed statements of argument and conclusion, 
covering every phase of the issues of the campaign. These addresses stand as 
an evidence of the ability and oratorical resources of the speaker. 

While there were a number of candidates for the Presidency, everybody 
knew that the issue was between the Republican party on the one side and the 
Democratic party and its allies on the other. The issues between these two 
great parties were to be passed upon by the people at the polls. There was 
fusion on the electoral ticket of the Democrats and Populists, and in some of 
the states there was fusion on the electoral ticket of the Democrats and Silver 
Republicans. 

The popular vote was as follows: William McKinley, 7,107,304; William 
J. Bryan (Democratic vote 6,287,352, Populist vote 245,728), 6.533.080; Joshua 
Levering, 130,753; Charles E. Bentley, 13,955; Charles H. Matchett, 33-545; 
John M. Palmer, 133,542. Total. 13,952,179. 

Electoral vote ; McKinley and Hobart, 271 ; William J. Bryan. 176 ; Arthur 
Sewall for Vice-President, 149; Thomas E. Watson for Vice-President, 27. 
William McKinley and Garret A. Hobart were duly elected President and Vice- 
President. 

The Fifty-fifth Congress was divided politically as follows : Senate. — 34 
Democrats, 44 Republicans, 5 Populists, 6 Silver Republicans and 1 Independent. 
House — 121 Democrats, 203 Republicans, 21 Populists, 3 Silverites, 4 Independ- 
ents. 5 vacancies. 

The Fifty-sixth Congress is divided politically as follows; Senate — 51 
Republicans. 26 Democrats, 5 Populists, 4 Silverites. 4 vacancies. House — 185 
Republicans, 161 Democrats, 5 Populists, 3 Silverites, -3 vacancies. 



210 



CHAPTER XXXII. 

Governor Tanner's Administration — Review of Laws Enacted in Illi- 
nois Under Republican Governors Since 1856. 

At the November election, 1896, so widely divergent was public opinion 
that there were thirteen tickets on the ballot, namely: Democrat, Republican, 
Prohibition, Peoples' Party, Socialist Labor Party, National Party, Independent 
Gold Standard Democracy, Independent Party, Independent Democratic Party, 
Independent Silver Party, Independent Republican Party, National Silver Party 
and Middle-of-the-Road' Party. 

The vote on the State election stood as follows : Tanner, 587,587 ; Altgeld, 
474,270; Gere, 14,582; Foreman, 8,100; Bastian, 985. 

The vote for Presidential Electors was: Republican, 607,130; Democratic, 
464,523; Prohibition, 9,796; Gold Democrat, 6,390; Social Labor, 1,147; Middle- 
of-the-Road Populist, 1,090; National, 793. 

Governor John R. Tanner was inaugurated January nth, 1897, on the same 
day William A. Northcott, Lieutenant-Governor ; James A. Rose, Secretary of 
State ; James S. McCullough, Auditor ; Henry L. Hertz, Treasurer ; and Edward 
C. Akin, Attorney General, were sworn into office and assumed the duties of 
their respective positions. On February 2d, Jasper N. Reece was appointed 
Adjutant General. The legislature then in session was strongly Republican. 
The Senate contained thirty-eight Republicans, twelve Democrats, and one Peo- 
ple's. The House contained eighty-eight Republicans, sixty-three Democrats 
and two People's. The Senate had elected Hendrick V. Fisher President pro 
tern, and James H. Paddock, Secretary ; the Plouse had elected Ed. C. Curtis 
Speaker, and John A. Reeve, Clerk. 

In his inaugural address Governor Tanner exhibited a strong grasp of all 
important public questions. It was quite evident that he had given matters 
of State government serious consideration, and that he was not entering upon 
the duties of his office unprepared for the weighty task before him. The financial 
embarrassments of the State became a matter of serious concern to Governor 
Tanner immediately upon entering the duties of his office. On February 10, 
1897, he sent a special message to the House of Representatives, in which he 
set forth the fact that the unpaid appropriations of the previous General As- 
sembly amounted to $1,800,000; that $900,000 of the amount was due and pay- 
able during the quarter ending March 31, 1897, and that the fund available to 
pay the same would not exceed $150,000. 

The Governor recommended that the legislature authorize the borrowing of 
$250,000, as provided for in the constitution. The authority was granted ; the 
loan was openly negotiated ; and the money borrowed at 2.6 per cent interest per 
annum. This loan was authorized by law, consequently the State was able to 
secure the money at the lowest rate of interest. Making this loan was the 
only legal means open for the relief of the treasury. The last fiscal year o£ 
Governor Altgeld's administration ended June 30, 1897, six months after the 
Governor had retired from office. The assessments and tax levies had been 
made, and nothing Governor Tanner could do would increase the amount of 
revenue or hasten its collection and payment into the State Treasury. His action 
in obtaining authority from the legislature to borrow the money was a marked 
departure from the methods adopted by his predecessor. 

The period of time covered by the administration of Governor Tanner has 
been filled with events of great moment and he has of necessity been required 
to act upon them ; the appointment of competent people to office ; the street 
railway franchise question in the city of Chicago; the disorders incident to a 

211 



number of labor strikes; the Spanish war; and the finances of the State have 
all earnestly engaged the attention of the Governor. In regard to the appoint- 
ments made by Governor Tanner, his most unfriendly critics must admit that 
in point of ability, efficiency and fidelity to duty these men have never been 
excelled. Governor Tanner is a Republican. He has labored for years for 
the success of the party. He is a thorough believer in the proposition that the 
Republican party can more certainly give the State an efficient administration 
through its party friends than through its party opponents. He has acted upon 
these principles and has placed Republicans in the high places of public trust 
and confidence, but in doing so he has been guided in his selections by a still 
higher test of fitness, that of ability and integrity. The admirable manner in 
which all the public institutions of the State have been conducted during Gov- 
ernor Tanner's term fully attest the merits of the men who have had charge 
of them. There has been no case of scandal, no case of fraud, no case of pecu- 
lation, no case of defalcation. When compared with the previous Democratic 
administration of the public institutions, which was clouded by mismanagement, 
peculations, fraud and defalcations in nearly all of them, the business of the State 
as conducted by this Republican administration stands out in bold relief. 

It is the duty of men to be honest in public places and to perform their 
duties faithfully. Indeed this is always expected of Republican office holders. 
But having performed their duties with intelligence and fidelity, they are entitled 
to the commendation of their fellow citizens. 

In 1897 the extension of the franchises of a number of the street railway 
companies of Chicago became a burning question. A number of these franchises 
were about to expire ; the managers of the property and the owners of the stocks 
and bonds necessarily felt a deep interest in having those franchises renewed 
on liberal terms. This was natural and was to have been expected. The agita- 
tion of the question as to what would be just terms for the extensions became 
so heated and intemperate, in the public press and with great numbers of promi- 
nent people, that a settlement of the matter in Chicago between the companies 
and the authorities with the approval of the public became impracticable. The 
railway managers appealed to the legislature and the war was carried to 
Springfield. The first bill introduced in and passed by the Senate was defeated 
in the House. The second bill, known as the Allen law, met a different fate. 
It passed both houses ; it was not a party measure ; it was supported by a large 
majority o'f the Cook County delegation in the legislature. It was a general law, 
but conferred certain authority on the city government of Chicago in regard to 
the extension of street railway franchises. The serious objection made to the 
bill by its opponents was that under its provisions the city government had too 
much authority ; that the franchise extensions might be made upon terms too 
liberal. The fear expressed was that undue and corrupt influences would induce 
the city government to grant to the street car companies long term franchises 
with inadequate compensation to the city for the use of the streets. The propo- 
sition which was urged with greatest force was that in addition to the ordinary 
taxes paid by the companies on their property that they should be required to 
pay twenty per cent of their gross earnings into the city treasury. The advocates 
of this plan seemed oblivious to the fact that this was not a tax on the corpora- 
tions, but a tax upon the traveling public. This bill came before the Governor 
for his consideration. Immense petitions were presented urging him to approve 
the bill. Many large taxpayers urged its approval. 

The mayor of Chicago and a delegation of prominent men visited the Gov- 
ernor and in a personal interview presented their views favoring the veto of the 
bill. After due consideration the Governor signed the bill and it became a law. 
This Allen law became an issue in Cook County at the following election for 
legislators. The nominating conventions in a majority of the districts exacted 
pledges from their candidates to the effect that they would vote for the repeal 
of the Allen law. In his message to the Forty-first General Assembly the Gov- 
ernor discussed the taxation and fares question in connection with the extension 
of these franchises. He advocated the principles that where the earnings of a 
company are such as to justify it, instead of having a large percentage of those 
earnings paid into the city treasury, the fares should be reduced to the traveling 

212 






public. This proposition is unquestionably just. The city railways should be 
required to pay their equal proportion of taxes, but they should not be used 
as an instrumentality to exact from their patrons a tax to the city for the privi- 
lege of using a public highway. 

The Forty-first General Assembly passed a bill repealing the Allen law 
and Governor Tanner approved it. The approval of the Allen bill brought down 
upon Governor Tanner's head an avalanche of severe criticism from many lead- 
ing men in Chicago and from a portion of the press. To some of these criticisms 
the Governor replied in kind. He is not a man to submit to abuse tamely. 
Knowing that he had performed his duty in this matter conscientiously and un- 
influenced by mercenary motives, he felt indignant at the continuous attacks 
of the press and their effort to bring him into contempt with the people of the 
State. However men may differ as to the merits of the Allen law, when they 
realize the fact that the Governor was in no way responsible for the introduction 
of the bill, and at no time did he exercise any influence whatever in favor of its 
passage, but simply performed his duty as he understood it when he came to sign 
the bill, they will realize the injustice of a prejudice against him for what he did 
in the matter. There is one thing quite certain, those who have known Gov- 
ernor Tanner longest and best will acquit him of any improper motive in con- 
nection with the Allen law. 

Illinois is now the second State in the Union in the production of coal. 
There are about one thousand producing mines in the State. To operate these 
mines requires a very large force of employes. From time to time disagree- 
ments arise between the owners and the operatives. In 1897, after the inaugura- 
tion of Governor Tanner, he found that a serious controversy existed between 
the mine owners and the employes ; the trouble continued during most of the 
year, but by conservatism and persuasion on the part of the Governor, there was 
no serious outbreak, and no bloodshed during the entire year. 

In January, 1898, a convention was held in Ohio, where representatives 
of the mine owners of the coal fields of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Missouri, 
and representatives of the mine operatives met, and, after due consultation, 
agreed upon a scale of prices to be paid in the district ; the differential questions 
of the rates to be paid were referred to the mine owners and the operatives of 
each State respectively. Following this convention a meeting of mine owners 
and operatives was held at Springfield, Illinois, and an adjustment of the prices 
was had and terms agreed upon without a dissenting voice on either side. 
Under this agreement, about 860 mines in the State opened up and had an 
active year in the coal business. A few mines, most of them in the Virden-Pana 
district, soon closed down, some of them, perhaps, never having opened up 
under the contract. The operatives did not strike — it was a lock-out by the 
mine owners, they being unwilling to work under the Springfield agreement. It 
is understood that all of these mine owners were either present or represented 
at the Springfield meeting, and voted for or did not oppose the adoption of the 
scale of wages. It seems that the miners were perfectly willing to work at the 
same scale of wages that was being paid at the other mines throughout the 
State. Late in the summer the mine owners of Pana quietly brought in several 
hundred miners from Alabama, most of them negroes who had learned their 
trade while doing time while under a sentence in the penitentiary. The miners 
resented this act, and trouble was the result. The militia was called out and a 
detachment sent down, the commanding officers being instructed to protect 
life and property and preserve order, but not to assist the mine owners in their 
scheme of importing laborers under guard. Order was restored for a time. 
The Superintendent' of the Virden mine in Macoupin County sent agents to 
Birmingham, Ala., and engaged three or four hundred negroes of the same 
character as before described, to come to Virden and take employment in the 
mine. The agents, it is understood, did not inform these negroes that trouble 
existed at Virden, between the company and their old employes. These negro 
miners were placed in cars, under lock ; about seventv-five men from some detec- 
tive agency, armed with Winchester rifles, accompanied these miners as a guard. 

Governor Tanner was informed of this state of things while the train was 
still at St. Louis ; he was also informed by the Superintendent of the Virden mine 

213 



that the train load of miners were on their way to Yirden, and he demanded that 
the militia at once be sent to Yirden to aid in the protection ot these men, 
as he was satisfied that on their arrival there would be a conflict. The Yirden 
mine had already been enclosed by a strong stockade and towers, including 
about ten acres, and some sixty or more armed detectives were already in the 
enclosure. When these facts were brought to Governor Tanner's attention, he 
urged the Superintendent to desist from bringing these miners and this body 
of armed men into the State, urging that this array of armed men was cal- 
culated to stimulate a breach of the peace, and cause a riot and conflict between 
them and the large number of laborers who had been discharged. The Gov- 
ernor, using the telephone, urged the Superintendent that, assuming that he had 
the legal right to do this, it was obviously a great moral wrong to precipitate 
a riot and bloodshed, but the Superintendent insisted that the National Guard 
should be sent down. This the Governor declined to do. informing the Superin- 
tendent that if persons came in from neighboring States in the ordinary way 
that he would afford them protection, if it took the entire National Guard of the 
State to do so. but that he was opposed to the importation of labor under the 
guard of a body of armed, irresponsible persons not under the direction of the 
law officers of the State. The (Governor intimated that if he had time to do so, 
he would call out the National Guard to prevent this armed force and the 
miners coming into the State from St. Louis. In a few hours this train load of 
armed men and miners rolled into Yirden: their coming had been announced; 
and a great crowd of people were present to witness their arrival. A commo- 
tion occurred, and the armed detectives in the towers and on the train fired, 
killing twelve persons, most of whom were unarmed, innocent spectators taking 
no part in the disorder. The Grand Jury indicted a number of persons con- 
nected with this bloody work. 

Later on there was some rioting at Pana : the militia were sent to that place 
and remained there some seven months, until the conflict between the owners 
and operatives was settled. A number of the negroes, anxious to return to Ala- 
bama, were furnished transportation, which was paid for out of the contingent 
fund of the State. Some forty or fifty* of these men. thrown out of employ- 
ment at Yirden and Pana. went to Cartersville. Williamson County, and were 
employed there. These people excited a great deal of opposition, and on a cer- 
tain Sunday, when a number of them were on their way to church at Marian, 
eight of them were shot to death bv a mob. Indictments were preferred against 
parties engaged in this riot, but they were tried and acquitted. This was an 
unhappy business from the beginning to the end and kept the operators of the 
State in a turmoil for several months. The course of events during that period 
seems to urgently suggest the enactment of a law in this State of compulsory 
arbitration, to be conducted under the management of a State Board organized 
specially for that purpose, and also the enactment of a stringent law for the 
arrest and punishment of bodies of armed men organized by detective agencies 
and sent into Illinois to guard miners being transported to disturb districts in 
the State. The conflict between mine owners and their discharged employes 
should not be permitted to result in a breach of the peace or destruction of 
property. When owners of mines have secured the employment of a large 
number of men, and they, with their families, have for several years been living 
off the earnings made in the mines, and these people strike for alleged causes or 
are locked out by their employers, for alleged causes, the miners should be pre- 
vented from interfering with or destroving property, and the mine owners, also, 
should be required by law to pause in their operations until such time as the 
grievances existing between the employer and the employed can be settled by 
arbitration. The peace of the State must be preserved at every cost, not only 
a< against operatives, but also against mine owners. Governor Tanner was 
clearly right in protesting against the invasion of the State by the armed detec- 
tives of the Yirden mine. It is obvious, from the course pursued bv Governor 
Tanner, that his prime object was the preservation of law and order. 

When the news of the destruction of the Maine and two hundred and sixtv- 

f her ill-fated crew reached the L'nited States the Illinois legislature was in 

on. On February 17. 1898. two davs after the disaster. Governor Tanner 

sent a message to that body recommending a resolution of condolence to the 

214 



families of the deceased, and a tender to the National Government of a military 
force in the event of war with Spain. The legislature the same day passed suitable 
resolutions in accordance with the views of the Governor. 

On April 21, passports were delivered to General Woodford, the American 
Minister at Madrid, and Polo Y. Bernabe, the Spanish Minister, left Washington 
City. 

On April 23, 1898, President McKinley issued a call for 125,000 volunteers. 
On April 25th the allotment of troops under the call was made by the Secretary 
of War. Governor Tanner decided to call out the Illinois National Guard in 
response to the call for volunteers, so on April 25, he issued a proclamation 
directing the National Guard of Illinois to assemble at the Fair Grounds near 
Springfield, April 27, by noon. 

The greatest activity prevailed in making preparations to receive the troops. 
Brig.-Gen. J. H. Barkley was placed in command of the post. The promptness 
with which these troops left their employments, assembled at their proper places 
of rendezvous, and made all arrangements for responding to the call of duty, 
can be understood by the dispatch of the Governor sent within thirty-six hours 
after he had issued his proclamation. This is the message: 

"Springfield, 111., April 27, 1898. 
"Secretary of War, Washington, D. C., 

"Seven regiments of infantry and one of cavalry are mobilized at Spring- 
field. Approximate strength, 8,000. Await further orders. 

"JOHN R. TANNER, Governor." 

On May 25th, the President called for 75,000 additional volunteers. Under 
these two calls, the Illinois National Guard were equipped and mustered into 
the service of the United States in the following order : 

Fifth Infantry, Col. J. S. Culver, May 7 ; 3d Infantry, Col. Fred C. Bennett, 
May 7 ; 6th Infantry, Col. D. Jack Foster, May 11 ; ; Battery A., 111. N. G., Capt. 
Phillip Yaeger, May 12; 1st Infantry, Col. Henry L. Turner, May 13; 2d In- 
fantry, Col. Geo. M. Moulton, May 16; 7th Infantry, Col. Marcus Kavanaugh, 
May 18; 4th Infantry, Col. Casimer Andel, May 20. 

Additional regiments, known as Illinois Volunteers, were organized, 
equipped and mustered in as follows: 1st Cavalry, Col. Ed. C. Young, May 21 ; 
9th Illinois Infantry, Col. James R. Campbell, July 4, 1 1 ; 8th Illinois Infantry, 
Col. John R. Marshall, July 22. 

These regiments were composed of as fine a body of officers and men as 
could have been assembled in the State. The promptness with which the national 
guard turned out showed their efficiency and discipline, and, further, is con- 
clusive proof of the wisdom of the national guard law. The Illinois soldiers of 
the Spanish war reflected credit upon themselves and the State, and are entitled 
to the gratitude of their countrymen. Col. Marshall's 8th Regiment was com- 
posed entirely of colored men. Governor Tanner had confidence in the patriot- 
ism, courage and ability of these men and commissioned men of their own race 
to offices, including the colonel commanding. They did not disappoint his 
expectations. 

With an almost empty treasury and a deficiency of nearly $2,000,000, Gov- 
ernor Tanner was compelled to increase the rate of taxation for State expenses 
the first year of his administration. He proposed to bring the State back to 
Republican methods and had no fears of facing the people on that question. The 
operations of the State treasury during the past two years in respect to regular 
State expenses are briefly set forth as follows : 

1897 Tax rate 66 cents, amount raised $4,989,326.40 

1898 Tax rate 56 cents, amount raised 4,140,668.54 

1899 Tax rate 42 cents, amount raised 3,853,467.03 

Total paid into treasury .' $12,982,461.97 

These revenues were faithfully used for liquidating the debts contracted by 
the previous administration ; for paying the current expenses of the government 
as provided for by law, and accumulating in the treasury a surplus as a working 

215 



capital, so that the business of the State can be continuously carried on and its 
expenses paid during- each quarter without the necessity of incurring debts or 
borrowing money. As a result of this judicious management of the affairs of 
the Stale, the balance in the treasury on July I, 1900. was $2,103,779.22. 

Governor Tanner has clearly demonstrated his ability as an executive offi- 
cer. In the selection of men to administer important positions under him he has 
shown the rare faculty of surrounding himself with men not only of ability but 
of fidelity. Their official conduct when compared with their predecessors stands 
in noble contrast, and is creditable to themselves and to the Republican admin- 
istration of which they formed an honorable part. 

The progress of the State of Illinois during the past forty years can be 
judged by the laws placed upon the statute books and the executive records. If 
nothing else remained upon which a student of her history could base an opin- 
ion, these records would necessarily lead to the conclusion that they represented 
a great, progressive, intelligent, humane and free people. 

Almost every conceivable subject has been treated of by the law-making 
power. The subject of education has received constant thought. Agriculture, 
the great underlying industry, has had intelligent care. Mining and manufac- 
turing have received due attention. Commerce, transportation, navigation, trade 
and finance have been encouraged and guarded. The government and improve- 
ment of towns, villages and cities, including the establishment of parks, have 
received wise consideration. Laws to secure uniform taxation have been a con- 
stant study. 

The treatment of the unfortunate, defective and criminal classes — the gov- 
ernment of erring youth, and the nurture of poor and abandoned children, have 
all received the attention of legislators, animated by the broadest sentiments of 
humanity. 

This great progressive work began with the Legislature of 1857. At that 
time there were only four State institutions. Three of these at Jacksonville for 
the care of the blind, the deaf and dumb, and the insane. The fourth was the 
old and out-of-date penitentiary at Alton. 

By the act of February 18, 1857, the State Board of Education was created, 
and the State Normal University at Xormal was established. This was the 
foundation of the present splendid educational system of Illinois. The immediate 
success of the education of teachers brought about a higher and advancing 
standard of instruction throughout the State. The Southern Illinois Xormal 
University at Carbondale followed in 1869. The University of Illinois at Urbana, 
the Eastern Illinois State Xormal School at Charleston and the Xorthern Illi- 
nois State Xormal School at DeKalb followed in due course. The existing free 
school system of education of Illinois, with its compulsory provision, affords the 
rising generation of the State an opportunity to obtain free of cost a good, prac- 
tical education ; while the normal schools and university conveniently located 
in various parts of the State are accessible to those who aspire to a higher edu- 
cation. Xo State in the Union has advanced to a higher plane for public edu- 
cation than the State of Illinois. Besides this, the State is the home of a num- 
ber of well established and successful colleges and universities. 

The Legislature of 1857 also made provision for the erection of a new 
penitentiary at Joliet. This institution has been conducted in the most satis- 
factory manner and has from time to time been in charge of men highly fitted 
by nature for this class of work. 

Amongst them Major R. W. McClaughry stands pre-eminent. Xo man in 
the United States is better qualified by experience and natural gift than he, for 
the management of a great penal institution. Recognizing his fitness for such 
a service, he has been selected by the United States Government to manage 
the Xational Prison at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. 

The imprisonment of the young with hardened criminals was provided 
against in 1867 by the establishment of the Illinois State Reformatory at Pon- 
tiac and a State home for juvenile female offenders was established at Geneva 
in 1893. 

Provisions for the care of the insane has kept pace with the growth of the 
State. The Southern Hospital for the Insane at Anna, the Xorthern Hospital 

216 



for the Insane at Elgin, were authorized in 1869, the Eastern Hospital for the 
Insane at Kankakee in 1877, the Western Hospital for the Insane at Rock 
Island in 1895, while at Chester an asylum for insane criminals was established 
in 1889, and a similar institution for the incurable insane was established at 
Peoria in 1895. Other classes of unfortunates were provided for. An asylum 
for feeble minded children was located at Lincoln in 1865, and the same year the 
Illinois Charitable Eye and Ear Infirmary was established in Chicago, while 
later on, in 1887, the industrial home for blind children was also located in 
Chicago. 

But the Legislature did not stop with these institutions. The Civil War left 
its victims of misfortune and poverty. In 1865 the Soldiers' Orphans' Home was 
established at Normal and in 1895 the Soldiers' and Sailors' Home was located at 
Quincy, and the same year the Soldiers' Widows' Home was located at 
Wilmington. 

These noble charities one and all will stand as monuments to the humanity 
and liberality of the people of Illinois. The appropriations for their support have 
at all times been liberal. Their management has been humane and progressive. 

The rapid growth in population, in the development of agriculture, in the 
extension of railroads, in the mining of coal, in manufacturing, in internal com- 
merce and especially the extraordinary increase of the business interests of 
Chicago threw upon the legislature of Illinois the grave and important duties of 
devising and enacting laws suitable to the necessities of so complex a civilization. 
The old theory that "the world is governed too much" had exerted its influence 
in the early days of the State, and the people and corporations had been left 
to carry on their business without State supervision. The time had arrived, 
however, when the old policy gave way to more advanced ideas and the govern- 
ment entered upon the task of taking a more active part in the affairs of the 
people. 

A number of important measures, far reaching in their character, and per- 
manent in their duration, were brought forward and passed into laws. 

A State Board of Equalization, for equalizing the assessments for State 
taxes, was established in 1867. A State Board of Charities was provided for in 
1869; this Board supervised the charitable institutions of the State. In 1871 the 
Railroad and Warehouse Commission was organized to supervise the railroads 
and public grain elevators throughout the State so as to prevent discrimination 
and to maintain uniform and reasonable transportation rates, and by inspection 
of grain to secure to purchasers the delivery of grain equal to the article con- 
tracted for according to the established grades ; in connection with this com- 
mission a corps of grain inspectors was authorized. The beneficial work of this 
Commission can scarcely be overestimated. State fairs had for many years been 
patronized by the State, but in 1893 the State Board of Agriculture was organ- 
ized with a president, secretary and treasurer and one vice-president from each 
Congressional District, and this Board was given charge of the State fairs, which 
are now a State institution. The professions and trades also came under the 
supervision of the State. 

The Commissioners of Labor were established in 1879. The State Board 
of Pharmacy and the State Board of Dental Examiners were established in 1881. 
A corps of mine inspectors, and a State Board of Examiners of Mine Inspectors 
was authorized by law in 1893 ; as was the State Board of Examiners of Archi- 
tects ; and the State Board of Examiners of Horseshoers in 1897. The Fish 
Commissioners were authorized in 1879; as were the live stock commissioners 
in 1885. 

In 1893 a corps of Inspectors of Factories was created, consisting of a 
Chief Inspector, an assistant chief and the deputy inspectors. 

Three game wardens were authorized by law in 1885. A State Board of 
Pardons was created June 5, 1897. 

A State Entomologist and a State Veterinarian were provided for by law 
in 1885 ; while as early as May 25, 1877, three State Agents to enforce the law 
in relation to cruelty to animals were authorized. 

On May 25, 1889, the State Historical Library was established with a 
president, vice-president and secretary, and located at the State Capital. 

217 



On February 8, 1869, the Lincoln Park Commissioners were authorized, 
and on the 27th of the same month and year the West Park Commissioners 
were provided for. 

The Illinois State Dairy Men's Association was incorporated March 5, 1883. 

The Illinois Farmers' Institute was created June 24, 1895, with a president 
and four other officers and a Board of Directors, consisting of twenty-seven 
persons, one from each Congressional District, and five ex-officio directors, con- 
sisting of the Dean of the State Agricultural College and four other State officials. 

The Illinois State Horticultural Society was created March 24, 1874, and 
the Illinois State Poultry, Pigeon and Pet Stock Association was incorporated 
December 3, 1896. 

The mention of the various Commissioners, Boards and Institutions without 
going into detail as to their various objects and purposes is sufficient to show 
to some extent the range of legislation. 

The legislation for the promotion of the interests of Chicago has been 
of immense importance ; two enactments alone need be cited, viz. : The law in 
aid of the World's Columbian Exposition, and the act authorizing the Drainage 
Canal and creating the Sanitary District of Chicago, from which $30,000,000 
has been collected for the digging of the canal. Both of these great works, car- 
ried to complete success at a cost of $45,000,000, have brought Chicago to the 
attention of mankind as the most progressive city in the world. But the legis- 
lators did not complete their work with the legislation cited. They improved 
the Common Law System of Pleading and Practice. They created the Court 
of Appeals, and thereby made it possible for the Supreme Court to keep up 
with its work. In trials for murder they authorized imprisonment for life. 
They permitted parties to a suit to testify in their own behalf. They passed 
laws for the protection of bank deposits ; encouraging and regulating farm 
draining ; the reduction of the rate of interest ; for the organization of the State 
Militia ; for the compulsory education of children ; for regulating primary elec- 
tions ; they established the present mode of conducting elections ; and also passed 
a law for restricting the right of aliens to acquire and hold real and personal 
estate. 

They have enacted a general incorporation law suitable for every industry, 
employment or business for profit or pleasure. They have made provision for 
the government of insurance companies, either foreign, American or State. They 
have enacted a pure food law, for which every householder should be thankful. 

They enacted a series of laws restricting the sale of intoxicating drinks, 
including the license law of 1883, which is probably the most comprehensive 
and wisest legislation upon that subject extant in the L T nited States. 

They have regulated the employment of child labor by mines, manufacturers 
and merchants and limited the age of employment. They have enacted laws 
relieving women of the injustice of many common law disabilities, and have 
secured to them the right of contract and the disposal of their own property. 

As before stated, these acts began in 1857, during the governorship of 
Colonel Bissell. During the Civil War legislation was mainly confined to 
strengthening the military power of the State, but under Governor Oglesby the 
good work was taken up again. 

When Governor Palmer came in January, 1869, the agitation began for 
regulating railroad passenger rates. Senator Fuller introduced a bill fixing pas- 
senger rates on railroads at three cents per mile. The bill passed both houses, 
but was vetoed by the Governor upon the ground that it was an invasion of the 
corporate contract rights of the railroad. 

A new bill was passed and approved limiting "to a just, reasonable and 
uniform rate, fare, toll and compensation for the transportation of passengers 
and freight." This subject received further attention April 13, 1871, when the 
railroad and warehouse commissioners' act was passed. The legislature during 
the administrations of Governor Beveridge and Governor Cullom enacted a 
number of important measures, and the same can be said of the administration 
of Governor Hamilton and of the third administration of Governor Oglesby and 
of the administration of Governor Joseph W. Fifer. The same progressive 
spirit prevailed during the administration of every Republican Governor, 

218 



The public debt created for internal improvements reached its highest 
point, $16,724,177, January 1, 1853, and was fully paid off during Governor 
Cullom's second term. 

The legislators of Illinois have kept pace with this great progressive age. 
They have fashioned the laws from time to time to meet the changing conditions 
of this people. Being the representatives of the people, and knowing their cir- 
cumstances and needs, the laws have been framed accordingly. The splendid 
legislative superstructure has met the expectations of the people. The machinery 
of government set in motion by the laws has worked harmoniously, and for the 
uplifting and betterment of the people. 

These statutes of Illinois are obviously the result of an immense amount 
of labor and profound study upon the questions upon which they treat. They 
conclusively show that their makers were men of fine constructive ability and 
were devoted to the great task of legislating to the best interests of the people 
of the State of Illinois. 

During the past forty-four years the Governors of this State have been 
Republicans with the single exception of one term of four years from January, 
1893, to January, 1897, when John P. Altgeld, a Democrat, was Governor. The 
Republican party have almost continuously been responsible for legislation. 
They have led the way in the enactment of nearly every important measure, and it 
is but fair to claim for the Republican party the credit for the splendid, pro- 
gressive and wise system of laws which have been enacted for the State. 



219 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 

President McKixley's Administration — The War With Spaix. 

The election of William McKinley, President, had the immediate effect of 
restoring- confidence in the future. The verdict of the people was in favor of 
a protective tariff and the gold standard. They had elected 203 Republicans to 
the National House of Representatives, being a majority of 49 over all opposi- 
tion. It was known that the Senate, composed of 90 members, had but 44 Re- 
publicans, but it was confidently believed that enough of the six silver Repub- 
licans would vote for a protective tariff to carry that measure. The second ses- 
sion of the Fifty-fourth Congress, which met in December, 1896. with Thomas 
B. Reed as Speaker, did not undertake to legislate upon important questions, 
although the House had a large Republican majority, but the tariff question 
was taken up by Hon. Xelson Dingley and others, and the entire time of the 
session was spent in the preparation of a tariff bill. 

President McKinley was inaugurated March 4, 1897, with great jubilation. 
It was quite obvious from everything that occurred throughout the country 
that a great pall had been lifted and that the people everywhere felt that the 
Republican platform, upon which the party went to the country, was not a mere 
formality but that every promise made therein would be faithfully kept. The 
President immediately issued a proclamation convening the Fifty-fifth Congress 
in special session. Hon. Thomas B. Reed of Maine was elected Speaker; he 
appointed the Committee on Ways and Means, naming Hon. Xelson Dingley 
of Maine. Chairman. That committee proceeded at once to the preparation of 
a tariff bill, and in good time it was presented to the House. On March 31, 
1897, twenty-seven days after President McKinley's inauguration, the bill 
passed the House of Representatives. It passed the Senate July 7, with amend- 
ments. On July 9, a conference committee of the two Houses began its con- 
sideration : the committee agreed upon a report : that report was adopted by 
the House July 19, and by the Senate July 24. The bill was immediately ap- 
proved by the President. The principle which governed in the preparation and 
passage of this law was plain and simple, namely : that all articles which cannot 
be produced in the United States, except luxuries, should be admitted free of 
duty, and that on all imports coming into competition with the products of 
American labor there should be levied duties equal to the difference between 
wages abroad and at home. The recommendation of President McKinley in 
his message to Congress, that "In raising revenue, duties should be levied upon 
foreign products as to preserve the home market, so far as possible to our own 
producer.-." was fully carried out. This law has produced sufficient revenue 
t<, pay the current expenses of the Government with a small surplus, while the 
revenues from the Wilson bill which it repealed were wholly inadequate and 
were supplementd by loans. The good effect of this law upon the productive 
industries of the country was instantaneous. The history of the world affords 
no parallel to the extraordinary revival of business which attended the passage 
of the Dingley tariff law. 

The McKinley bill created during President Harrison's administration was 
simply an amendment of former protective legislation applying the principles 
to larger classes of products and introducing the important feature of recip- 
rocity with foreign nations in the interchange of products. As has been shown, 
the country had prospered as never before under the law. while its repeal by 
the Wilson bill plunged the country into an abyss of financial and commercial 
woe. A few comparative figures will shed a flood of light upon the subject. 
During the first three years of Harrison's administration, the wheat crop was 

220 



worth $1,190,738,096. During the first three years of Cleveland's administra- 
tion the wheat crop was worth $677,012,404, while during the first three years 
of McKinley's administration it was worth $1,140,862,700. Deposits in National 
banks, 1892, $1,771,000,000; deposits in National banks, 1895, $1,574,000,000; 
deposits in National banks, 1899, $2,605,000,000. The per capita circulation 
of money under Harrison was $24.44, under Cleveland, $21.10, under McKinley, 
$26.50. The total money in the United States, as shown by the Treasury re- 
ports was: July 1, 1896, $1,506,434,966; on July 1, 1900, $2,062,425,496. There 
has been no run upon the National treasury for gold during McKinley's admin- 
istration as there was during the administration of President Cleveland. In 
regard to the manufacturers, every industry in the country was quickened, the 
millions of persons thrown out of employment were given work at increased 
wages. The wisdom of the protective system is vindicated by results. 

The United States now leads all nations in agriculture, in manufactures, in 
mining, in facilities for and cheapness of transportation; in the volume of pro- 
ducts sold in the home market; in the rate of wages paid to every class of 
labor ; in the style of living of its inhabitants ; and in accumulated wealth. There 
is more raw material for manufacturers imported now than ever before, and 
there are more manufactured articles exported now than ever before. Manu- 
factured articles exported in i860, $40,345,892; in 1880, $102,856,015; in 1900, 
$432,284,366. By reason of superior skill and cheap transportation American 
manufacturers are now entering foreign markets with their products, although 
the wages paid are fifty per cent greater than abroad. The excess of exports 
over imports in the year ending June 30, 1898, 1899 and 1900 amounted to $1,689,- 
778,790, while the excess of exports over imports from 1790 to June 30, 1897, 
was only $356,809,012. The result of this state of trade has placed this country 
financially at ease. The drains of the precious metals to pay foreign debts has 
ceased, the amount of precious metals has rapidly increased, and instead of 
being a debtor nation, the United States has become a creditor nation. Ameri- 
can bankers are loaning money to Great Britain and Germany. 

Experience is often a hard school in which to learn the great lessons of 
life, the experience of the country under the McKinley bill, the Wilson bill and 
the Dingley bill, would seem to be sufficient for this day and generation in re- 
gard to the tariff question. Prosperity depends upon the people having constant 
remunerative labor. They cannot have that if the tariff law throws open the 
doors of the home market so that foreigners, without paying for the privilege, 
can enter that market and sell articles which can be produced here. If we 
employ others to do our work for us, we certainly will be idle ourselves. The 
good work of acquiring the Hawaiian Islands, so well began by President 
Harrison, and suddenly suspended by President Cleveland upon the advice of 
the Secretary of State Gresham, was earnestly taken up by President McKinley 
and carried to a successful issue. Those islands have been given, by Congres- 
sional legislation, a territorial government, which will ensure the progressive 
development of the people and protect all in civil and religious liberty. Al- 
ready delegates from those islands have participated in the deliberations of the 
two great national political conventions of 1900. As a Territory of the United 
States those islands will steadily grow in importance in respect to their own 
productions and trade and their relation to the commerce of the Pacific Ocean ; 
but a few years will elapse when the most carping objectors will recognize the 
wisdom of the acquisition. 

The acquisition of the Philippines, Porto Rico and Guam was an event 
that no wisdom could foresee. It was the inexorable logic of the war with 
Spain. The public opinion of the country demanded and approved the retention 
of the islands. The question of the Government of those islands is spoken of 
in another place. It would seem that their importance to the development of 
the trade of the United States in the Pacific would be recognized by every person 
of intelligence. The nations which front the Pacific Ocean have an immense 
population of industrious and thrifty people ; the United States already draws 
large supplies from China and Japan. The trade is rapidly increasing. The 
trade of the world is now largely conducted in steamships ; these vessels require 
convenient coaling stations, docks, harbors and depots of supplies. With 

221 




Hawaii, Guam. Samoa ar . -.7 
in advar/.. | -. .- - - -. : r g * - — . . • itt . ' - . ' - "~~ : - - - - - ■ ' 

e beco:v i . greaJ . . I 2d ioa thf e 013 us pro; 
1 :ie American people. Foreign ma i a a e afefflolbr. e 

to the continned adxance in business and prosperi: : ~r : - 

market cannot absorb the pr : . . . - The man or f&e fpasfly list 

onal tacilitirr . ' bnadf ant ih 
be classed as a public ben* Eactc r 

The fact mu.-: : - : . 3gi a -. . 1 . . : . £ " -. . . .-- z. -• .- 

The United 5' ..-".-■-:-. § : vt nm 1 1 : ix hon3e,3Dsd 

nations. T ctafiagtllfae 

_- 'resident McKinley 1 . ' . ' I ftel iIIh mpiwfl ®ff 

. - -. .. - - : - -. : all the gTeat nations oi the worli 
the establishment of universal peace. The JLepi r. j : . 

shrink from the great n s barih now devaOi^ npon the Kcpafcfc. 

They have confidence in the strength of our s sten :•: j . er: :.:: -\: 1 • : - 1 

implied to district and territory, and they are xnawiii^ to {fern tt&e larch fflff 

. jom which am -..--.-: -'-:-.. here m Amma im colonial dfe; \ 
The war with Spain was the j)v. : -. . .- iaewitaflilie. F«!ar ionr 

taomdred • -. - s 5 :-.ain had rule-, . - .-d oi areaa. Tfee lams for Ac gov- 

ernment of [ sre enacted in Spain. The officer.' ore >psBEain$&, heatled 

enforce lis awBtftwwiay. A canngxt 
tyrannical military government was t: - - The people mesne HaeasrZ - 1 ■ - . 

al grn x suuBxeatiL Taut 1 
to the Spanish exchet The nec<.. -adkUral mmm 

ciple of the *'div.- right -ine «igi* o 

- the divine rigb: . ' - . . . . - tht ~ - ' -. z .--.—.-.. : tht most 

tyrannical and big'Oted nation in the v . - . . . ■ : . z . . - . - : j :r. 1 - : t z 

. -. "v dollar that could possibly be exacted. Geaaeaafl education mas mpnfftor in 

Spanish scheme of either home or cdtaaial gowwsiHnemt, conseqiteTTtbr tibe 

common people of Cuba gin i ga .ranee. 

The discovery of the nei .. had arousei flfbe avarice oi the Spanish 

pile, Spain wl.- e gw b Z. .-.:>: she was aniKtress oi lie seas: 

- ' . 3 . .- : " : viilue i a?; . Tecret : t - . - . : ; rontro] the 

"Western Hemisphere ; her con. ossfe - r® at large pocrbon oi SorflSa 

America, all of Central America, and the Soxrthern half oi Xorth A-ms-mira Her 

l3ae sword. The ag-gressioiB and onehies in Pern and 

Mexico were only equaled I sa eking of Antsweap and the iw|iiMilH'iiiii al 

' - - ' : 1 ' : I .-■: : - ' Tzt pTt~ 

tentions anc Spanish n ;>nfei filhe downfall oi tiheir gaxat- 

Their - . Ken by FngQanc " :.-.'. : 

Armada 1 . -.-.-. -..-■- -. : j . : ■- - v 7 - -. r, the "Zrrte : 

The 1 Z-o.-'Jeor upor the arena of war and r»olmcs 

- Tx — ;t .' 1 So: Z -•..;: -// -.- .-. Zhiit e: 

: . ? err. arji ritber sta:es 

'--■oieaanD; . " ~ev ;r tbt S;;ar- 

r en from the mainiandZou: srH held oootatoS oi flux* 

- ba - . - " " : v.' Z - ' ' . ' : ,.".:' 

men. Her petople fM^J fox iree- 

The 1 : _ - . - : - 

. ' ■ - - " " - ' -. J : Tb- --••.•fZ ■■.'-_ Vlr 

: • " 

gnerr - • ,. - ... 

omen and children, into ike ioms^, 

... 

..':"'■:■. \ ."— .r ': . - I. L' tZ.' ,';, : l -j > 

Z:'r .':."; : ' : T ' r . r . . .'1 : r . ".Z 

' ■ ' .-: -..:..:- r Li -:.:" : lt-: 

■ ' ' -. - - -' - ' " ;.;..:. 



the United States at large and their great national political conventions, in iJ 
took notice of the deplorable state of Cuba, and expressed decided opinions in 
favor of Cuban independence, but Spain disdained any suggestions of mercy. 

In May, 1897, President McKinley appointed W. J. Calhoun, of Illinois, 
American counsel to the Joint Commission of Spain and the United States to 
investigate the circumstances attending the death in Cuba of Doctor Ruiz, an 
alleged American citizen. Hon. W. R. Day had been appointed as counsel, but 
on his arrival in Washington on his way to Cuba, he was prevailed upon to 
accept the position of Assistant Secretary of State. This commission was com- 
posed of Dr. Jose Congosto on behalf of Spain, and General Fitz Hugh Lee 
on behalf of the United States. 

Mr. Calhoun arrived in Cuba, May 20, 1897. The Commission was organ- 
ized at Guanabacoa, some twelve miles from Havana. The evidence brought 
out the following facts : Dr. Ruiz was a native Cuban, attended a medical col- 
lege in Philadelphia, took out naturalization papers, returned to Cuba, prac- 
ticed his profession at Guanabacoa, was married, had a family of children, was 
a quiet, inoffensive man, took no part in politics, showed interest only in his 
profession, his family, and his garden of fruit and flowers. Guanabacoa was 
a storm center of the revolution; there was a band of revolutionists in the 
neighborhood; one evening their guerrillas swooped down upon a passenger 
train, captured some Spanish officers, including a paymaster and his money, 
and took them away. The Spanish authorities were very indignant over the 
bold act of the Cubans. It was supposed that some one had given the insur- 
gents information which led to this capture. Many citizens were arrested on 
suspicion, among them Dr. Ruiz. He was imprisoned incommunicado, that is, 
denied communication with any one. The rule for such prisoners was to try 
them by court martial, the witnesses to be examined in the absence of the 
prisoner. The accused was not represented by an attorney, or friend, and if 
found guilty the prisoner was taken from his cell by a file of soldiers and es- 
corted to a convenient field, where he was shot. Evidence was taken in Dr. 
Ruiz' case by the Commission. 

The guard who had charge of him testified that one night Ruiz became 
very excited; that he paced his cell crying; that he would call for his children 
and his wife; and at times cried out in great agony of spirit. Finally, the guard 
said, he heard Ruiz rush across the stone floor and butt his head against the 
iron-plated door of his cell; this he did several times. The guard called for 
help, and when the door was opened the unhappy man was found lying uncon- 
scious and bleeding from wounds on the top of his head. That morning he 
died amid violent convulsions. General Lee was informed of his death, and 
under his direction a post-mortem examination was made, Dr. Burgess, U. S. 
Marine Medical Inspector, assisting, and it showed the man had died from 
congestion of the brain. The theory of the prison officials was that he had 
become suddenly insane. This man was locked up in a narrow cell, with no 
window, no light, or ventilation except from a transom over the door. No one 
except his guard could see him or communicate with him. A reign of terror 
prevailed. None of the other prisoners would tell, even if they knew anything. 
No evidence beyond that of the prison guards could be obtained. 

The agreement between Spain and the United States was made up of cor- 
respondence between Secretary Sherman and Depuy de Lome, the Spanish 
Ambassador, and a clause in one of Secretary Sherman's letters provided that 
the Commission could call for any official records or papers connected with 
the case. Mr. Calhoun taking advantage of this clause, prepared and served 
a written demand for certified copies of all complaints or orders attending the 
arrest and imprisonment of Ruiz, and of all depositions taken or evidence given 
to or before the court martial, etc. The Spanish Commission protested against 
such a demand, and finally asked for time to consult his government. This was 
conceded, and after a delay of a week, or ten days, copies of the records and 
papers were furnished. A translation was made into English, and the fact was 
disclosed that the prisoner as he entered the prison handed to the jailer a cer- 
tificate of registration as a citizen of the United States at the American Consulate 
in Havana. Notice of this fact had been transmitted by the prison officials to 

223 



Gen. Weyler, the Captain General. Gen. Lee had also written Gen. Weyler 
that Ruiz' was an American citizen and demanded that he be treated as such. 

The treatv between Spain and the United States provided that American 
citizens arrested without arms in his hands, should be tried for alleged offenses 
against the Spanish Government by the civil code and not by the military code. 
The Spanish civil code provided that imprisonment incommunicado should not 
exceed ten days. Ruiz, at the time of his death had been imprisoned incom- 
municado some fifteen or eighteen days, and was undergoing a trial under the 
military code. All this was in violation of the treaty, and these facts made a 
basis for a claim for indemnity for the family of Ruiz. But for the blowing 
up of the Maine, the sudden departure of Depuy de Lome from Washington, 
upon the disclosure of the celebrated letter he wrote reflecting upon the Presi- 
dent, and. finally but for the war that soon followed, the Lnited States would 
no doubt have succeeded in obtaining a substantial sum for Mrs. Ruiz and her 
children. 

The tyranny and cruelty of Spanish rule in Cuba, which should have been 
broken up by the United States years ago. culminated in the diabolical act of 
blowing up the Lnited States warship Maine. This vessel with 266 of her crew 
was destroyed by the explosion of a Spanish mine in the harbor of Havana at 9 :_j.o 
P. M.. February 15, 1898. The news of this dreadful event created a profound 
impression upon the public mind. The majority of the people at once con- 
cluded that the destruction of the Maine was due to Spanish treachery. A court 
of inquiry was ordered by the President ; an exhaustive investigation was made 
into the cause of the destruction of the vessel. The report, dated March 21, 1898. 
was able and exhaustive. Its conclusions were as follows: 

"6. The Court finds that the loss of the Maine on the occasion named was 
not in any respect due to fault or negligence on the part of any of the officers 
or members of the crew of said vessel. 

"7. In the opinion of the Court, the Maine was destroyed by the explosion 
of a submarine mine, which caused the partial explosion of two or more or her 
forward magazines." 

This report fixed in the public mind the opinion that Spanish authority was 
responsible for the terrible disaster. An apology and a money indemnity could 
not be accepted in settlement of such an injury. Xothing less than the imme- 
diate withdrawal of Spanish authority from the Western Hemisphere could be 
considered. Congress, which had already appropriated S50.000.000 for public 
defense, passed and the President approved on April 19th a preamble and reso- 
lutions demanding "that the Government of Spain at once relinquish its authority 
and government in the island of Cuba and withdraw its land and naval forces 
from Cuba and Cuban waters." and "that the President of the Lnited States be. 
and he is hereby directed and empowered to use the entire land and naval forces 
of the L'nited States, and to call into actual service of the Lnited States the 
militia of the several States to such an extent as may be necessary to carry these 

lutions into effect." 

On the same day an ultimatum was cabled to General Woodford, the Amer- 
ican Minister at Madrid fixing the hour of noon. April 2$. for a full and satis- 
factory response by the Spanish Government. Spain did not wait for the deliv- 
ery of the ultimatum. 

The people of the United States rose up as one man and the deed was 
done. The American navy at Manila and Santiago proved its superiority in 
ships, guns and men, and the Spanish fleets went to the bottom of the seas. 
The American army at Santiago and Manila soon brought the war to an end. 
The success of the American army on the land and on the sea excited the ad- 
miration of the world. There were no two opinions in foreign lands as to what 

lid be the outcome of the war. In the United States the great body of 
people favored the policy of holding all the Spanish islands seized by the Na- 
tional Army. A treaty of peace was negotiated in which Spain relinquished her 
jnty over Cuba. Porto Rico. Guam and the Philippines. That treaty, re- 
quiring a two-thirds vote in the Senate, was ratified, seventeen Democrats voting 
with Republicans for its approval. It then became the law of the land. Con- 
gress having declared that Cuba, after the establishment of a stable govern- 

224 



ment, should be free, the good work of rehabilitating that desolated country was: 
set on foot. Peace and order have been restored, schools have been established, 
cities improved, the people aided and encouraged to return to work; famine, 
which under Spanish rule decimated the country, has disappeared, plenty pre- 
vails, the finances of the island have been established on a solid basis, current ex- 
penses being paid, and $1,500,000 surplus in the treasury. A Constitu- 
tional Convention meets in November, 1900; the crops for the year are now 
estimated to be worth one hundred million dollars. The Cuban people will be 
free, the hand of tyranny has been forever lifted from them. They will now 
have an opportunity to work out the great problem of self-government to which 
they have aspired, and they will have the sympathy and support of the people 
of the United States. Their cause was the cause of a common humanity, which 
appealed to the hearts of the American people; the blood and treasure spent 
in their behalf was a willing sacrifice made by the people of the United States 
in the interest of liberty and humanity. 

While the important legislation of the Republican administration of Presi- 
dent McKinley, in the interest of the protective system and the gold standard, 
have brought confidence and prosperity to the country and will ever be remem- 
bered as works of wisdom, the successful war with Spain, with all its attendant 
diplomatic negotiations, will stand out in the future as the greatest and most 
important event of this era of American history. It has given the United States 
that prestige with the statesmen of the old world that will enable this country 
by her counsels to contribute largely to a universal peace based on respect, con- 
fidence and fair dealing. Surely it must be admitted that civil government is a 
great progressive science and that the United States of America, under the 
leadership of the Republican party, is the great exponent of that science. 



225 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 

Republican axd Democratic Conventions, 1900. 

The Republican State Convention met at Peoria, May 8. It was composed 
of 1.537 members. Even,- county had a full delegation; thousands of citizens 
from all parts of the State were present to witness the proceedings. Charles 
G. Dawes was chosen as temporary chairman. He delivered an able and elo- 
quent speech. 

The usual committees were appointed. The contests of delegations were 
settled. Joseph W. Fifer was named as permanent chairman and Charles F. 
Peters as secretary. The following named persons were chosen as Presidential 
electors : 

Electors at Large. — John Maurice Herbert, Murphysboro; Henry Dutton 
Pierce, Oak Park. 

District Electors. — First, Wm. McLaren, Chicago : Second. Edwin S. Con- 
way. Oak Park : Third, Thos. J. Finucane, Chicago : Fourth, James H. Graham, 
Chicago; Fifth. Wm. J. Moxley, Chicago: Sixth. Edward G. Halle, Chicago; 
S nth. Eli P. Chatfieid, Chicago; Eighth. Joseph H. Patterson. Morris ; Ninth, 
John C. McKenzie. Elizabeth : Tenth, Thomas P. Pierce, Kewanee ; Eleventh. 
Charles L. Romberger, Dwight ; Twelfth, Horace Russell, Milf ord ; Thirteenth, 
Isaac Xewton Biebinger. Milmine ; Fourteenth, Joseph B. Greenhut, Peoria; 
Fifteenth, Burton O. Willard, Rushville; Sixteenth, Edward J. Frost. Winches- 
nteenth, Xathaniel W. Bronson, Petersburg: Eighteenth, Samuel H. 
McLean, Hillsboro : Nineteenth, Sylvester H. Gee, Lawrenceville : Twentieth. 
Chas. Kommeyer, McLeansboro: Twenty-first. J. C. Eisenmayer, Trenton; 
Twenty-second, Marion S. Whitley, Harrisburg. 

The Convention selected a State Central Committee composed of the fol- 
lowing named persons, one from each Senatorial District: First, Thomas X. 
Jamieson. Chicag S econd, Charles S. Deneen, Chicago; Third. Ernest J. Ma- 
gerstadt, Chicago ; Fourth, Joseph E. Bidwill, Chicago : Fifth, WiJliam J. Mox- 

Jhicago: Sixth, F>ed A. Busse. Chicago; Seventh, James Pease, Chicago; 
Eighth, Luman T. Hoy, Woodstock ; Ninth, J. R. Cowley. Freeport ; Tenth. 
James McKinney. Aledo ; Eleventh, Ralph F. Bradford, Pontiac ; Twelfth, Len 
Small. Kankakee : Thirteenth. Charles G. Eckhart, Tuscola : Fourteenth. John 

evens. Peoria: Fifteenth. J. Mack Sholl, Carthage; Sixteenth, H. D. L. 
ggsby, Pittsfield; Seventeenth. T. M. Harris. Lincoln; Eighteenth. George 
T. Turner, Yandalia : Xineteenth, Charles P. Hitch, Paris: Twentieth. John H. 
[Miller. McLainsboro : Twenty-first, George F. Mead. Pinckneyville : Twenty- 
second. Daniel Hogan, Mound City. At Large. — Joseph Robbing. Ouincy; 
Charles Bent. Morrison : S. H. Watson. Mount Vernon : John W. Bunn. Spring- 
field ; Edward H. Morris. Chicago: Joseph Brucker, Chicago; G. Bernhard 
Anderson. Chicago. 

There were four candidates for Governor, Elbridge Hanecy, O. X. Carter, 
Walter Reeves and Richard Yates, all men of ability. Judges Hanecy and 
Carter, both of Cook County, were active competitors for delegates in their 
own county. 

Each candidate had a strong following, but upon the first ballot Judge 
Hanecy was well in the lead. The friends of the k County candidates 

were unable to agree among themselves, otherwise, it is probable the nomina- 
tion would have gone to Chicago. But this was not to be. On the third 
ballot the friends of Judge Hanecy, under the leadership of Hon. William Lori- 
mer, threw their entire strength to Judge Yates, and he was nominated. It 

a happy solution of a very heated contest. Judge Yates was in no way 

::■ 



involved in the intense controversy which had sprung up in Cook County, so 
his nomination resulted in harmonizing the party and insuring a united effort 
for the success of the ticket : 

The ticket nominated by the Convention was : Richard Yates for Gov- 
ernor, Wm. A. Northcott, Lieutenant Governor; James A. Rose, Secretary of 
State; James S. McCullough, Auditor; M. O. Williamson, Treasurer; H. J. 
Hamlin, Attorney General. 

The platform adopted by the Convention reaffirmed the principles of the 
Republican Party and endorsed the administration of President McKinley. 

The delegates to the Republican National Convention were the following: 
At Large. — Joseph G. Cannon, Danville; John J. Brown, Vandalia; John M. 
Smyth, Chicago ; H. P. Judson, Aurora. Alternates. — Norman H. Moss, Mount 
Vernon ; C. H. Castle, Adair ; E. H. Morris, Chicago ; Maurice Rosenfeld, Chi- 
cago. District Delegates. — First, Martin B. Madden, Henry G. Foreman; Sec- 
ond, William Lorimer, Charles S. Deneen; Third, Frank O. Lowden, E. J. 
Magerstadt ; Fourth, Christopher Mamer, D. W. Clark ; Fifth, Ephraim Ban- 
ning, Louis D. Sitts ; Sixth, Graeme Stewart, Bernard E. Sunny ; Seventh, D. 
S. McMullen, Fred L. Wilk; Eighth, Isaac L. Ellwood, John Stewart; Ninth, 
John M. Rinewalt, L. W. Mitchell; Tenth, F. B. Rice, Charles Deere; Eleventh, 
John C. Ames, E. C. Brown ; Twelfth, John Lambert, Hamilton K. Wheeler ; 
Thirteenth, J. A. Rowell," J. P. Middlecoff ; Fourteenth, Fred H. Smith, E. W. 
Wilson; Fifteenth, W. S. Warfield, Everett C. Harding; Sixteenth, J. G. Pope, 
Charles A. T. Martin ; Seventeenth, W. C. Johns, Loren E. Wheeler ; Eigh- 
teenth, George R. Hewitt, W. G. Cochran ; Nineteenth, H. G. Van Zandt, T. A. 
Dyas ; Twentieth, Orlando Burrell, L. L. Emerson ; Twenty-first, Charles Beck- 
er, M. H. Hughey ; Twenty-second, Thomas John, Jr., P. T. Chapman. 

The National Republican Convention met in Philadelphia, June 19, 1900. 
It was a notable and enthusiastic gathering. The convention was called to 
order by Marcus A. Hanna, chairman of the Republican National Committee. 
Edward O. Wolcott, United States Senator from Colorado, was named tem- 
porary chairman, and Henry Cabot Lodge, United States Senator from Massa- 
chusetts, was chosen permanent chairman. These three gentlemen delivered 
speeches of exceptional power and eloquence, reviewing the principles of the 
Republican party and the important work of the administration of President 
McKinley. The convention and great audience were in complete rapport. The 
telling points of orators were received with billows of applause. The platform 
abated nothing of former declarations, but stood by the record of the party 
from the beginning. Its most important features follow : 

"The Republicans of the United States, through their chosen representa- 
tives, met in national convention, looking back upon an unsurpassed record of 
achievement and looking forward into a great field of duty and opportunity; 
and, appealing to the judgment of their countrymen, make these declarations : 

"The expectation in which the American people, turning from the Demo- 
cratic party, intrusted power four years ago to a Republican Chief Magistrate 
and a Republican Congress, has been met and satisfied. When the people then 
assembled at the polls, after a term of Democratic legislation and administra- 
tion, business was dead, industry paralyzed, and the national credit disastrously 
impaired. The country's capital was hidden away and its labor distressed and 
unemployed. The Democrats had no other plan with which to improve the 
ruinous conditions, which they had themselves produced, than to coin silver at 
the ratio of 16 to 1. 

"The Republican party, denouncing this plan as sure to produce conditions 
even worse than those from which relief was sought, promised to restore pros- 
perity by means of two legislative measures — a protective tariff and a law mak- 
ing gold the standard of value. 

"The people, by great majorities, issued to the Republican party a com- 
mission to enact these laws. This commission has been executed, and the Re- 
publican promise is redeemed. 

"Prosperity more general and more abundant than we have ever known 
has followed these enactments. There is no longer controversy as to the value 
of any government obligations. Every American dollar is a gold dollar or its 

227 



assured equivalent, and American credit stands higher than that of any nation. 
Capital is fully employed and even where labor is profitably occupied. Xo 
single fact can more strikingly tell the story of what Republican government 
means to the country than this — that while during the whole period of 107 
vears, from 1790 to 1897. there was an excess oi exports over imports of only 
$383,028,497, there has been in the short three years of the present Republican 
administration an excess of exports over imports in the enormous sum of 
$1,483,537,094. 

'"And while the American people, sustained by this Republican legislation, 
have been achieving these splendid triumphs in their business and commerce, 
thev have conducted and in victory concluded a war for liberty and human 
rights. Xo thought of national aggrandizement tarnished the high purpose with 
which American standards were unfurled. 

'"It was a war unsought and patiently resisted, but when it came the Ameri- 
can government was ready. Its fleets were cleared for action. Its armies were 
in the field, and the quick and signal triumph of its forces on land and sea bore 
equal tribute to the courage of American soldiers and sailors and to the skill 
and foresight of Republican statesmanship. To ten millions of the human race 
there was given *a new birth of freedom,' and to the American people a new 
and noble responsibility. 

"We indorse the administration of William McKinley. Its acts have been 
established in wisdom and in patriotism, and at home and abroad it has dis- 
tinctly elevated and extended the influence of the American nation. 

"Walking untried paths and facing unforeseen responsibilities. President 
McKinley has been in every situation the true American patriot and the upright 
statesman, clear in vision, strong in judgment, firm in action, always inspiring, 
and deserving the confidence of his countrymen. 

"In asking the American people to indorse this Republican record and to 
renew their commission to the Republican party, we remind them of the fact 
that the menace to their prosperity has always resided in Democratic principles 
and no less in the general incapacity of the Democratic party to conduct public 
affairs. 

"The prime essential of business prosperity is public confidence in the good 
sense of the government and in its ability to deal intelligently with each new 
problem of administration and legislation. That confidence the Democratic 
party has never earned. It is hopelessly inadequate, and the country's pros- 
perity when Democratic success at the polls is announced halts and ceases in 
mere anticipation of Democratic blunders and failures. 

"We renew our allegiance to the principle of the gold standard and declare 
our confidence in the wisdom of the legislation of the Fifty-sixth Congress, by 
which the parity of all our money and the stability of our currencv on a gold 
basis have been secured. 

"We recognize that interest rates are a potent factor in production and 
business activity, and for the purpose of further equalizing and of further low- 
ering the rates of interest we favor such monetary legislation as will enable the 
varying needs of the season and of all sections to be promptly met in order that 
trade may be evenly sustained, labor steadily employed, and commerce enlarged. 

"The volume oi money in circulation was never so great per capita as it is 
today. We declare our steadfast opposition to the free and unlimited coinage 
01 silver. No measure to that end could be considered which was without the 
support of the leading commercial countries of the world. However firmly 
Republican legislation may seem to have secured the country against the peril 
of base and discredited currency, the election of a Democratic President could 
not fail to impair the country's credit and to bring once more into question 
the intentions of the American people to maintain upon the gold standard the 
parity of their money circulation. The Democratic party must be convinced 
that the American people will never tolerate the Chicago platform. 

"We recognize the necessity and propriety of the honest co-operation of 
capital to meet new business conditions, and especially to extend our rapidlv 
increasing foreign trade, but we condemn all conspiracies and combinations 
intended to restrict busin reate monopolies, to limit production, or to 

228 



control prices, and favor such legislation as will effectually restrain and pre- 
vent all such abuses, protect and promote competition, and secure the rights of 
producers, laborers, and all who are engaged in industry and commerce. 

"We renew our faith in the policy of protection to American labor. In that 
policy our industries have been established, diversified, and maintained. By pro- 
tecting the home market the competition has been stimulated and production 
cheapened. Opportunity to the inventive genius of our people has been secured 
and wages in every department of labor maintained at high rates, higher now 
than ever before, always distinguishing our working people in their better con- 
ditions of life from those of any competing country. 

"Enjoying the blessings of American common school, secure in the right 
of self-government, and protected in the occupancy of their own markets, their 
constantly increasing knowledge and skill have enabled them finally to enter 
the markets of the world. We favor the associated policy of reciprocity so 
directed as to open our markets on favorable terms for what we do not ourselves 
produce in return for free foreign markets. 

"In the further interest of American workmen we favor a more effective 
restriction of the immigration of cheap labor from foreign lands, the extension 
of opportunities of education for working children, the raising of the age limit 
for child labor, the protection of free labor as against contract convict labor, 
and an effective system, of labor insurance. 

"Our present dependence upon foreign shipping for nine-tenths of our 
foreign carrying is a great loss to the industry of this country. It is also a 
serious danger to our trade, for its sudden withdrawal in the event of European 
war would seriously cripple our expanding foreign commerce. The national 
defense and naval efficiency of this country, moreover, supply a compelling 
reason for legislation which will enable us to recover our former place among 
the trade carrying fleets of the world. 

"The nation owes a debt of profound gratitude to the soldiers and sailors 
who have fought its battles, and it is the government's duty to provide for the 
survivors and for the widows and orphans of those who have fallen in the coun- 
try's wars. 

"The pension laws, founded in this sentiment, should be liberal and should 
be liberally administered, and preference should be given wherever practicable 
with respect to employment in the public service to soldiers and sailors and to 
their widows and orphans. 

"President McKinley has conducted the foreign affairs of the United States 
with distinguished credit to the American people. In releasing us from the 
vexatious conditions of a European alliance for the government of Samoa his 
course is especially to be commended. By securing to our undivided control 
the most important island of the Samoan group and the best harbor in the 
Southern Pacific every American interest has been safeguarded. 

"We approve the annexation of the Hawaiian Islands to the United States. 

"We favor home rule for and the early admission to Statehood of the Terri- 
tories of New Mexico, Arizona and Oklahoma. 

"The Dingley act, amended to provide sufficient revenue for the conduct 
of the war, has so well performed its work that it has been possible to reduce 
the war debt in the sum of $40,000,000. So ample are the government's reve- 
nues, and so great is the public confidence in the integrity of its obligations, that 
its newly funded 2 per cent bonds sell at a premium. The country is now justi- 
fied in expecting and it will be the policy of the Republican party to bring about 
a reduction of the war taxes. 

"W r e favor the construction, ownership, control and protection of an isth- 
mian canal by the government of the United States. New markets are neces- 
sary for the increasing surplus of our farm products. Every effort should be 
made to open and obtain new markets, especially in the Orient, and the admin- 
istration is warmly to be commended for its successful effort to commit all 
trading and colonizing nations to the policy of the open door in China. 

"In the interest of our expanding commerce we recommend that Congress 
create a Department of Commerce and Industries in the charge of a Secretary 
with a seat in the Cabinet. 

229 



'The United States consular system should be reorganized under the super- 
vision of this new department upon such a basis of appointment and tenure as 
will render it still more serviceable to the nation's increasing trade. 

"The American government must protect the person and property of every 
citizen wherever they are wrongfully violated or placed in peril. 

"We congratulate the women of America upon their splendid record of 
public service in the Volunteer Aid association, and as nurses in camp and 
hospital during the recent campaigns of our armies in the Eastern and Western 
Indies, and we appreciate their faithful co-operation in all works of education 
and industry. 

"In accepting by the treaty of Paris the just responsibility of our victories 
in the Spanish war, the President and the Senate won the undoubted approval 
of the American people. Xo other course was possible than to destroy Spain's 
sovereignty throughout the Western Indies and in the Philippine Islands. 

"That course created our responsibility before the world and with the un- 
organized population whom our intervention had freed from Spain, to provide 
for the maintenance of law and order, and for the establishment of good gov- 
ernment, and for the performance of international obligations. 

"Our authority could not be less than our responsibility, and wherever sov- 
ereign rights were extended it became the high duty of the government to main- 
tain its authority, to put down armed insurrection and to confer the blessings 
of liberty and civilization upon all the rescued peoples. 

"The largest measure of self-government consistent with their welfare and 
our duties shall be secured to them by law. 

"To Cuba independence and self-government were assured in the same 
voice by which war was declared, and to the letter this pledge should be per- 
form ed. 

"The Republican party upon its history and upon this declaration of its 
principles and policies confidently invokes the considerate and approving judg- 
ment of the American people." 

Martin B. Madden represented Illinois on the Committee on Resolutions. 
Graeme Stewart was selected as the Illinois member of the Republican National 
Committee. 

The renomination of William McKinley as the Republican candidate for 
President was a foregone conclusion from the beginning. No one else was 

-lered. The public mind rested serenely in the knowledge that he would 
be renominated, and in the confident belief that he would be re-elected. The 
question was upon the selection of his running mate. Governor Theodore 

sereh was the universal favorite, but he had specifically stated that he 
would not accept the nomination : that he was a candidate for re-nomination 
and election as Governor of New York. Governor Roosevelt was a delegate 
to the Philadelphia convention. He met delegates from all parts of the coun- 
try, and soon found that the desire for his candidacy as Vice-President was 
quite universal and sincere. He found himself carried forward by this wave 
of popularity, and enthusiastic support, and yielded to it. William McKinley 
of Ohio, was unanimously nominated as the Republican candidate for Presi- 
dent, and Theodore Roosevelt, of New York, was unanimously nominated as 
the Republican candidate for Vice-President This ended the work of the 
convention. The great throng of citizens from every state and territory, in- 
cluding Hawaii, which had assembled to witness the extraordinary scene of 
the Grand Convocation of this Republic selecting a candidate for the greatest 
office in the world, namely that oi President of the United States, after a 
week - il and political association, returned to their homes inspired more 
deeply than ever before with grandeur of our system of Republican Govern- 
ment, and a deeper determination to labor for the success oi the Republican 
party. 

The Democratic State Convention met at Springfield. June 26, 1900. and 
nominated the following candidates for State offices: Samuel Alschuler, for 

emor; Elmer E. Perry. Lieutenant Governor: Tames F. O'Donnell. Secre- 
tary of State ; George B. Parsons.. Auditor ; Millard F. Dunlap. Treasurer ; James 
Todd, Attorney General. 



The Democratic National Convention met July 4, 1900, at Kansas City, Mo. 
It was a notable gathering of leading Democrats, representing every section 
of the country, and every faction of the party. There was no opposition what- 
ever to the renomination of William J. Bryan, of Nebraska ; his wonderful cam- 
paign of 1896 endeared him to the party, and he was the only person consid- 
ered. While in 1896 the Democratic Convention adopted a lengthy platform, 
the single issue upon which they made the compaign was the "Free and unlim- 
ited coinage of silver at the rate of 16 to I." A great many Democrats who 
favored the gold standard opposed Mr. Bryan, but the great body of Dem- 
ocracy, numbering more than six and a half millions, voted for him and en- 
thusiastically supported the silver plank in their platform. They lost at the 
election — business revived — the output of gold increased. Congress passed a 
financial law fully establishing the gold standard. Prosperity was universal. 
Confidence was restored. A foreign war had been successfully fought. The 
Spanish islands had been acquired. An issue was made as to the disposition 
of those islands. 

When the Democratic Convention met, the fact was soon developed that a 
large majority of the delegates were not favorable to making the silver issue 
a distinct feature of the platform. They were willing to endorse the Chicago 
platform of 1896 in general terms, but they were desirous of leaving the silver 
question severely alone. They wanted to make the race for President entirely 
upon a new issue. They desired to present to the people Of the country 
the awful danger that was impending to free institutions as the result of retain- 
ing the Philippines and the organization of an army to establish order in that 
archipelago. But while Mr. Bryan had sounded the alarm of imperialism and 
militarism, he demanded a specific declaration on the silver question Identical 
with the Chicago plank. 

The Convention, heartily against its will, yielded to this demand, but showed 
their repugnance to the silver issue by placing that resolution near the tail-end 
of the platform and declaring that the burning issue was something else besides 
silver. 

The following are some of the important declarations of that document : 

"We condemn and denounce the Philippine policy of the present adminis- 
tration. It has involved the Republic in unnecessary war, sacrificed the lives 
of many of our noblest sons, and placed the United States, previously known 
and applauded throughout the world as the champion of freedom, in the false 
and un-American position of crushing with military force the efforts of our 
former allies to achieve liberty and self-government. The Filipinos cannot be 
citizens without endangering our civilization; they cannot be subjects without 
imperiling our form of government, and as we are not willing to surrender our 
civilization or to convert the Republic into an empire, we favor an immediate 
declaration of the nation's purpose to give the Filipinos first a stable form of 
government ; second, independence, and, third, protection from outside inter- 
ference such as has been given for nearly a century to the Republics of Central 
and South America. 

"The greedy commercialism which dictated the Philippine policy of the 
Republican administration attempts to justify it with the plea that it will pay, 
but even this sordid and unworthy plea fails when brought to the test of facts. 
The war of criminal aggression against the Filipinos, entailing an annual ex- 
pense of many millions, has already cost more than any possible profit that 
could accrue from the entire Philippine trade for years to come. Furthermore, 
when trade is extended at the expense of liberty the price is always too high. 

"The importance of other questions now pending before the American peo- 
ple is in nowise diminished, and the Democratic party takes no backward step 
from its position on them, but the burning issue of imperialism growing out of 
the Spanish war involves the very existence of the Republic, and the destruction 
of our free institutions. We regard it as the paramount issue of the campaign. 

"We oppose militarism. It means conquest abroad and intimidation at 
home. It means the strong arm which has ever been fatal to free institutions. 
It is what millions of our citizens have fled from in Europe. It will impose 
upon our peace-loving people a large standing army and unnecessary burden 

231 



of taxation and a constant menace to their liberties. A small standing army 
and a well-disciplined state militia are amply sufficient in time of peace. This 
Republic has no place tor a vast niilitary service and conscription. When the 
nation is in danger the volunteer soldier is his country's best defender. 

"We condemn the Dingley tariff law as a trust-breeding measure, skillfully 
devised to give the few favors which they do not deserve and to place upon the 
many burdens which they should not bear. 

"We reaffirm and indorse the principles of the National Democratic plat- 
form adopted at Chicago in 1896, and we reiterate the demand of that platform 
for an American financial system, made by the American people for themse. - s 
which shall restore and maintain a bimetallic price level r and as part of such 
svstem the immediate restoration of the free and unlunited coinage of silver 
and gold at the present legal ratio of 16 to 1, without waiting for the aid or 
consent of any other nation. 

"*We denounce the currency bill enacted at the last session of Congres s 
a step forward in the Republican policy which aims to discredit the sovereign 
right of the National Government to issue all money, whether coin or paper, 
and to bestow upon national banks the power to issue and control the volume 
of paper money for their own benefit. A permanent national bank currency, 
secured by government bonds, must have a permanent debt to rest upon, and if 
the bank currency is to increase with population and business, the debt must 
also increase. The Republican currency scheme is therefore a scheme f or fasten- 
ing upon the taxpayers a perpetual and growing debt for the benefit of the 
banks. We are opposed to this private corporation paper circulated as money, 
but without legal-tender qualities, and demand the retirement of the national 
bank notes as fast as government paper or silver certificates can be substituted 
for them. 

"We are opposed to government by injunction ; we denounce the black-list 
and favor arbitration as a means of settling disputes between corporations and 
their employes. In the interest of American labor and the uplifting of the 
workingman, as the corner stone of the prosperity of our country, we recom- 
mend that Congress create a department of labor in charge of a Secretary, with 
'.-. rfi: ::: :.t 7i'::::r: ': ±'L±~r-_z :l:s.: :he - - : :. :: :':e Arr.rri:;?.:: A':;rtr -,v:"" 
bring with it increased production and increased prosperity to our country 

"Believing that our most cherished institutions are in great, peril, that the 
very existence of our constitutional Republic is at stake, and that the decision 
now to be rendered will determine whether or not our children are to enjoy 
those blessed privileges of free government which have made the United States 
great, prosperous and honored, we earnestly ask for the foregoing declaration 
of principles the hearty support of liberty-loving American people regardles s E 
previous party affiliations.''* 

During the sittings of the Convention prominent Populists and advocates 
of free silver, who had abandoned the Republican party, were in conference 
with the Democratic leaders. The object in view was to unite all parties and 
- '"■ -""■- id'. :".?: "": --.-:'■. -'''.:::-.:: z ?.r: 7":r :V;:~:r \:--\ -':-.- :/_r :; :: i:;^:: : r. 

of a Populist as the candidate for Vice-President. Mr. Towne was the Populist 
favorite. 

William J. Bryan was unanimously and enthusiastically nominated 
:ir. :: '.:.:- : r ?rt = : itr.:. 

:rong effort was made to induce ex-Goxernor Hill, of New Yor 
accept the nomination for Vice-President. He could have been nominated 
• :"'".* ' '■'-- - :'"-"'.: '■:.-. r.r "'.-. rr'.y it :'.:::■= i :.'.'..: ^\\ :~ ?.- ?'.: : -v:; ::•:;;'. -.ifivelv 
by the demonstrations of the Conventions that they were sincerely in favor of 
his nomination. 

Mr. Hill had led the gold standard men in the Convention *^ainst the 
adoption of the free silver plank, but he had finally acquiesced in Mr. Bryan's 
demand. Mr. Hill seemed to feel that his attitude on the silver question for- 
bade that he should be a candidate with Mr. Bryan, and so the Convention 
respected his wishes. A dial E. Stevenson, of Illinois -President of the 

United States with President Cleveland, was nominated as the candidate for 
\lce-President. 



CHAPTER XXXV. 

Imperialism — Militarism. 

The attitude of the Democratic party in this political contest of 1900, upon 
the questions growing out of the Spanish war, is of alleged alarm for the 
perpetuity of free government in America. While the impression widely pre- 
vails that this issue is made paramount for the purposes of this campaign to 
throw into shadow the Democratic position on the tariff and silver question; 
and to draw the public mind away from the consideration of the phenomenal 
prosperity of the country under a protective tariff and the gold standard. 

But the Democracy treat this matter too seriously to allow it to go unan- 
swered. There are certain fundamental questions involved in this issue which 
it is well to consider. The power to declare war is based upon the inherent right 
of self-defense. A Government without written constitution or laws possesses 
this right. In the nature of things it results to a community or government 
from the individual right of self protection. Congress has power under the 
Constitution to declare war. When this Nation goes to war, it possesses law- 
ful authority to do any act against the enemy necessary for success ; the only 
limitation being an observance of the laws of humanity. If the territory of the 
enemy is invaded, seized and held, the powers exercised there are not outside of 
the Constitution of the United States, but clearly within its provisions. 

The power in Congress to declare war carries with it authority to legislate 
upon every topic that may arise connected with the progress of the war and the 
seizure of the enemy's territory. It is universally recognized as the duty of 
a conqueror in war to preserve order and to administer government in the 
conquered territory, through the military authority, until such time as the law 
making power of the conquering nation shall provide civil government. It is 
also universally recognized as lawful and necessary that the commander-in- 
chief of the conquering nation shall have a free hand in adopting means for 
preserving order and administering the government of the conquered country. 
His military orders are law. These are elementary principles which apply to 
all forms of government. Autocratic Governments, Constitutional Monarchies 
and Constitutional Republics all possess the same power and authority under 
such circumstances. The contention, that the government of a conquered coun- 
try by military authority, is not warranted or authorized by the Constitution, is 
a dangerous fallacy, which strikes at the very root of the power and authority 
of self protection. When a man is attacked he need not retreat to a wall and 
defend himself there ; he may pursue his enemy until he finds himself wholly 
out of danger. This is so with a nation. In defending the rights of its people 
it may search for and pursue its enemy to the ends of the earth, and finding 
him there bring him to punishment. In doing this the nation is exercising its 
high constitutional power and duty of self defense. 

The war with Spain was a just war. When entered upon it was the 
business of the United States to strike down her power at every point. The 
destruction of the Spanish fleet at Manila and the defeat of the Spanish army, 
gave the United States a firm hold upon the Philippine Archipelago. Spanish 
authority, which had existed for two hundred years, was overthrown. Pos- 
session by the United States imposed the duty of preserving- order and adminis- 
tering government. The cession of those islands by treaty passed the sov- 
ereignty from Spain to the United States. The treaty became a part of the 
law of the land. According to the laws of nations, the title of the United States 
to the Philippine Islands is unimpeachable and the public opinion of the country 
favors holding the Islands. The original possession having been taken under 

233 



the war power, that power having been invoked by Act of Congress, it is per- 
fectly clear that the President as Commander-in-Chief, and military officers 
acting under him, are strictly within their constitutional duty in restoring order 
and establishing and administering government until such time as Congress 
shall by law make other provision. 

The exercise of military powers for the government of the inhabitants of 
the Philippine Islands under existing circumstances is not extra Constitutional, 
but clearly within the constitutional power of the President. This great repre- 
sentative Republic possesses all the powers under the Constitution necessary 
for her to perform every act imposed by the duties which may arise during the 
progress of war, and conditions which result therefrom. 

The Imperialism of which so much fear is expressed, which is to sap the 
foundations of this Republic, has its origin in alleged misgovernment of the 
islands taken from Spain. A complete answer to the charge of Imperialism 
is found in four simple propositions : First, these islands are now territory of 
the United States. Second, the Constitution of the United States confers upon 
Congress the power to provide government for this territory. Third, the Re- 
publican partv has shown by its past record of forty years that it can be trusted 
to have this government fulfill every obligation in the interest of liberty, equality 
and justice imposed upon it as the result of the acquisition of these islands. 
P'ourth, that this is a government of law, and that all laws of Congress relating 
to the people of the Philippines can be brought to the bar of the Supreme Court 
of the United States and their constitutionality determined. The burning ques- 
tion in the minds of the Democracy now, is to have the Republican party de- 
clare its purposes in regard to the Philippine Islands. The purposes of the 
Republican party might be summarized in a resolution substantially as follows : 
"Resolved, That the United States accepts the responsibilities and duties de- 
volved upon it as the result of the just war prosecuted against the Kingdom of 
Spain. That this Government will establish good governments in Cuba, Porto 
Rico, the Philippines and other islands acquired from Spain, establishing peace, 
order and justice in said islands. That the people of these islands will be se- 
cured in personal and religious liberty, equal and just taxation, a humane ad- 
ministration of justice, opportunity for education and intellectual development; 
the right to work and enjoy the fruits of their labor and a participation in the 
affairs of government as rapidly as the various divisions and classes of people 
are qualified therefor. This government will secure to the people of these 
islands the benefits necessarily growing out of a political connection with the free 
and progressive people of the United States, and will secure to the people of the 
States the benefits which will result from the political connection with these 
islands in the extension of trade and commerce with the Eastern world." In 
the government of the Philippine Islands the people of the United States will be 
content with no treatment less than that outlined above. 

President McKinley's intentions towards the Filipinos must be judged by 
his acts. By virtue of his constitutional power as Commander-in-Chief of the 
Army and Navy, he has sent out a commission composed of men of undoubted 
ability, integrity, wisdom and experience, with authority to organize civil gov- 
ernment there, to stand until such time as Congress may by law provide for the 
government of the islands. 

The President has given Judge Taft, President of the Commission, and his 
colleagues, full instructions to guide them in their work, and those instructions 
have been published in the daily press for the information of the American peo- 
ple. What are those instructions? They direct that the Filipinos shall be pro- 
tected in their libertv and property to as full an extent as we are in Illinois, 
that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process 
of law, that excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor 
cruel and unusual punishments inflicted, that no law shall be passed respecting 
an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. In fine, 
the President requires that the elementary guarantees that lay at the founda- 
tion of our republican system shall be applied to the Filipinos, giving them rights 
and protection they and their ancestors never enjoyed in the history of their 
race. The proclamations, military and civil, which have been issued in the Phil- 

234 



ippines are a sufficient guaranty to the inhabitants there and to the people of 
the United States that the hand of tyranny will not be laid upon that people. 

The acquisition of the Philippine Islands was the inevitable result of causes 
which had been operating for hundreds of years. The tyranny, oppression and 
cruelty of Spanish misrule, in all her island possessions, in the nature of things 
had to come to an end. Animated by no spirit of aggression, or of oppression, 
the United States has gone forward to the performance of a great duty thrust 
upon her by causes which she could not control or resist. It was manifest 
destiny. It was Providence working through the United States to break the 
chains of Spanish tyranny and for the uplifting of down-trodden and oppressed 
humanity. Men cry out Commercialism, and sneer at the suggestion that the 
commerce of this country can be more certainly extended in the East by the 
possession of the Philippines. 

Is it a crime for the President and Congress to safeguard the markets of 
the world for American products ? Not so. This country now leads all nations 
in production. Foreign markets are absolutely essential to the continued pros- 
perity of this people. The Pacific Ocean is destined soon to become the theatre 
of an intense commercial rivalry between the peoples of all the Western nations. 

The people of the United States cannot afford to relinquish the advantages 
which have come to them commercially as a result of the war with Spain. Every- 
body knows that the people of the United States can be trusted to deal justly 
with the people of their new possessions. The inhabitants of the Philippine 
Islands never have since the creation of the world exercised rights and duties 
of self-government. Intelligent men everywhere know that the mass of the 
Filipinos are not capable of self-government according to our republican sys- 
tem. In the cities and towns there are men of intelligence and education ; men 
versed in the business of production and commerce, but as subjects of Spain 
few of them actually took part in government. These people will at once learn 
that the Republic means peace, equal rights and equal protection to all; those 
persons who labor and produce, who earn a living in peaceful avocations, will 
constitute the governing class in the Philippines and will no doubt in good time 
exercise the right of suffrage by authority of Congress. But the nomadic races, 
the tribes of uncivilized savage and barbarous men, cannot be admitted to the 
ballot. Such persons in the Philippines will take their places in the plan of 
government, in the subordinate positions, always occupied by such people. Our 
forefathers when they formed the Constitution excluded the North American 
Indian from the governing class, and that precedent can safely be followed by 
Congress at the present day in regard to similar people in the Philippines. It 
is perfectly safe to say that the people of the Philippine Islands will be given a 
civil government suited to their condition ; that they will be protected in life, 
liberty and property ; that they will have a just system of taxation, and that they 
will not be the subjects of tyranny and misrule under unjust laws of Congress. 

The Democratic party favored the war with Spain, voted for the declaration 
of war, voted for men and money, paiiiotically aided in prosecuting the war, and 
voted for the ratification of the treaty of peace. Having approved the acquisi- 
tion of the Philippine Archipelago under the leadership of the presidential can- 
didate, they now declare against the retention of the Philippines, and raise the 
issue of "Imperialism" and "Militarism" ; declaring that our republican system 
of government is threatened. The Democratic party evidently has lost confi- 
dence in the considerate judgment and patriotic devotion to principle of the 
American people. The expressed fear of military rule in this country has no 
foundation on which to build. There is no suggestion in public opinion favoring 
such a view. There is nothing in the public press indicating so direful a change 
in the minds of the people. No utterance of any man in official position, either 
legislative, executive or judicial, suggests such danger. In the history of the 
Republic there is no record from the days of the Revolution to the' present 
hour of any body of soldiers, while in the public service or after their discharge, 
banding together to overthrow or resist the lawful authority of the govern- 
ment. The millions of officers and men of the army and navy who, during the 
past one hundred and twenty-five years, have rallied under the flag and fought 
the battles of their country, won its independence, subdued the savage, over- 

235 



came the aggressions of every foreign foe, preserved the Union, and bore the 
national ensign in victory and honor into foreign lands, were animated by those 
noble virtues, patriotism and valor. Hundreds of thousands of these men laid 
down their lives for their country, while other hundreds of thousands lost health 
and strength from wounds and disease. What these people have of indepen- 
dence, of freedom, of unity, of glory, they owe to the army and navy. There 
has been a continuity of heroic service and devotion to duty from the days of 
Washington to the present hour. No act of men fighting under the starry 
banner can be brought forward to impugn their patriotism. The citizens of 
to-day as compared with citizens of other periods in the history of the country, 
ha\e not degenerated. Their patriotism is as true as that of 1776, 1812, 1846 
and 1861. The soldiers of to-day would no more conspire to overthrow this 
Republic than did the soldiers of the periods named. Relieved from their mili- 
tary service, either at home or abroad, they return to their families and friends, 
not to become willing dupes of conspirators against law and order, but to take 
up the duties of life at the very spot where they laid them down. The sugges- 
tion that American soldiers are a menace to the American Republic, a menace 
to law and order, is a slander upon the patriotism of the people. 

The Filipinos will never become victims of tyranny and misgovernment as 
the result of American imperialism. Nor will the liberties of the people of the 
United States ever be overthrown by militarism — Never ! Never ! ! 
"Till the sun grows cold, 

And the stars are old, 

And the leaves of the Judgment 
Book unfold !" 



236 



CHAPTER XXXVI. 

Organization of the Republican Party in Illinois, Officers of the State 
Central Committee 1856-1900 — Illinois Republicans in Congress. 

When the men of 1856 undertook the organization of the Anti-Nebraska 
elements of Illinois into a political party, which was to co-operate with similar 
organizations in the various States of the Union, in a determined effort to pre- 
vent the extension of slavery into the territory which had been dedicated to 
Freedom, they could not foresee the mighty effect that this organization was 
to have upon the destiny of this country. They performed their duty at the 
time as they saw it, and left to the future judgment of the country the wisdom 
and justice of their course. Their action in organizing the Republican party has 
met the approval of the people. 

Eleven elections for President have occurred in the United States since the 
meeting of the Republican Convention of May 29, 1856, at Bloomington, in nine 
of which the Republican party has been victorious. That party has come to 
be the great controlling power in the country. The Republican party of Illinois 
has long had a complete organization in every county and has regularly held 
biennial State conventions at which the principles of the party were from time 
to time announced, and candidates for State offices nominated, electors chosen, 
delegates to national conventions selected, and the State organization perpetu- 
ated. These conventions were composed of the most prominent men of the 
State, selected by popular conventions in the counties ; they were men who were 
leaders in their respective localities, many of whom were distinguished because 
of their military and political services. It is a remarkable fact, and much to be 
regretted, that no official record has been kept by the State Central Com- 
mittee of the names of the persons who composed it from time to time, and of 
its principal officers. The proceedings of the State conventions were never 
printed in pamphlet form. It has been found a herculean task to bring together 
all the interesting facts connected with these various conventions and have them 
appear in this work. The author has really been forced to content himself with 
giving the names of officers who managed the campaigns, without giving the full 
list of the committees. 

The citizens of McLean County have long felt great pride in the fact that 
the first Republican Convention of Illinois was held at Bloomington. The Mc- 
Lean County Historical Society commemorated the event by a public meeting 
on the 44th anniversary of the convention, May 29, 1900. A number of men were 
present who attended the convention in 1856 as delegates and spectators. This 
anniversary meeting was largely attended by citizens from different parts of the 
State ; a number of interesting addresses were delivered. The Historical So- 
ciety secured a full report of the convention, including a list of the delegates, 
which, with the account of the anniversary meeting, has been published in a neat 
volume of 184 pages. 

An interesting feature of the book is a group picture of General John M. 
Palmer, General J. M. Ruggles, General Thomas J. Henderson, George 
Schneider, Paul Selby, J. O. Cunningham, William Vocke, David McWilliams 
and B. F. Shaw, all of whom were delegates to the convention of May 29, 1856, 
General Palmer being the President, and General Ruggles one of the Vice- 
Presidents. The photograph for this picture was taken immediately after the 
adjournment of the anniversary meeting. By permission of the Historical So- 
ciety, extracts have been made from their book, in reference to the convention, 
and the portrait of General Palmer and his colleagues is reproduced in this work. 

It has been shown in a previous chapter that the preliminary step for the 
organization of the Republican party was taken at the Editorial Convention 

237 



held at Decatur, 111., on Feb. 22, 1856, which was called by Paul Selby, of the 
"Morgan Journal," and responded to by twenty-four other newspapers of the 
State. This Editorial Convention appointed a committee with authority to call 
a State convention. Therefore, in making up the record of the Republican or- 
ganization of the State, it is proposed to begin with the meeting at Decatur. 

The Editorial Convention was held at Decatur, 111., Feb. 22, 1856, at the 
Castle House, now known as the St. Nicholas Hotel, with Paul Selby, President ; 
W. J. Usrey, Secretary. Upon motion, the following named gentlemen were 
appointed a committee to issue a call for a State convention, to be held Thurs- 
day, May 29, 1856, in the city of Bloomington: 

First District, S. M. Church, Rockford; Second, W. B. Ogden, Chicago; 
Third, G. D. A. Parks, Joliet; Fourth, T. J. Pickett, Peoria; Fifth, Edward A. 
Dudley, Quincy; Sixth, W. H. Herndon, Springfield; Seventh, R. J. Oglesby, 
Decatur ; Eighth, Joseph Gillespie, Edwardsville ; Ninth, D. L. Phillips, Jones- 
boro. W. B. Ogden declined on account of pressing demands of business. His 
place was filled by Dr. John Evans. Richard J. Oglesby left the State for a tour 
through Europe, and his place was filled by Colonel J. C. Pugh. 

This committee issued a call for a convention to be held at Bloomington, 
May 29, 1856, for the purpose of nominating candidates for State officers. They 
fixed the representation at 226 delegates. The convention met at the time 
fixed by the call and held its meeting in Major's Hall, and was called to order 
by George T. Brown, of Madison County. Hon. Archibald Williams, of Adams 
County, was chosen temporary chairman, and Henry S. Baker, of Madison 
County, was appointed secretary ; on motion of Mr. Judd, George T. Brown was 
requested to act as assistant secretary. On the call of the secretary, delegates 
responded from seventy counties. On motion of O. H. Browning, of Adams 
County, the following committee on permanent organization was appointed: 
S. M. Church, N. B. Judd, B. C. Cook, Robert Carter, O. H. Browning, J. C. 
Conkling, S. C. Parks, and David L. Phillips. The committee reported the fol- 
lowing list of officers and the report was adopted : 

President — John M. Palmer, of Macoupin ; Vice-Presidents — J. A. Davis, of 
Stephenson; William Ross, of Pike; James McKie, of Cook; J. H. Bryant, of 
Bureau ; A. C. Harding, of Warren ; Richard Yates, of Morgan ; H. C. Johns, of 
Piatt ; George Smith, of Madison ; D. L. Phillips, of Union ; T. A. Marshall, of 
Coles; J. M. Ruggles, of Mason; G. D. A. Parks, of Will; and John Clark, of 
Schuyler. Secretaries — H. S. Baker, of Madison; C. E. Wilson, of Cook; John 
Tillson, of Adams; Washington Bushnell, of LaSalle ; and B. J. F. Hanna, of 
Randolph. 

A like committee on resolutions was appointed, which reported the platform 
of the party. The state ticket was nominated, delegates were appointed to the 
Philadelphia convention, and presidential electors were chosen. 

On motion of Mr. Skinner, a State Central Committee, consisting: of five 
persons, was appointed, namely : James C. Conkling, Sangamon ; Isahel Grid- 
ley, McLean; B. C. Cook, LaSalle; Charles A. Ray and N. B. Judd, Cook. 
This committee, with its president and secretary, was continued in 1858, and 
again in i860, and conducted the political campaigns in Illinois when Abraham 
Lincoln was elected president, and Richard Yates, Governor. 

Officers of the Republican State Central Committee, 1856-1900. 

1856 — Norman B. Judd, President. Horace White, Secretary. 

J 858 — Norman B. Judd, President. Horace White, Secretary. 

i860 — Norman B. Judd, President. Horace White, Secretary. 

1862 — Burton C. Cook, Chairman. Horace White, Secretary. 

1864 — Thomas J. Turner, Chairman. James P. Root, Secretary. 

1866 — James C. Sloo, Chairman. James P. Root, Secretary. 

1868 — Colonel A. C. Babcock, Chairman. James P. Root, Secretary. 

1870 — Charles B. Farwell, Chairman. Daniel Shepard, Secretary. 

1872 — Charles B. Farwell, Chairman. Daniel Shepard, Secretary. 

1874 — Colonel A. C. Babcock, Chairman. James P. Root, Secretary. 

1876 — Colonel A. C. Babcock, Chairman. Daniel Shepard, Secretary. 

1878 — A. M. Jones, Chairman. Daniel Shepard, Secretary. 

238 



iSSo — A. M. Jones, Chairman. 

1882 — A. M. Jones, Chairman. 

1884 — A. M. Jones, Chairman. 

1886 — A. M. Jones, Chairman. 

1888 — General James S. Martin, Chairman. 

1890 — A. M. Jones, Chairman. 

1892 — James H. Clark, Chairman. 

1894 — **John R. Tanner, Chairman. 

1896 — Chas. P. Hitch, Chairman. 

1898 — Chas. S. Rannells, Chairman. 

1900 — Fred H. Rowe, Chairman. 



Daniel Shepard, Secretary. 
Daniel Shepard, Secretary. 
Daniel Shepard, Secretary. 
Daniel Shepard, Secretary. 
Daniel Shepard, Secretary. 
*Daniel Shepard, Secretary. 
Dr. T. N. Jamieson, Secretary. 
Charles A. Partridge, Secretary. 
J. R. B. Van Cleave, Secretary. 
J. R. B. Van Cleave, Secretary. 
Walter Fieldhouse, Secretary. 



State Central Committee, 1894. 



District. 

1st — T. N. Jamieson, Chicago. 

2d — Charles S. Deneen, Chicago. 

3d — E. R. Brainerd, Chicago. 

4th — S. H. Case, Chicago. 

5th — M. R. Harris, Chicago. 

6th— William T. Ball, Chicago. 

7th — James L. Pease, Chicago. 

8th — Ira C. Copley, Aurora. 

9th— H. O. Hilton, Rockford. 
10th — James McKinney, Aledo. 
nth — Geo. W. Patton, Pontiac. 



District. 

12th— E. W. Willard, Joliet. 

13th — L. S. Wilcox, Champaign. 

14th — Isaac C. Edwards, Peoria. 

15th — W. H. Hainline, Macomb. 

1 6th — Chas. S. Rannells. Jacksonville. 

17th — W. F. Calhoun, Decatur. 

1 8th— W. A. Haskell, Alton. 

19th— C. P. Hitch, Paris. 

20th — John H. Miller, McLeansboro. 

21st — W. A. Stoker, Centralia. 

22d— W. C. S. Rhea, Marion. 



At Large — Edward H. Morris, Chicago ; Houston Singleton, Decatur ; A. 
W. Berggren, Galesburg ; Charles Goetz, Chicago ; Daniel Hogan, Mound City. 

State Central Committee, 1896. 



District. %■ 

1st — T. N. Jamieson, Chicago. 

2d — Charles S. Deneen, Chicago. 

3d — Ernest J. Magerstadt, Chicago. 

4th — Joseph E. Bidwill, Chicago. 

'5th — Adam Wolf, Chicago. 

6th — William T. Ball, Chicago. 

7th — James Pease, Chicago. 

8th — Ira C. Copley, Aurora. 

9th— H. O. Hilton, Rockford. 
10th — James McKinney, Aledo. 
nth — Ralph F. Bradford, Pontiac. 



District. 

12th— E. W. Willard, Joliet. 

13th — Dr. L. S. Wilcox, Champaign. 

14th — S. O. Spring, Peoria. 

15th — W. H. Hainline, Macomb. 

1 6th — Chas. S, Rannells, Jacksonville. 

17th — J. R. Smith, Taylorville. 

18th— Dr. R. F. Bennett, Litchfield. 

19th— C. P. Hitch, Paris. 

20th — John H. Miller, McLeansboro. 

2 1 st — W. A. Stoker, Centralia. 

22c — L. T. Linnell, Cobden. 



At Large — A. W. Berggren, Galesburg; I. C. Edwards, Peoria; John A. 
Sterling, Bloomington; E. H. Morris, Chicago; J. C. Buckner, Chicago. 

State Central Committee, 1898. 



District. 

1st — Thomas N. Jamieson. Chicago. 

2d — Charles S. Deneen. Chicago. 

3d — Ernest J. Magerstadt, Chicago. 

4th — Joseph E. Bidwill, Chicago. 

5th — Adam Wolf, Chicago. 

6th — Fred A. Busse, Chicago. 

7*h — James Pease, Chicago. 

8th — Luman T. Hoy, Woodstock. 

9th — J. R. Cowley, Freeport. 
10th — James McKinney, Aledo. 
nth— Ralph F. Bradford, Pontiac. 

At Large—John Lambert, Joliet ; 
J. Johnson, Chicago; Joseph Brucker, 

*Died, succeeded by Charles Partridg-e. 
^Resigned, succeeded by Dr. T. N. Jamieson. 



District. 

[2th — Len Small, Kankakee. 

13th — Charles G. Eckhart, Tuscola. 

141 h — Isaac C. Edwards, Peoria. 

[5th— J. Mack Sholl, Carthage. 

rOth — Chas. S. Rannells, Jacksonville. 

17th — Clarence R. Paul, Springfield. 

18th— Dr. R. F. Bennett, Litchfield. 

19th — Philip W. Barnes, Lawrenceville. 

20th — Basil D. Monroe, Louisville. 

2 1st — James A. Willoughby, Belleville. 

22d — John M. Herbert, Murphysboro. 
Daniel Hogan, Mound City ; Alexander 
Chicago ; Edward H. Morris, Chicago. 



240 



Statk Central Committee, 1900. 



District. 
1st — Thomas N. Jamieson, Chicago 

26. — Charles S. Deneen, Chicago. 

3d — Ernest J. Magerstadt, Chicago. 

4th — Joseph E. Bidwill, Chicago. 

5th — William J. Moxley, Chicago. 

6th — Fred A. Busse, Chicago. 

7th — James Pease, Chicago. 

8th — Lnman T. Hoy, Woodstock. 

9th — J. R. Cowley, Freeport. 
10th — James McKinney, Aledo. 
nth — Ralph F. Bradford, Pontiac. 



District. 

12th — Len Small, Kankakee. 
13th — Charles G. Eckhart, Tuscola. 
14th — John S. Stevens, Peoria. 
15th — J. Mack Sholl, Carthage. 
16th— H. D. L. Griggsby, Pittsfield. 
17th — T. M. Harris; Lincoln. 
1 8th — George T. Turner, Vandalia. 
19th — Charles P. Hitch, Paris. 
20th — John H. Miller, McLeansboro. 
21 st — George F. Mead, Pinckneyville. 
22d — Daniel Hogan, Mound City. 
At Large — Joseph Robbins, Quincy ; Charles Bent, Morrison ; S. H. Wat- 
son, Mount Vernon ; John W. Bunn, Springfield ; Edward H. Morris, Chicago ; 
Joseph Brucker, Chicago ; G. Bernhard Anderson, Chicago. 

Committees, 1900: Executive — James McKinney, Chairman; Charles S. 
Deneen, Fred A. Busse, Len Small, Daniel Hogan, Charles P. Hitch, Fred H. 
Rome, Thomas N. Jamieson, John S. Stevens, John W. Bunn, Luman T. Hoy, 
H. D. L. Griggsby, Walter Fieldhouse. 

Finance — John W. Bunn, Chairman ; James McKinney, Charles S. Deneen, 
Charles G. Eckhart, E. G. Keith, Wm. J. Moxley. 

Organization — Len Small, Chairman ; James Pease, Thomas N. Jamieson, 
George F. Mead, Charles P. Hitch, Fred A. Busse, H. D. L. Griggsby, Ralph F. 
Bradford. 

Speakers — J. Mack Sholl, Chairman; S. H. Watson, Thomas N. Jamieson, 
H. D. L. Griggsby, Joseph E. Bidwill, George T. Turner. 

Literature — Luman T. Hoy, Chairman ; Joseph Brucker, G. Bernhard An- 
derson, J. Mack Sholl, Edward H. Morris, T. M. Harris, George F. Mead, Chas, 
Bent. J. R. Cowley. 

Transportation — James Pease, Chairman ; Joseph E. Bidwill, J. Mack Sholl, 
Wm. J. Moxley, Geo. F. Mead, John H. Miller. 

Press — J. R. Cowley, Chairman; Charles Bent, S. H. Watson, Charles P. 
Hitch, Joseph Brucker, T. M. Harris, Luman T. Hoy. 

Detection and Prosecution of Fraud — Edward H. Morris, Chairman; G. 
Bernhard Anderson, George T. Turner, Ernest J. Magerstadt, Joseph Robbins, 
Ralph F. Bradford. 

Judiciary — John S. Stevens, Chairman ; Joseph Robbins, Charles S. De- 
neen, Geo. T. Turner, Chas. G. Eckhart, John H. Miller. 



CHAIRMEN AND SECRETARIES OF COUNTY CENTRAL COMMITTEES, 1900. 



Counties. 


Chairman, Address. 


Secretary, Address. 




Wm. Summerville, Quincy 


John E. Wall, Quincy. 
Sidney B. Miller, Cairo. 




Bond 








R. W. Mclnnes, Belvidere 






C H. Perry, Mt. Sterling. 










Wm. U. Mortland, Hardin. 


Carroll 










R. Lancaster, Virginia. 
Royal Wright, Urbana. 
Walter Provine, Taylorville. 
F. J. Bartlett, Marshall. 


Champaign : .. 


Ozias Riley, Champaign 


Clark 


Fenton W. Booth, Marshall 

John H. Tolliver Louisville 


Clay 


T. S. Williams, Louisville. 
H. H. Beckemeyer, Buxton. 
Bryan H. Tivnen, Mattoon. 

E. J. Magerstadt, Chicago. 
J. A. McHatton, Robinson. 
J. E. Barr, Toledo. 

A. W. Fisk, De Kalb. 

F. C Davidson, Clinton. 
Chas. G. Eckhart, Tuscola. 




Wm. H. Norris, Carlyle 

Fred More, Charleston 






Crawford 

Cumberland 

DeKalb 

De Witt 

Douglas 

Du Page 


A. H. Jones, Robinson 

A. F. Bussard, Toledo : 

Wm. Jackson, Shabbona 

E. B. Mitchell, Clinton 


E. H. McChesney, Glen Ellvn 

W. H. Clinton, Paris 

N. E. Smith, Albion 


H". H. Goodrich, Naperville. 
C O. Chestnut, Paris. 






Effing-ham 


J. E. Groves, Altamont 

G. T. Turner, Vandalia 

J P Middlecoff, Paxton 


J. L. Mix, Altamont. 
J. A. Meyers, Vandalia. 
V. G. Way, Proctor. 
Harry L. Frier, Benton. 
C E. Snively, Canton. 








Fulton 


Jas . M. Stewart, Lewiston 





241 



CHAIRMEN AND SECRETARIES OF COUNTY CENTRAL COMMITTEES, 1900. 



Counties. 


Chairman, Address. 


Secretary, Address. 




J. H. Gradv, New Haven 






J. G. Pope, Kane 


D. Simpson, Jr., Carrolton. 




C M. Stephen, Morris 










J. Mack Sholl. Carthage 






















Iroquois 


S. C. Rutherford, Watseka 


E. H. Munsterman. Watseka. 
John W. Miller, Carbondale. 


Jasper 

Jefferson 


C. D. Kendall, Newton 




0. P. Nesmith. Bluford 


G. Gale Gilbert, Mt. Vernon. 
Frank Roden, Fieldon. 




H. C. Gann, Sr.. Warren 


D. B. Blewitt. Galena. 






W. H. Gilliam. Vienna. 




F. G. Hanchett. Aurora 

E. A. Jeffers, Kankakee 

W. R. Newton, Yorkville 


J. T. Phelps, Geneva. 
L. G. Nutt, Buckingham. 
J. S. Budd, Milibrook. 
A. W. Truesdon, Galesburg. 
R. D. Wynn. Waukegan. 
Geo. M. Trimble, Ottawa. 




Kendall : 






La Salle 


Al . F. Schoch. Ottawa 












R. H. Scott. Dixon. 


Livingston 

Logan 


Edw. O. Reed. Pontiac 


G. W. Lacv, Pontiac. 


W. R. Baldwin, Lincoln 

E. H. Thomas, Argenta 


L. B. Davis, Lincoln. 


Macoupin 




H. A. David. Carlinville. 








C. F. Patterson, Sandoval 












I. R. Brown, Havana 

D. W. Helm. Metropolis 

J. M. Pace, Macomb 

L. T. Hoy. Woodstock 




Massac 

McDonough 


J. B. McCrary, Metropolis. 
C. G. Gumbart. Macomb. 
H. C. Mead, West McHenrv. 






Homer W. Wall, Bloomington. 
F. E. Blane. Petersburg. 
L. D. Kirkpatrick, Keithsburg. 
H. C. Voris, Waterloo. 




Edw. H. Golden, Petersburg 




Monroe 


J. S. Schneider, Harrisonville 






W. R. Bateman, Litchfield. 












Geo. A. Sentel, Sullivan. 


Ogle 


Martin E. Schrvver. Polo 


Jos. Rice. Mt. Morris. 








Perr j 

Piatt 


Harrv B. Ward, Du Ouoin 

A. C. Dovle, Cerro Gordo 


Thos. B. Reagen, Du Ouoin. 


Pike 


W. W. Watson, Barrv 


Thos. W. Mavo, Pittsfield. 






Barnev Phelps, Golconda. 
E. P. Easterday, Mound City. 
Geo. F. Stanton. Hennepin. 
S. W. McGuire, Sparta. 
John A. Beaird. Olney. 
W. George Heider, Rock Island. 
J. V. Capel, Harrisburg. 
John Juneman, Springfield. 
H. B. Soach. Rushville. 


Pulaski 


Chas. M. Gaunt, Mound Citr 

J. B. Albert, Florid .... 










J. F. Jollv. Olney 




B. F. Knox, Rock Island.. 








U. G. Henman, Springfield 

B. 0. Willard, Rushville 


Schuyler 


Scott 


S. W. Peak. Winchester 

J. C. Westervelt, Shelbyville 


B. T. Bradlev. Winchester. 


Shelby 

Stark 


H. M. Martin, Shelbyville. 


V. G. Fuller, Toulon 


St. Clair 


Chas. Becker, Belleville 


H. Semmelroth, Belleville. 


Stephenson 


Smith D. Atkins. Freeport 

W. R. Curran, Pekin. 


R. P. Eckert. Freeport. 
John H. Shade, Pekin. 










W. R. Jewel, Danville 

Thos. G. Rislev. Mt. Carmel 


M. W. Thompson, Danville. 
Chas. Oldendorf, Mt. Carmel. 


Wabash 












Julius Huegelv. Nashville. 
L. M. Forth. Wavne Citv. 




F. \V. Brook, Fairfield. 


White 




W. H. Phipps, Carmi. 

E. G. Mathias. Prophetstown. 

John T. Clvne, Joliet. 




Thos. Diller, Sterling . 


Will 






W. 0. Potter Lake Creek 






B. F. Lee, Rockford. 


F. E. Sterling, Rockford. 
C. T. Swartz, El Paso. 


Woodford 


C. F. Brown, Roanoke 



The Republican part}* has been fortunate in the selection of officers for 
their State Central Committee : they were all men of high character ; possessed 
splendid organizing ability and performed their arduous duties to the entire 
satisfaction of their party friends. Chairman Judd served with distinction in 
Congress. Horace White was editor of the "Chicago Tribune." and was recog- 
nized as one of the leading newspaper men of the country, and. although he has 
since drifted away from the Republican party, his early labors for its success 
will always be kindly remembered. Burton C. Cook was an able lawyer, had a 
long and successful career in Congress and always labored for the success of 
the party. Thomas J. Turner was a distinguished soldier and member of Con- 
gress. James C. Sloo was an old citizen of Southern Illinois, and recognized 
as a wise and an able political leader. Colonel Amos C. Babcock was an Anti- 
Nebraska member of the Illinois Legislature and helped to elect Judge Trum- 

242 



bull to the Senate ; served with high credit in the Union army and was a splen- 
did political organizer. Charles B. Farwell is one of the largest and most suc- 
cessful merchants in the world; served with great credit in both houses of 
Congress, and, amidst his pressing business care, performed splendid service as 
chairman for the Republican party. A. M. Jones was chairman twelve years. 
This fact alone attests his ability, popularity and success. "Long Jones" was a 
most able leader and chairman. General James S. Martin, one of the best known 
citizens of Southern Illinois, soldier and Congressman, performed the duties as 
chairman with skill and ability. James H. Clark rendered valuable and satis- 
factory services during a campaign which, unfortunately, went against his party. 
Gov. John R. Tanner added greatly to his prestige by the able conduct of the 
successful campaign of 1894. Dr. Jamieson, as chairman and secretary, demon- 
strated the fact that he is a man of great force of character and ability as a 
political manager. Charles P. Hitch and Charles S. Ranneils, leading spirits in 
their own sections of the State, added greatly to their political standing by their 
splendid management of the campaign of 1896 and 1898. Fred H. Rowe, chair- 
man, and Walter Fieldhouse, secretary, were, in 1900, for the first time identified 
with the State Committee, and bid fair to win honors in this important field of 
endeavor. 

James P. Root was secretary for eight years. He assisted in the notable 
campaigns of 1864, 1866, and 1868. He had the confidence of every loyal man 
of the State, and was in close touch with President Lincoln, during the mem- 
orable campaign of 1864. Mr. Root was succeeded by Daniel Shepard, who 
served as secretary of the committee for eighteen years. Mr. Shepard was 
thoroughly well equipped for such an office ; he was a man of excellent judgment, 
infinite patience, and agreeable address. He knew everybody, had the confidence 
of everybody, and was a great political organizer. He was a most honest, con- 
scientious, and untiring worker, thoroughly devoted to the principles of the 
Republican party, and tireless in his efforts for its success. His services were 
such that his name deserves an enduring place in the records of the Republican 
party of Illinois. Charles A. Partridge performed the duties of secretary with 
ability and to the entire satisfaction of the committee, and has since been con- 
stantly identified with the headquarters of the Department of Illinois of the 
Grand Army of the Republic. James R. B. Van Cleve, a well known figure in 
the politics of the State, has had a wide experience in political organization and 
management. He performed the duties of secretary for four years with great 
ability. 

Charles A. Stone, of Chicago, 111., was connected with the State Central 
Committee for twenty years ; he entered upon the important work in 1876 and 
continued up to and including the campaign of 1896. At times he acted as Sec- 
retary but was Assistant Secretary most of the time. He became well known 
to all the Republican leaders of the State and deservedly had the confidence 
and respect of all. 

During the past forty years the Republican party of Illinois has sent a num- 
ber of its most distinguished citizens to represent the State in Congress. Ly- 
'man Trumbull, Orville H. Browning, Richard Yates, John A. Logan, Richard 
J. Oglesby, Shelby M. Cullom, Charles B. Farwell and William E. Mason are 
names familiar to the American people. David Davis and John M. Palmer, 
although at the time of their election to the Senate not in harmony with the 
old party of their choice, assisted in the organization of the party, and whatever 
differences of opinion afterwards arose, their long and able services to the 
State endear them to the people and to the Republican party. Senator Trumbull 
was twice elected to the Senate, General Logan three times, and Senator Cullom 
is now serving his third term. In the House of Representatives, Illinois has had 
a long list of able men to aid in shaping the policy of the government by the 
enactment of wise and just laws. The Republicans elected to Congress since 
the organization of the party are as follows, the names being given in alphabeti- 
cal order and not in the order of service : Isaac N. Arnold, William Aldrich, 
George E. Adams, J. Frank Aldrich, Henry P. H. Brownsville, John Baker, 
Horatio C. Burchard, John L. Beveridge, Granville Barriere, Lorenzo Brentano, 
Orlando Burrell, Hugh Belknap, Burton C. Cook, Shelby M. Cullom, Franklin 

243 



Corwin, Joseph G. Cannon, Isaac Clements, Robert A. Childs, William Cullen, 
James A. Connelly, Edward Dpicke, George R. Davis, Ransom W. Durham, 
Reuben El wood, John F. Farnsworth, Charles B. Farwdl, Greenbury 
L. Fort, Benjamin F. Funk, George Edmund Foss, William H. Gest, 
Joseph V. Graff, Abner C. Harding, John B. Hawley, John B. Hay, Stephen A. 
Hurlbut, Thomas J. Henderson, Philip C. Hayes, Robert M. A. Hawk, Robert 
R. Hitt, Albert J. Hopkins, Charles A. Hill, W. F. S. Hadley, Eben C. Ingersoll, 
Norman B. Judd, James Knox, William Kellogg, Andrew j. Kuykendall, Owen 
Love joy, John A. Logan, John V. LaMoyne, William Lathrop, John L. Lewis, 
William Lorimer, Samuel W. Moulton, Jesse H. Moore, John McNulta, James 
S. Martin, Benjamin F. Marsh, William E. Mason, Everett J. Murphy, Daniel W. 
Mills, Jesse O. Norton, Lewis E. Payson, Ralph Plumb, Phillip S. Post, George 
W. Prince, Green B. Raum, John B. Rice, Wm. H. Ray, Jonathan H. Rowell, 
Frederick Remann, John I. Rinaker, William A.Rodenburg, Walter Reeves, John 
T. Stewart, Bradford N. Stevens, Henry Snapp, John C. Sherwin, Dederich C. 
Smith, George W. Smith, Thomas F. Tipton, John R. Thomas, Abner Taylor, 
Elihu B. Washburne, Jasper D. Ward, Richard H. Whiting, Hamilton H. 
Wheeler, Charles W. Woodman, George E. White, Vespasian Warner and 
Benson Wood. Many of those men brought into their legislative lives experi- 
ences gained in long military service during the Civil War, among whom 
were Logan, Hurlbut, Oglesby, Palmer, Beveridge, Raum, Henderson, Moore, 
McNulta, Martin, Rinaker, Marsh, Fort, Post, Hawk, Clements, Connelly, 
Davis and Thomas. Mr. Washburne entered Congress before the war and was 
re-elected seven times. He took a leading part in all the important legislation 
during and after the war, and was afterwards Minister to France. Messrs. Love- 
joy, Ingersoll, Adams, Cook, Fort, and Rowell were each elected four times, 
Farnsworth, seven times, and Henderson served continuously twenty years. The' 
elder Aldrich, Davis, Durham, Hawley and Kellogg were elected -three times 
and Burchard and Thomas each served for ten years. General Logan was elected 
four times to the House and three times to the Senate. Mr. Farwell was elected 
four times to the House and once to the Senate. Of the present members Mr. 
Mann and Mr. Boutell have been twice elected. Messrs. Lorimer, Foss, Prince, 
Reeves, Warner and Graff are serving their third term, while George W. Smith 
is serving his twelfth year, Col. Marsh his fourteenth year, and Mr. Hopkins his 
sixteenth year ; Mr. Hitt is now serving his twentieth year, while the dean of 
the delegation, Mr. Cannon, is serving his twenty-fourth year. ' 

Senator Cullom has had the longest and most varied experience in public 
life. He served three terms in the Illinois Legislature, was elected twice as 
Governor, three times to the Lower House of Congress and three times to the 
United States Senate. He has devoted fully thirty-six years to the public service, 
State and National. The people fully understand that the experience obtained 
from long service is of great importance in conducting the public affairs. Sena- 
tor Cullom and Representatives Cannon, Hitt, Hopkins and Marsh by their long 
service have gained broad knowledge of public affairs, and have a standing 
second to none. The service of Senator Cullom at the head of the Senate Com- 
mittee of Interstate Commerce has been invaluable to the country, while upon' 
the Committee upon Appropriations and Foreign Affairs he has taken a leading 
part. Few men in the history of the government have acquired greater knowl- 
edge or attained a higher standing in connection with the foreign affairs of this 
government. Mr. Hopkins is now recognized as one of the leading men of the 
country in regard to all questions coming before the Ways and Means Com- 
mittee, involving the tariff and the internal revenue. Col. Marsh is a man of 
recognized ability and influence. Mr. Cannon's long connection with the Ap- 
propriations Committee has enabled him to obtain a clear insight into the opera- 
tions of every branch of the public service. The Secretary of the Treasury 
annually submits to Congress the detailed estimate of expenses for the support 
of the Government. These estimates are considered item by item by the Ap- 
propriation Committee, and prominent men from each department and bureau 
are brought before the committee to explain the necessity for each item of ex- 
pense. Mr. Cannon has participated in these inquiries for so many years, with 
so much care and zeal, that he has become a master of the whole subject of the 

244 



public expenses. There was a time when a number of the appropriations made 
for the support of various branches of the service were in lump sums, and this 
money, to a certain extent, was expended in the employment of persons in the 
discretion of the heads of departments or bureaus. Mr. Cannon took this subject 
up earnestly and in good time the various positions created by official discretion 
were brought into the list of general employment of the departments, and pro- 
vided for by the regular appropriation for clerical services. Mr. Cannon is en- 
titled to just praise for the ability that he has displayed on this committee. He 
is one of the all-around working men of the House, and is well posted on eyery 
subject of debate. James R. Mann, of the first district, is by profession a lawyer ; 
he has risen rapidly in the House. His position on the Committee of Interstate 
and Foreign Commerce is important for Illinois, as the subject of converting 
the Drainage Canal into a ship canal will certainly be urged in Congress. Mr. 
Mann is a hard worker, an able speaker, and has taken an active part in the 
debates upon all questions growing out of the Spanish War. 

William Lorimer, of the second district, has not only shown ability as a 
legislator, but has developed great capacity as a political organizer and leader. 
As chairman of the Cook County Republican Committee, he exerts a powerful 
bfluence, not only in Cook County, but throughout the State. 

Henry S. Boutell, of the sixth district, with a preliminary experience in the 
Illinois Legislature, has shown marked ability in Congress. He is popular in his 
district and will, no doubt, have a long and useful career in public life. 

George E. Foss, serving his third term, is now practically at the head of 
the House Naval Committee, and has won golden opinions as to his knowledge 
of naval affairs and his progressive spirit in building up the navy. 

George W. Prince, of Galesburg, has maintained the reputation of his dis- 
trict, which has been so ably represented by General Philip S. Post, who had 
not only served his country in the army with distinction, but added to his repu- 
tation by his service in Congress. 

Walter Reeves, of Streator, is well known throughout the State and is pop- 
ular wherever known. Able in counsel ; eloquent as a speaker ; in the prime of 
life, he has a splendid field before him for political preferment. 

Vespasian Warner, of Clinton, soldier, lawyer, statesman, is representing 
his district for the third time. He is a man of splendid ability and great popu- 
larity. Joseph V. Graff, of Pekin, now representing the 14th district for the 
third time, one of the most flourishing districts of the State, a leader of politics 
of his district, his service in Congress has given great satisfaction to his con- 
stituents. 

The seventeenth district has been a political battle ground in which Major 
James A. Connolly, of Springfield, has been twice successful, in 1884 and in 
1886. The Republican party and the State loses an able man in his retirement 
from Congress. The nineteenth Congressional district, now ably represented 
by Joseph B. Crowley, of Robinson, has also been a field for strong political 
struggles, where Hon. Benson Wood, of Effingham, a sterling, popular Repub- 
lican, was electeciin 1894. 

William A. Rodenberg, of East St. Louis, redeemed his district at the 
election of 1898. The district is naturally Republican, and with Mr. Roden- 
berg's known ability and popularity, will, no doubt, be held in the Republican 
column. 

George W. Smith, of Murphysboro, was first elected to Congress in 1888 
from the Cairo District. He has maintained his hold upon the people against 
all opposition. Mr. Smith represents a district, which, for years prior to the 
Civil War, was strongly Democratic. It has been represented m Democratic 
days by General John A. McClernand, Willis Allen, Samuel S. Marshall, General 
John A. Logan and William J. Allen, but it is now a rock-ribbed Republican 
district. The Republicans of Illinois can well be proud of the entire Republican 
delegation, all men of splendid ability, and their constituents will do well to re- 
turn them to office, as longer service and greater experience will unquestionably 
give them a standing by which their constituents will profit. 



245 



CHAPTER XXXVII. 

The National Departmental Service. Its Progress and Development 
Under Republican Administrations. 

In the great political discussions before the people from time to time, public 
speakers of both parties confine themselves mainly to questions of finance, the 
public debt, banking, tariff, internal revenue, the silver question, imperialism, 
etc., and upon these issues the result of elections turn. Neither party seem to 
think it important to bring- to the attention of the people the great additions 
and improvements which have been introduced during the past forty years into 
the executive administration of the National Government. Every department of 
the Government has had important new features added to it. New bureaus and 
new divisions have been created to take care of new and important subjects of 
administration. This work began as soon as the Republicans found themselves 
in the majority in Congress in i860. 

Prior to March, 1861, the Government printing was done by contract. The 
investigation made by a Congressional Committee known as the "Covode Com- 
mittee" established the fact that great frauds had been perpetrated upon the 
Government through the contract with the public printer. Republican Con- 
gressmen decided to cut the opportunity of fraud in the business up by the 
roots by having the work done by the Government itself. By the Act of 
March 4, 1861, the Government printing office was created, and has done and 
rs now doing the printing and binding required by Congress and the various De- 
partments. 

The Government printing office at Washington City is now the largest 
printing establishment in the world. It is under the management of an officer 
called the "Public Printer." The employes number 3,477 and the floor space 
occupied is 242,500 square feet. A new building, now being erected at a cost 

j.000,000, will increase the above area 377,200 square feet. There are 127 
ises in use, and the output is 1,000,000 impressions per day of eight hours. 
Among these presses is one capable of printing cards on both sides from a 
bristol board at the rate of 65,000 per hour. There are also two envelope 
presses, the output of which is 9.500 printed envelopes per hour. The total 
horse-power of the- engines is 900. There are three electric generators in use 
with an aggregate of 612 kilowatts. There are 219 electric motors in use, 
having an aggregate of 692 horse-power. There are 750 tons of type in use. 

ry known article used in a great printing establishment is consumed in 
large quantities and the purchase of these articles is made upon bids and in 
a manner to secure first-class articles at the lowest market price. The aggre- 
penditures of the office per year are $4,000,000, nearly three-fourths of 
which is for labor. The office lias a circulating library for the use of its em- 
ploye-, containing 2,265 volumes, consisting of historical, biographical and poeti- 
cal works, and works of fiction. The cost of the printing and binding produced 
lOM a- in any Other establishment in the world, and a degree of promptness 

cured in certain branches that could not be had from any other establish- 
ment. When Congress i- in session, the Congressional Record is placed upon 
the desks of the members each morning, containing the entire proceedings of 

the day previous. A Striking illustration of the capacity of tin- office to execute 

hurried orders was the printing of the message of the President transmitting the 
report of the Naval Court of Inquiry upon the destruction «,f the United States 
battleship "Maine" Tin. publication consisted of 284 pages of text, twenty 
four full page engravings and one lithograph in colors; although the originals 
of the illustrations were not in the possession of the office until 3 P. M. of 

246 



March 28, and the manuscript of the discussion was not received until 6 P. M. 
of the same day, complete printed copies in paper covers were placed upon the 
desks of Senators and Representatives by 10 A. M. the following day. No one 
would now presume to suggest the abandonment of this system of performing 
the public printing and go back to the old Democratic system of letting the work 
by contract to private parties. 

The Government Printing Office is now managed by Hon. F. W. Palmer, of 
Illinois. Mr. Palmer is a man of great experience ; he served in Congress ; was 
editor of the Chicago Inter Ocean ; and was Postmaster at Chicago for four 
years. He was four years Public Printer under President Harrison and was re- 
appointed by President McKinley. He is a man of great executive ability, be- 
sides being an able public speaker. 

While Congress had done something in the interest of agriculture by the 
establishment of a division of Agriculture of the Interior Department, it was 
not until the Republican party were in control of the Government that this 
subject was taken up in earnest. By the Act of May 15, 1862, the Agricultural 
Department was established, and on July 1, 1862, Hon. Isaac Newton was ap- 
pointed commissioner. All the papers, property and effects of the old division 
was transferred to Commissioner Newton, and the business of this new depart- 
ment was conducted independently of the Department of the Interior. General 
Horace Capron of Illinois, Judge Frederick Watts of Pennsylvania, Hon. G. 
Le Due of Minnesota, Hon. Geo. B. Loring of Massachusetts were Republican 
successors of Mr. Newton, and Norman J. Colman of Missouri was commis- 
sioner under President Cleveland. The business of this Department extended 
with the progressive development of the agriculture of the nation, and it became 
so important that by the Act of February 9, 1888, the Department was raised to 
the first rank as an Executive branch of the Government and Gen. Jeremiah M. 
Rusk w T as appointed Secretary of Agriculture March 7, 1889, by President Har- 
rison. General Rusk was a farmer, a man of splendid sense and judgment, and 
thoroughly devoted to the cause of promoting the interests of farmers. He insti- 
tuted the "Farmer's Bulletins" which placed the information gathered by the 
Department more generally in the possession of farmers. He began the inves- 
tigation of foreign markets for our products. He established the inspection of 
American meats for foreign markets under the management of the Bureau of An- 
imal Industry. Pleuro-pneumonia was substantially eradicated. He inaugurated 
a system of inspection of American cattle by American inspectors stationed in 
Great Britain. He caused to be enacted the law of March 3, 1891, for the im- 
provement in transportation of cattle by sea. His department made the dis- 
covery that the Texas fever in cattle was produced by ticks ; the cause having 
been found, remedies were instituted and the disease was eradicated. J. Sterling 
Morton, of Nebraska, was Secretary of Agriculture under President Cleveland 
and James Wilson, of Iowa, under President McKinley. 

Perhaps the most important addition to the executive department is the 
establishment of the Weather Bureau. The study of the weather and of storms 
engaged the attention of many prominent men in the early history of America ; 
Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and others, gave the 
subject considerable attention. It was conceived that by proper observations in 
various parts of the world, the laws of storms and changes of the weather might 
be learned. Scientific men took this subject up in many countries, and meteorol- 
ogy became a subject of careful study. In 1845 ft was earnestly taken up in this 
country, and for twenty years Professors Espey and Henry of the Smithsonian 
Institution; Maury on behalf of the Navy; General Reynalds on behalf of the 
Army Engineer Corps ; Major Lachlan on behalf of the American Association 
for the Advancement of Science ; and Commissioners Newton and Watts on 
behalf of the Department of Agriculture pressed the subject upon the attention 
of Congress, but that body left the matter unacted upon until 1869. 

Commissioner Newton took the lead in urging Congress to authorize the 
establishment of signal stations. At last General A. J. Myer prepared a scheme 
of weather warning, suitable for execution by the signal corps. The matter was 
again brought to the attention of Congress, under the leadership of General 
Halbert E. Payne, and a joint resolution was passed February 9, 1870, requiring 

247 



the Secretary of War to take meteorological observations at the military stations 
and at other points in the United States, for giving notice to the northern lakes 
and on the sea-coast, by telegraph and signals, of the approach and force of 
storms. This was the beginning, but in 1871-2, the purposes for which these 
signals were designed were enlarged and declared to be for the benefit of com- 
merce and agriculture. From this small beginning in 1870, the present Weather 
Bureau sprang. In good time it became clear that the service had gone beyond 
the advantage of army control, as the science of meteorology was apart from 
ordinary military instruction and required special training. Under an act of 
Congress the Bureau was transferred from the war department to the agricul- 
tural department. 

This bureau has been thoroughly systematized ; the employes connected with 
the service have had special training; stations have been established in all parts 
of the United States and in the West Indies, so that the condition of the weather 
can be made known to the distant points from the central station at Washington 
City and predictions of the weather can be made with great accuracy. Farmers 
have warnings of coming frost and of cold waves. The state of the rivers is 
watched and warning of floods given. So important has the work of this bureau 
become that the daily reports are watched with interest all over the country 
and prove of inestimable value to agriculture and commerce. The warnings 
and records of the course of the terrible storm which visited atid destroyed the 
city of Galveston demonstrated the accuracy with which this well organized 
bureau can make predictions concerning the weather and storms. This is a 
bureau that has secured a permanent place in the executive branch of the Gov- 
ernment under Republican legislation. 

The extension of the foreign commerce of the United States is a subject 
which has called forth the best efforts of Republican statesmen. Honorable 
William M. Evarts, of Xew York, while Secretary of State, during the admin- 
istration of President Hayes, conceived and established the present system of 
Consular Reports upon the state of foreign trade. Mr. Evarts prepared the 
necessary orders governing this subject and required the Consuls of the United 
States in foreign countries to make a careful study of the production and trade 
in their respective districts and to make periodical reports upon the same, the 
object being to gather from all parts of the world information as to the state of 
the trade of the world, so that the people of the United States could success- 
fully enter those markets with their products. Air. Evarts made provision for 
these reports to be published monthly, and a consolidated report at the end 
of each year giving full details of the information gained by American Consuls 
throughout the world. These reports were freely distributed, and their import- 
ant contents were printed in the leading newspapers. The Consular reports 
have been published daily since January 1, 1898. Xo other government pub- 
lishes Consular reports daily. 

The reports of our Consuls cover almost every subject which is of interest 
to the people of the United States, in connection with production and trade of 
other countries. As an illustration of the varieties of the subjects treated, a 
few headings are given from the Consular Reports of September, 1900 : 

Changing Conditions in the German Iron and Coal Markets ; Special Taxa- 
tion of Department Stores in Germany; Elbe-Trave Canal ; New German Pro- 
cess of Welding Pipes; Americanizing German Shoe Trade; The Utilization 
of Fruit in Germany; German Stone-Ware Factory; Chemical Foods in Ger- 
many ; Municipal Ownership of Street Railways in 'Halle ; Railroad Accommo- 
dations in Central Europe ; Traveling Rates on Scotch Railroads ; Freight and 
Insurance Rates in Foreign Trade ; Transportation Taxes in Spain ; Electric 
Tramways in Valencia ; Tanning Machinery in Spain; American Wheat in 
Valencia; Extension of the United States Trade with Spain; Antwerp Ivory 
Market ; American Trade in Scotland ; American Clover Seed ; French Silk In- 
dustry ; New Automatic Shuttle in France ; German Sample Room in Constanti- 
nople ; The Liquor Traffic in Russia; Farm Laborers' Wages in Sweden; Amer- 
ican Products in Siberia ; Flour in Japan ; Camphor Monopolv in Formosa ; 
Australia Butter Packing; Electric Works in Bombay; United States Locomo- 
tives in Egypt ; Farm Life in Brazil ; Mineral Resources of Hayti Railways. 

248 



It is fully recognized that the Consular Reports of foreign trade has con- 
tributed largely to the success of American merchants and manufacturers intro- 
ducing American products abroad, and the enterprise of American Consuls in 
obtaining and communicating important information has placed the Consular 
service of the United States in the lead of all other nations. 

The Treasury Department, more than all other departments at Washington, 
has had important additions made to it. The Bureau of Internal Revenue, with 
the Commissioner of Internal Revenue at its head, was organized in 1862, and 
its large force of collectors and their subordinates throughout the United States 
has collected the internal revenue taxes for the last thirty-eight years. This 
system, created as a means of raising revenue to carry on the war, has become 
a permanent system of raising revenue, and its affairs have been conducted with 
such ability and prudence that these revenues are collected without serious fric- 
tion and at a very small percentage of expense. 

The Comptroller of the Currency has the supervision of the National Banks. 
This bureau was organized by the Act of June 3, 1864. It is part of 
the Republican system for giving to the country a stable paper currency, and is 
a branch of the Government which has proved itself to be of immense value to 
the country. 

.The office of Commissioner of Navigation was created by Act of July 5, 
1884, and has charge of the general superintendence of the commercial marine 
and merchant seamen of the United States, and is also charged with the decision 
of all questions relating to the issuing of registers, enrolling, licensing of ves- 
sels, etc. 

In 1898 there were inspected 8,649 steam vessels and 58 sailing vessels. 
The efficiency of this service is shown by the fact that there has been a steady 
reduction in the annual loss of life by accidents to machinery. This bureau, 
under the Supervising Inspector General of Steam Vessels, superintends the 
administration of the steam boat inspection laws and the examination of engi- 
neers, pilots, etc., and the issuing of licenses to the same. 

By the Act of June 29, 1870, amended by the Act of March 3, 1875, the 
Marine Hospital Service was re-organized and the supervising surgeon general 
given general charge of the service, including the supervision of marine hos- 
pitals and relief stations. A most important addition was made by the Act of 
February, 1893, for the prevention of contagious diseases and their spread, also 
the conduct of the quarantine service of the United States and the prevention 
of the introduction of diseases from one state to another. 

The Bureau of Immigration, created by Act of March 3, 1891, has general 
charge of the subject of immigration and the enforcement of the Alien Con- 
tract Laws. 

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is the outgrowth of the establish- 
ment of the Republican system of finances and paper currency. The bureau 
designs, engraves, prints and finishes all of the securities issued by the Govern- 
ment, embracing United States notes, bonds, and certificates, national bank 
notes, internal revenue, postage, and custom stamps, treasury drafts and checks, 
disbursing officers' checks, licenses, commissions, patent and pension certifi- 
cates, and portraits authorized by law. It is, no doubt, the greatest bureau of 
the kind in the world. All its work is of superior quality and produced at the 
lowest possible cost. In June, 1899, there were 1,904 employes, and during 
that year the number of sheets printed was over one hundred and twenty mil- 
lions, produced at an average of $16.80 per thousand sheets. 

Sporadic attempts had been made for establishing a Government Life Sav- 
ing Service, but without much interest being taken in the subject, until the ad- 
ministration of General Grant. An appropriation of $200,000 was made April 
7, 1 87 1, and the Secretary of the Treasury was authorized to employ crews of 
surf men at such stations as he might deem necessary for a life saving service. In 
1878 Congress provided for the present bureau of the Treasury Department with 
a general superintendent in charge. This is the only exclusively governmental 
establishment of the kind in the world, the life saving institutions abroad being 
all voluntary societies supported by donations of benevolent persons. To a 
Republican President and a Republican Congress is due the credit of having 

249 



organized an elaborate system of relief for seafarers, wrecked upon our coasts, 
backed by the means and energies of the Government. On June 30, 1899, there 
were 265 stations: 193 on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, 56 on the coasts of 
the Great Lakes, 15 on the Pacific coast, and one at the Falls of the Ohio 
River. The total number of disasters to vessels during that fiscal year was 
722. the number of persons involved. 4.574: lives lost. 63; vessels lost, 72. The 
value of property involved was $8, 243.000 and the value of property saved, 
$6,391,000: lives saved, 4,511. The total cost of the service for the year, $1,419,- 
000. Since organization the total number of disasters has been 11,170; value 
of vessels. $119,540,000; value of cargoes, $49,888,000; value of property saved. 
$132,000,000: lives saved, 85.008; lives lost, 908. The wisdom of establishing 
this bureau is borne out by the extraordinary results that have followed. 

Xo department of the Government has had such phenomenal growth since 
the Republican party took charge of the Government in 1861, as the Post-Office 
Department, with its immense service. This cannot be more clearly illustrated 
than by a comparison of the gross revenues during the fiscal year, i860, the last 
year of President Buchanan's administration, and the fiscal year, 1899: Gross 
receipts for i860, $8,518,067; gross receipts for 1899, $95,021,384. 

The difference of the management of the Post-Office Department is illus- 
trated by a comparison of the expenditures for the same periods : Expenditures 
for i860, $19,170,609: expenditures for 1899, $101,632,160. Deficiency in i860, 
$10,851,542: deficiency in 1899, $6,610,676. While the deficiency in the one case 
was 120 per cent of the receipts, the deficiency in the other was about seven 
per cent of the receipts. Besides, the rate of letter postage in i860 was three 
cents, while in 1899 it was two cents: the weight of a single letter in i860 was 
limited to one-half an ounce, while the weight of a letter in 1899 was limited 
to one ounce. 

To illustrate the phenomenal growth of the post-office service in some of 
the great cities of the Union. Chicago may be taken as an example. In 1880 
the receipts at Chicago were $1,234,921, while in 1899 tne receipts were $6,149,- 
420; in 1893 the collections of mail were 570 per day, while in 1900 they were 
2,051 per day; the number of employes in 1893 was 996, in 1900 the number 

[,516; the number of carriers in 1893 was 935, in 1900 the service required 
1.289: the pieces of mail handled in 1895, 700.000,000, had increased to 933.330,- 
000 in 1899. 

Three important improvements have been made in the mail service, namely: 
the Railway Mail Service, the free delivery system, and the Rural Free delivery 
The Railway Mail Service, which was instituted in 1864, provides for the receipt 
of mail matter on the cars, its classification and distribution, and delivery along 
the line of the railroad at the various stations. This system took the place of 
the old plan of distributing post-offices, to which mail matter was sent from 
the outlying post-offices fur assortment and distribution. In 1900 the railway 
mail service is conducted upon T76.000 miles of railway. There arc J2<> railway 
mail cars in use; 3.658 cars in which there arc apartments for this service': 2^ 
apartments in the electric and cable street car-: 7 2 apartments on steam boats; 
and 8.840 persons arc employed. This service by its prompt and certain deliv- 
has revolutionized the postal service of the United States. 

'Ilie Free Delivery Service- is an important branch of the post-office service, 
established July 1. 1863. It has been extended to 835 cities; [5,550 regular and 

1 substitute carri' mployed. As a means of stimulating correspond- 

. the rate of postage was reduced from three cents to two cents ( )ctobcr 1. 
1XX3. and the weight of a single letter was increased from one-half ounce to one 
ounce, July 1. [885. The growth of the postal service was so rapid, and the 
volume of mails at important centers became SO large, that it became almost 
an impossibility to make the deliveries from windows of a post-office. The Free 
delivery of mails is simply the outgrowth of the greal development of the postal 
service and Ik .tended to its present dimensions t<» the great convenience 

of the public and without any increase- in expenditure a- compared with receipts, 
for it is a law of the- postal service that increased Facilities increases receipts. 

The Rural Free Delivery is the last and most unique improvement in the 
1 service brought into active operation by a Republican administration. 

250 



The subject of Rural Free Delivery of the mails had attracted the attention of 
Congress as early as 1894, and $10,000 had been appropriated to make an experi- 
ment in this line. The subject, however, met no encouragement at the hands 
of the Democratic administration. In the House, Mr. Henderson, Chairman 
of the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads, believed the scheme impos- 
sible of execution, and "would require an appropriation of at least twenty mil- 
lions to inaugurate it." First Assistant Postmaster-General Jones stated that 
the department would not be warranted in burdening' the people with such ex- 
pense ; and Postmaster-General Bissell stated that the proposed plan of rural 
delivery, if adopted, would result in an additional cost to the people of about 
twenty million dollars for the first year, and he opposed the scheme. Congress 
increased the appropriation to $20,000 in 1895, and Postmaster-General Wilson, 
while expressing the opinion that the plan of establishing a rural free delivery 
system was wholly impracticable, decided to make a test, and the appropriation 
of $20,000 was made available in 1896. Twenty-three routes were established 
in a number of states, and the cost in the delivery of the mails over the various 
routes established bore out the unfavorable opinions cited. The cost of delivering 
each piece of mail ranged from 4.09 cents to 2.64 cents. This was the state of the 
service when the Republican administration took charge. The subject was taken 
up by First Assistant Postmaster-General Heath and H. Conquest Clarke, 
Special Agent, and in a short time the rural free delivery service was put in 
successful operation from 383 distributing points radiating over 40 states and 
one territory. The intelligence and care in laying out the various free delivery 
routes, and the enthusiasm with which farmers and others accept this service, 
has demonstrated the fact that it can be indefinitely extended without any ma- 
terial increase of expenditure. One of the unique experiments noted with the 
free delivery service has been the establishment of the "Westminster Rural 
Wagon Route," in the state of Maryland, and conducted upon the same prin- 
ciple as the Railway Mail Service, the mail wagon being fitted up somewhat like 
a postal car and having a driver and a postal clerk. 

It has been shown by this free delivery service that the accommodations 
which will be afforded to the agricultural population will result in the saving of 
an immense amount of valuable time in going to and from the post-offices from 
which they have heretofore received their mails. This is certainly an interesting 
and promising development of a great department by a progressive Republican 
administration. 

Other important improvements in the public service might well be named, 
but three others will suffice. The establishment of United States Depositories in 
all the large cities and at all the important tax-paying centers has greatly added 
to the convenience of transacting financial business with the Government. The 
funds deposited by the Government are secured by the deposit of United States 
bonds with the Treasurer of the United States, and these funds are held subject 
to the immediate draft of the Treasurer. During the Democratic regime, up to 
1861, there were no places of deposit for Government funds except here and 
there where Assistant Treasurers were located. 

Another important improvement in the public service is the almost universal 
custom of disbursing officers making their payments by checks instead of in 
cash, thus relieving those officers from the responsibility and care of handling 
money, leaving the actual payment of the cash to the Assistant Treasurers and 
bonded depositories. The third improvement is the present thorough system 
of inspections by competent agents of the various departments, whereby the 
various collectors and other officers throughout the country having financial re- 
sponsibilities have their offices and books regularly examined by expert ac- 
countants. The result of these careful business methods has secured to the 
government the strictest accountability for public funds, defalcations being now 
almost unknown. It is obvious that civil government is a great progressive 
science, and that the Republican party is the leader in carefully and wisely ad- 
vancing that science. 

When the Republican party took possession of the National Government, 
March 4, 1861, with Abraham Lincoln as President, it found eleven states had 
renounced their allegiance to the Union ; had organized the Confederate gov- 

251 



ernment and had raised an army to overthrow the Union. It found a bankrupt 
treasury ; the national credit impaired ; and a paper circulation composed of the 
notes of broken and suspended banks ; gold and silver coin had practically dis- 
appeared from circulation. Forts, arsenals, custom houses, mint, money and 
public property had been seized. The army and navy had been scattered by 
order of the retiring Democratic administration. Forty-one days later the 
National flag had been fired upon, Fort Sumpter was forced to surrender and civil 
war was precipitated upon the country. 

The Republican administration on behalf of the Nation accepted the chal- 
lenge to battle ; enacted laws for the preservation of the Union ; raised armies ; 
created a navy : levied taxes ; created a national paper currency composed of 
legal tender notes and National Bank notes ; established public credit ; issued 
bonds ; borrowed money ; raised more than two million and a half of soldiers ; 
fought battles : overcame the rebellion and saved the Union ; freed four million 
slaves, made them citizens, guaranteed them civil rights and gave them the bal- 
lot ; paid off and disbanded an army of a million men ; pensioned its disabled sol- 
diers, and the widows and orphans ; maintained the honor of the country at home 
and abroad and forgave its enemies. It aided the construction of Pacific rail- 
roads ; granted homesteads to settlers on the public lands ; organized territorial 
governments ; admitted new states ; maintained the system of a protective tariff 
and thereby encouraged enterprise and industry ; reduced expenses ; reduced 
taxes ; preserved the public credit ; reduced the public debt ; refunded the debt 
at a lower rate of interest, and resumed specie payments, giving to the country 
a sound circulation of gold, silver and paper, every dollar being of equal value. 
The foreign policy of the United States under Republican management has been 
frank and sincere. The interests of peace have been advancd by the introduc- 
tion of arbitration. The Hawaiian Islands have been added to our territory 
by peaceful negotiation. A just and successful war has been prosecuted against 
the Kingdom of Spain, and the authority of that nation at last eliminated from 
the Western Hemisphere. Cuba, released from tyranny, oppression and cruelty 
will be made free. Porto Rico, the Philippines and Guam, are now territory 
of the United States and will be lifted up into the sunlight of freedom. In the 
unhappy controversy with China American statesmanship has led the way ; 
American soldiers, sailors and marines have borne a conspicuous part in the res- 
cue of the diplomats of all nations from the treacherous hands of the Chinese 
government. During the mighty epoch in the history of the Republic from 
March, 1861, to the present hour, Republican statesmen of wisdom and experi- 
ence have prepared, enacted and administered the laws which have advanced the 
interests and prosperity of the people, and encouraged the development of the 
resources and industries of the country. In population, freedom, progressive 
intelligence, productive industries, wealth and general prosperity, this Republic 
stands unequaled. Its national progress has been phenomenal, but this has been 
equaled by its influence for good government among the people of the whole 
world. 

Among the nations of the earth the United States occupies the van in the 
great march of human rights and human progress. The duty of conducting this 
Nation on the line of its great mission must devolve upon the Republican partv ; 
it is the only party fitted by its antecedents and high moral principles for this 
work. 



252 



ABRAHAM^ LINCOLN. 

The name of Abraham Lincoln is imperishable. His brief public career of 
four years and twenty-one days as the leader of the cause of the preservation 
of the Union brought him conspicuously before the world. His plea for peace 
upon taking the oath of office of President was a noble effort to push aside the 
threatened scourge of war. When war came his appeal to arms rallied the loyal 
sentiment of the country, and during the whole of the struggle he became dearer 
and more near to the hearts of the people, until the Northland resounded with 
the anthem, "We are coming, Father Abraham, six hundred thousand more." 

With w T isdom, courage, fortitude, patience and kindness he led the country 
through the dark clouds of war; the greatest followed him as a natural leader, 
and those who fought to overthrow the government learned to revere his name 
and look upon his character as without flaw or blemish. 

Abraham Lincoln was born in Hardin, Larue county, Kentucky, February 
12, 1809. His ancestors were Quakers from Bucks county, Pennsylvania. 
When eight years old he went with his father and mother to Spencer county, 
Indiana. At nineteen he went down the Mississippi river on a flatboat, receiv- 
ing ten dollars a month for his wages. At twenty-one he migrated with his 
father's family to Illinois and split rails to fence the new homestead. At twenty- 
three he was a Captain of Volunteers in the Black Hawk War. He kept a store. 
He learned surveying. At twenty-five he was elected to the Illinois Legislature 
and was re-elected three times. At twenty-seven he was admitted to the bar. 

In 1837 he removed to Springfield. In 1846 he was elected to Congress as 
a Whig. In 1849 he sought unsuccessfully to be appointed Commissioner of 
the General Land Office, and declined an appointment which required residence 
in Oregon. In 1854 he was a candidate for the United States Senate as the 
unanimous choice of the Anti-Nebraska Whigs, who were a minority in the 
Legislature. His influence induced his supporters to vote for Judge Trumbull, 
an Anti-Nebraska Democrat, who was elected. 

In 1858 he was the nominee of the Republican State Convention for United 
States Senator, with Stephen A. Douglas as his rival. These two great men 
had a joint debate which attracted the attention of the whole country. Douglas 
was re-elected; Lincoln was defeated, but from that hour he was recognized as 
a great exponent of Republican doctrine. 

In i860 he was elected President and inaugurated March 4, 1861. His 
writings and speeches constitute a part of the classic literature of the country. 

Following is his address delivered at the dedication of Gettysburg Ceme- 
tery, November 19, 1863: 

"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth upon this coun- 
try a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all 
men are created equal. 

"Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or 
any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on 
a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that 
field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation 
might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. 

"But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot 
hallow this ground. The brave men living and dead who struggled here have 
consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little 
note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they 
did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished 
work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather 
for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from 

253 



these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they 
gave the last full measure of devotion; that we here highly resolve that these 
dead shall not have died in vain; that this nation, under God, shall have a new 
birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the 
people, shall not perish from the earth." 

Abraham Lincoln was married to Miss Mary Todd, who was a descendant 
of a prominent Kentucky family. He died April 15, 1865, by the hand of the 
assassin, J. Wilkes Booth. His body rests in the monument erected to his 
memory at Springfiefd, 111. Mrs. Lincoln died July 16, 1882. 

Their son, Robert T. Lincoln, of Chicago, is their only surviving descendant. 



STEPHEN ARNOLD DOUGLAS- 

Stephen A. Douglas was born in Brandon, Rutland county, Vermont, April 
2$, 1813. He died at Chicago, June 3, 1861. 

He worked at cabinet-making ; studied at an academy at Canandaigua three 
years; studied law; settled in Jacksonville, Illinois, March, 1834; was an auc- 
tioneer's clerk ; taught school ; was admitted to the bar. He soon had a lucrative 
practice ; became active in politics as a Democratic orator ; had the title of "The 
Little Giant." Attorney-General of the State ; member of the Legislature of 
1835. Appointed Register of the Land Office at Springfield in 1837. Secretary 
of State December, 1840. Judge of the Supreme Court, 1841-1843. Served 
in lower House of Congress, 1843-1847, and was prominent in the Oregon con- 
troversy. Advocated the annexation of Texas ; as chairman of House Com- 
mittee on Territories reported joint resolution declaring Texas to be one of the 
United States. Favored the Mexican War. Elected United States Senator 
and served from 1847 to 1861. Supported Clay's Compromise Measures of 1850. 
Maintained that the people of each territory should be permitted to decide for 
themselves whether it should be a free or a slave State. 

Senator Douglas was the author of the popular sovereignty doctrine. Was 
a candidate for Democratic nomination for the Presidency in 1856. James 
Buchanan received 168 votes and Douglas 121. It required 193 votes to nomi- 
nate. Air. Douglas telegraphed his friends to vote for Buchanan, and he was 
nominated. In 1857 he vigorously opposed the admission of Kansas as a slave 
State under the Lecompton Constitution ; this involved him in a serious contro- 
versy with Buchanan's administration and Southern Democratic leaders. 

In 1859, after the memorable and exciting contest with Abraham Lincoln 
for the United States Senatorship, during which the great joint debate was had, 
he was re-elected United States Senator. 

In i860 he was candidate for the Democratic nomination for President. 
The Southern wing of the party bolted, held another convention and nominated 
John C. Breckenridge. The regular convention took a recess at Charleston 
to meet later at Baltimore, where Air. Douglas was nominated. His popular 
vote was 1,374,664, while he secured only twelve electoral votes. Abraham 
Lincoln was elected President. 

Senator Douglas performed a service for Illinois, and the States on both 
sides of the Mississippi river below Cairo, of such enduring importance that his 
name should be forever cherished by the people of this and those other states. 
Senator Douglas took the lead in securing a grant of land from the National 
Government to aid in the construction of a railroad from Cairo northward, with 
two branches, one to Chicago, the other to Galena ; and similar grants to aid in 
building railroads from points opposite Cairo — one to Fulton on the Texas line, 
the other to New Orleans. 

Mr. Douglas advocated the acquisition of Cuba, whenever that island could 
be honorably obtained from Spain. He did all in his power to appease the 
clamor in the South for secession upon the election of Abraham Lincoln. But 
his greatest act, and one which entitles him to everlasting fame, was the prompt 
and courageous stand for the Union when Fort Sumpter was fired upon. His 
prompt cry to arm was a clarion note heard and responded to throughout the 
land. 

254 



ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT. 

General Ulysses Simpson Grant was born April 27, 1822, at Point Pleasant, 
Ohio, and died in New York State, at Mount McGregor, July 23, 1885. His 
body rests in the splendid tomb erected to his memory on the banks of the 
Hudson in Riverside Park, New York City. 

His family was American in all its branches. Matthew Grant, the founder 
of the American branch of which General Grant was a descendant, emigrated 
to this country and settled at Dorchester, Massachusetts, in May, 1630. General 
Grant was the eighth generation from Matthew Grant. Noah Grant, the grand- 
father of the General, enlisted in the Continental Army and was in the Battle 
of Bunker Hill. He served during the entire Revolutionary War and was at 
the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown. He first emigrated to Penn- 
sylvania, and later to Ohio, where he raised a family. Jesse R. Grant, the father 
of the General, was one of these. 

General Grant received a preliminary education in the schools of Ohio and 
graduated from West Point, entering the Fourth Infantry. He joined General 
Taylor on the Rio Grande in 1846, and was in the battles of Palo Alto, Resaca 
de la Palma and Monterey. He joined General Scott at Vera Cruz and took 
part in all of the engagements between that city and Mexico ; was breveted first 
lieutenant and captain; was promoted to captain, August, 1853, while serving 
in Oregon; resigned July 31, 1854, and settled in St. Louis, where he married 
Miss Dent. He removed to Galena, where he lived when the Civil War began ; 
was one of the first to offer his services to his country ; was commissioned by 
Governor Yates as Colonel of the Twenty-first Illinois Volunteers; commis- 
sioned Brigadier-General May 17, 1861 ; assigned in August to the command 
at Cairo ; fought the battle of Belmont in Missouri ; captured Paducah, Ken- 
tucky; February 6, 1862, captured Fort Henry on the Tennessee river, and at 
once moved against Fort Donelson on the Cumberland, by land and water, 
and captured that place and a large part of the garrison. He moved his army 
to Pittsburgh Landing, on the Tennessee river. 

April 6, his army was attacked by Confederate forces under Generals Albert 
Sydney Johnson and Beauregard. The two days' battle of Shiloh was fought 
and won, being one of the bloodiest battles of the war. In September, 1862, 
was assigned to command the district of West Tennessee, with headquarters 
at Jackson. The battles of Iuka and Corinth were fought by troops in his dis- 
trict, and while not present at the latter battle, he made the general plans of 
the engagement. At the battle of Corinth the Confederates, with a force of 
thirty-six thousand men, were repulsed with great slaughter by a Union force 
of eighteen thousand men. He was commissioned Major-General of Volun- 
teers. He planned and executed the campaign and siege of Vicksburg, one of 
the most brilliant military achievements of any age. Leaving his base of sup- 
plies, he crossed the Mississippi river May I, 1863, and in nineteen days had 
fought and won six battles and laid siege to Vicksburg. The siege continued 
forty-six days, when the garrison of 31,500 surrendered. For this achievement 
he was made Major-General of the United States Army, July 4, 1863. Was 
immediately assigned to command of the Military Division of the Mississippi, 
composed of the departments of the Tennessee, Cumberland and Ohio. He 
proceeded to Chattanooga and assumed command of the army, which was then 
besieged by General Bragg, who had but recently gained a great victory at 
Chickamauga. 

Chattanooga was re-enforced by two army corps under General Hooker, 
and one army corps, the Fifteenth, under General Sherman, from Vicksburg. 
General Sherman reached Chattanooga, November 23, 1863; that evening the 
great battle of Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain opened. General 
Sherman crossed the Tennessee river above Chattanooga that night, and on 
the 24th attacked Braggs' right wing, while General Hooker moved against 
Lookout Mountain, from which he dislodged the enemy. On the 25th the Army 
of the Potomac on the right wing, the Armies of the Cumberland and Ohio 

255 



iii the center, and the Army of the Tennessee on the left wing, attacked and 
defeated the Confederate forces on Missionary Ridge, where, four hundred feet 
above the plain, they were strongly entrenched. General Grant was commis- 
sioned Lieutenant-General for his achievements on this field and assigned to 
the command of the Armies of the Lnited States, March 7, 1864. He at once 
entered upon the task of organizing armies for a great combined movement in 
the spring of 1864. The campaign opened May 4 ; the Army of the Potomac, 
under the immediate command of General Meade, but under the direction of 
General Grant, moved against General Lee's Army in the Wilderness in Vir- 
ginia. General Sherman, with an army one hundred thousand strong, with 
Thomas, Hooker and McPherson in command of the three great armies, opened 
the Atlanta campaign, while other forces in different parts of the country moved 
against the Confederate armies. The military operations of 1864 in Virginia 
and Georgia attracted the attention of the world. The destiny of the American 
Republic hung upon the result of that campaign. President Lincoln and Edwin 
M. Stanton, Secretary of War, rendered every possible assistance to strengthen 
the army ; the people of the North, and the people of the South, wrought up to 
the highest pitch of devotion for their respective armies, gave every encourage- 
ment possible to the contending forces on both sides, but General Grant's con- 
summate military skill and his unflinching determination to succeed enabled the 
L'nion forces to push back the Confederate forces until they took refuge finally 
in Richmond and Petersburg; while Sherman for one hundred days carried 
forward his campaign through battle and siege until Atlanta fell ; then, dividing 
his army, leaving Thomas to cope with Hood, he marched down to the Sea and 
captured Savannah. 

All the armies that year had great leaders, but it was the genius of Grant 
that secured a combined and co-operative movement along the whole line of 
military operations. The great campaign of 1865 was but a continuation of 
the plans of the previous year. Sherman turned the head of his column north- 
ward through South Carolina to North Carolina, the Confederate forces finding 
it impossible to resist his impetuous march. It was obvious that the last hour 
of the Confederacy was at hand. Grant put his great army in motion, with 
the intrepid Sheridan in advance. Lee withdrew from Richmond, hoping to 
escape. His efforts proved to be vain; his army was brought to bay at Appo- 
mattox, Virginia, where, on April 9, 1865, General Lee surrendered his army 
to General Grant, accepting the most generous terms ever offered to a defeated 
foe. Here the war was practically ended, and the Lmited States and the world 
accorded the honor to General Grant of being the great military leader who 
saved his country. 

In 1868 the Republican party turned to General Grant as the man then 
best fitted for the Presidential office. He was elected that year and again in 
1872, and for eight years, with distinguished ability, presided over the affairs 
of this country. While being the most successful man in time of war, he now 
became the most earnest man in the country for peace. 

The administration of General Grant was distinguished for two very im- 
portant acts — one relating to the finances of the government, where he declined 
to approve a law for the expansion of paper currency and insisted on the resump- 
tion of specie payments, and the other the settlement of the outstanding contro- 
versies of Great Britain, involving the Northwest Boundary and the Alabama 
Claims, both of which, upon the suggestion of President Grant, were settled by 
arbitration, establishing a precedent which has been taken up by the govern- 
ments of the world and is now recognized as the wisest and most humane 
method of settling international controversies. 

General Grant made a tour of the world, and in every country was received 
by crowned head and peasant with every evidence of honor and affection. He 
was a plain, unaffected man, of great kindness of heart, true to his friends, of 
extraordinary soundness of judgment and firmness of purpose, inspiring all who 
met him with the possession of native good sense. His name, by the side of 
Lincoln's, will be honored as long as civil government lasts. 



256 



JOHN ALEXANDER LOGAN. 

Major-General John A. Logan was born in Jackson county, Illinois, Feb- 
ruary 9, 1826, and died at Washington City, D. C, December 26, 1886, while 
serving as a senator of the United States. The respect and affection in which 
he was held were shown by his public funeral, which was attended by many 
thousand persons, including the most distinguished of the land. His body 
reposes in a tomb erected to receive it on Meridian Hill, Washington, D. C. 

General Logan received a common school education and graduated from 
the Louisville College in 1852; but he had already served in the First Illinois 
Regiment in the Mexican War, rising from the ranks to be Lieutenant and 
quartermaster. He was admitted to the bar in 1852, and was elected Prosecut- 
ing Attorney for the Third Judicial Circuit. Was elected member of the Legis- 
lature in 1856 and was elected to Congress in 1858; he was in that notable 
Congress which preceded the Civil War. He exerted his best influence for the 
preservation of peace, and declared himself inflexibly in favor of maintaining the 
Union. After the Civil War began, he attended the special session of Congress 
and voted for supplies of men and money to carry on the war. As a private 
citizen he was on the field of Bull Run, July 21, 1861, and fought as a private 
soldier in a Michigan regiment. 

Upon the adjournment'of Congress he returned home and raised the Thirty- 
first Illinois Volunteers ; was commissioned Colonel in August ; was at the 
Battle of Belmont, and also at the Battle of Fort Donelson, where he was 
severely wounded; was commissioned Brigadier-General March 1, 1862, and 
had a command under General Grant at Jackson, Tennessee. He was commis- 
sioned Major-General November 29, 1862, and assigned to the Third Division, 
Seventeenth Army Corps. He commanded this division during the campaign 
against Vicksburg, and at the siege of Vicksburg pushed his works so near the 
enemy's outer fort that he mined and blew it up on June 25. This aggressive 
and determined movement undoubtedly hastened the surrender, which occurred 
July 4, 1863. General Logan was at once placed in command of the forces 
occupying the city of Vicksburg. He was in the campaign in February, 1864, 
against Meridian, Miss., and was assigned to the command of the Fifteenth Army 
Corps, which, in November, 1863, had marched to the relief of Chattanooga. 
The Fifteenth Army Corps was composed of four divisions, and was undoubtedly 
one of the greatest military organizations of its size that ever engaged an enemy, 
and he, as its leader, gave it an inspiration that made it invincible. 

General Logan was one of the most conspicuous figures in the Atlanta 
campaign of 1864. When General McPherson fell during the battle of July 22, 
when Hood, leaving his entrenchments around Atlanta, moved out in the night 
and attacked the Army of the Tennessee, General Logan assumed command of 
the army in the midst of that battle, when the advantages at the time were all 
with the Confederate forces ; but his presence along the line inspired universal 
enthusiasm amongst the Union troops, so that they closed up the intervals 
between their columns and met and vanquished the Confederate forces. The 
battle of July 22, 1864, waged and won by the Army of the Tennessee, resulted 
in one of the most splendid victories of the war. General Logan on that day 
exhibited high faculties of command, and it was supposed by the Army of the 
Tennessee that he would be continued in its command, but six days later he was 
superseded by General O. O. Howard, a graduate of West Point. General 
Howard came west in command of the Eleventh Corps, under General Hooker. 
He is a man of admirable character, and a true soldier, and was well worthy of 
the assignment, but his selection gave serious offense to General Hooker, who, 
ranking General Howard, felt that fie should have been preferred ; and to Generaf 
Logan, who had served with the Army of the Tennessee from the beginning, 
and whose successful career placed him conspicuously at the head of all volun- 
teer officers of the American army. He felt that he had earned and was entitled 
to the command of the Army of the Tennessee, and his friends in the army and 
at home were in full accord with this sentiment; but General Sherman, whose 
good intentions cannot be called in question, was of opinion that it was safer 
to have an officer in command of that great army who had received his educa- 

257 



tion at West Point; so upon his recommendation, President Lincoln assigned 
General Howard to the command of the Army of the Tennessee. 

Returning home on a leave of absence in the fall of 1864, after the capture 
of Atlanta, General Logan at once entered actively into the political campaign, 
advocating the re-election of President Lincoln. He addressed great meetings 
in all parts of the State, and delivered some of the most eloquent and able 
speeches of that year. Llis speech, delivered in Chicago, was a masterpiece of 
argument and oratory in favor of the election of Abraham Lincoln as a neces- 
sary means for the preservation of the Union and civil government in the United 
States. His engagements in this political campaign prevented him from accom- 
panying the Army of Georgia on its great march to the Sea, but he came to 
Savannah in January, 1865, and assumed command of the Fifteenth Army Corps. 
General Logan commanded the Fifteenth Army Corps in the great campaign 
through the Carolinas, participated jn the battles of that campaign, and was 
present at the surrender of General Joseph E. Johnston. He marched with his 
troops to Washington City and participated in the great review in May, 1865. 
He was then assigned to the command of the Army of the Tennessee, and 
proceeded with that army to Louisville, Kentucky. Upon the restoration of 
peace he left the service as a Major-General of Volunteers. 

In 1866 he was nominated and elected as Congressman-at-large in the State 
of Illinois, and was re-elected to the same position in 1868 and again in 1870. 
He was three times elected to the United States Senate — first in 1871, again in 
1879, and for the third time in 1885. In 1884 he was supported in the National 
Republican Convention for the office of President. Honorable James G. Blaine 
was, however, nominated for President and General Logan was nominated for 
Vice-President. During the progress of that campaign General Logan deliv- 
ered a number of speeches throughout the country and added to his reputation 
and popularity as a public speaker. The Republican party was defeated. Gen- 
eral Logan was undoubtedly one of the greatest men who ever lived in the 
State of Illinois. His achievements in every field of endeavor marked him as 
a man of extraordinary ability. He was a lawyer, a soldier of great renown, a 
statesman of recognized ability and a popular orator. He was the recognized 
leader of the Republican party in Illinois, and exerted a powerful influence with 
the Republican party throughout the country. He had the friendship and the 
confidence of the most distinguished men of both parties, but his friendships 
were not confined to the great — the poor and the humble were welcome in 
his house. He was the devoted friend of the Union Soldiers, and to him more 
than to any man during his service in Congress is due the securing to the men 
who saved the Union a proper recognition by law for their services. 

General John A. Logan married Mary S. Cunningham, daughter of Captain 
John M. Cunningham, of Williamson county, Illinois, who had a distinguished 
service in civil life as well as in the Mexican war. Mrs. Logan was a suitable 
companion for her husband. She was in full sympathy with all his aspirations, 
and her wide acquaintance and popularity no doubt added much to his success. 
They had two children — Major John A. Logan, Jr., who fell in the Philippine 
Islands gallantly leading his command, and Mary Logan, wife of Major Tucker, 
Paymaster of the United States Army. 



HAMILTON CLUB. 

The Hamilton Club, of Chicago, essentially a young man's club and the 
largest of its kind in the West, was organized April 9, 1890, the twenty-fifth 
anniversary of the surrender at Appomattox. The purposes of the club is the 
advancement of political science, the promotion of good government — local, 
state and national — and the development of patriotism and Republican princi- 
ples. While partisan in its organization, it aims to inculcate the highest ideas of 
citizenship and makes a feature of addreses by public men not limited to partisan 
views. It seeks, through discussions of political questions and kindred subjects, 
to encourage that independence of thought which is the product of an educated 
and intelligent citizenship. At the same time it is an earnest supporter of the 

258 



Republican ticket in local as well as national campaigns, although its by-laws 
prohibit it from taking any action prior to the conventions. So far is this idea 
of avoiding entangling alliances with any party faction carried that holders of 
elective oftices or employes of public corporations are not permitted to vote at 
the club elections. The experience of similar organizations that have adopted 
no such restrictions made this provision seem necessary. With these safeguards 
the club has pursued its course without friction, and as a result is able to take 
part in a campaign with a will and determination which make it a power. 

The influence of the club has been felt most forcibly, however, during 
Presidential campaigns. In the contest of 1896, the club speakers addressed over 
a hundred workingmen's meetings, promoted by the political action committee 
of the club, on the financial issues of that contest. This was one of the most 
effective agencies of that struggle. During the campaigns the club has con- 
ducted a number of large mass meetings, perhaps the most notable of which 
was that of October 20, 1894. At this meeting the main part of the audience 
was assembled in the First Regiment Armory and the overflow in a large build- 
ing near by. Thomas B. Reed addressed the seventeen thousand people present 
at these meetings. Subsequently Mr. Reed was elected an honorary member 
of the club, and in December, 1895, on the occasion of his election as Speaker 
of the House of Representatives, the club presented him with a handsome and 
most artistic gavel, made, in part, of wood from the farm of Henry Clay, 
wrought with gold and silver ornamentations and bearing Hamilton's famous 
words : "As too much power leads to despotism, too little leads to anarchy." 

The club devoted great energy to securing the passage of the local civil 
service law, and its membership was especially active in advocating its adoption 
by the voters of Chicago, which was accomplished at the April election in 1895. 
About this time the club made belief in civil service reform for city, State and 
Nation a requisite for membership. Since the adoption of the law the club has 
created a standing committee whose duty it is to report infractions of the law 
and recommendations as to its proper enforcement. 

At the Legislative session of 1895 the club interested itself in changing the 
compensation of members of the General Assembly of the State from five dol- 
lars a day, which they were then receiving, to the present sum of one thousand 
dollars for the session. It was believed that this change would shorten the 
sessions of the Legislature, and thus attract a better class of citizens to that 
important service. The Hamilton Club is entitled to the credit for the passage 
of this law, having alone championed it from its introduction to its final passage. 

In 1899 the club prepared an elaborate draft of a "Corrupt Practices Act" 
and submitted it to the General Assembly, but too late for favorable action. 
The purpose, however, was largely educational, and that was accomplished. 
That body is now familiar in general with this legislation, which is upon the 
Statute books of most of the States. 

During the first eight years of its existence the club was confined in its 
active membership to the South Side of the city of Chicago, and its field of 
operations was correspondingly restricted, but in March, 1898, in deference to 
the prevailing sentiment of the members, it secured a central location in the 
heart of the city, with all the facilities of the modern city club, actively entered 
into club life, began the publication of a newspaper, organized a whist team, 
made billiards a popular feature, and in a number of ways added to the attract- 
iveness of the club. Its scope being thus extended to the whole city, and 
through a large non-resident list to the State, and in fact to the whole country, 
its membership has immensely increased and at this writing numbers a thou- 
sand. Owing to this increase in facilities and membership, the club has since 
been able to take even a more active and effective part in party affairs in the city, 
State and country. Particularly is this true in the department of public speak- 
ing. The reputation of the club along this line is such that it is called upon 
repeatedly to furnish speakers for public occasions in Chicago and elsewhere." 

The club is endeavoring to make a complete collection of Hamiltoniana. 
It possesses the famous limited edition of Hamilton's works, edited by Senator 
Lodge ; numerous biographies, the prize orations delivered for a generation 
at Hamilton College, his autograph and all of the notable pictures of him, 
including a print of his famous portrait now in the New York Chamber of 

259 



Commerce, and photographs of the various Hamilton monuments, his tomb and 
the famous thirteen elms planted by him in front of his homestead. On January 
nth of each year the club celebrates the birthday of its patron saint by a public 
address upon his life and character. There are upon the walls of the club rooms 
likenesses of most of the prominent Republicans of the past and present, and 
the club library includes enough on political and economic subjects to satisfy 
the wants of the ordinary investigator along those lines. 

Perhaps the most notable feature of the club's history has been its banquets, 
commencing in 1891, at which the club has entertained such men as Governor 
Roosevelt, ex-Governor Hoard, Professor Booker T. Washington, ex-Speaker 
Reed, Senators Depew, Davis, Lodge, Foraker and Dolliver, Postmaster-Gen- 
eral Smith and our own Senators. These have been among the great political 
banquets of the country; they have been of the highest character, and have 
brought forth some of the best and brightest political thought. The addresses 
on these occasions are a substantial contribution to the political literature of the 
day, and are printed and widely distributed. The club also publishes, from 
time to time, the best of the addresses delivered before it on other occasions and 
original articles on public questions written by its members. 

It will be noted that the club has cHosen many speakers from the South. It 
has been the aim to have the South represented at each banquet, as a matter of 
patriotism. This feature led up to the most celebrated of the banquets, given 
on the club anniversary in 1899, in recognition of the tide of Americanism 
which had its rise in the Spanish war and hastened the obliteration of all sec- 
tional feeling in this country. The Auditorium Theater was filled — the par- 
quet by banqueters and the rest by spectators. The occasion was non-polit- 
ical and purely patriotic. The growing feeling of brotherhood between North 
and South was the theme, and the toasts, "Grant," "Lee" and "The Union," 
Appomattox Day being celebrated as "The First Day of Peace." 

The presidents of the organization have been the following: Robert Mc- 
Murdy, Frederick A. Smith, Robert Mather, Edward J. Judd, Arthur Dixon, 
Samuel W. Allerton, Frank I. Moulton, Jesse Holdom, Hope Reed Cody, 
George W. Miller and Fred A. Bangs (1900). 



JOHN RILEY TANNER. 

Hon. John R. Tanner, Governor of Illinois, was born April 4, 1844, in 
Warwick County, Indiana. His ancestors emigrated to this country at an early 
date. His great-grandfather, John Tanner, was a soldier during the Revolu- 
tionary war from Virginia, and his grandfather, John Tanner, was a soldier of 
the war of 1812, from Boone County, Kentucky, and died of wounds received 
in the battle of Lake Champlain. His father married Eliza V. Downs, daughter 
of the famous Baptist preacher commonly known as Tom Downs. 

Governor Tanner began life in a log house on his father's farm, three miles 
from Booneville, Indiana. He was taught to work, learning the business of 
farming, for which he had a fondness. He obtained his education at the com- 
mon school. The teachers of that period insisted upon laying a solid founda- 
tion of preliminary education upon which the superstructure of knowledge could 
be erected ; they taught their pupils spelling, reading, writing, arithmetic, gram- 
mar, geography and history. When an intelligent, studious boy passed through 
the various classes of the common school of that day, he was well fitted for the 
business of life, and possessed such an education as enabled him by study to 
master the great problems. It was in such a school as this Governor Tanner 
was educated. His father was unable to afford him a collegiate course. 

At the outbreak of the Civil War the Tanner family consisted of eight 
members — father, mother, four brothers and two sisters. The mother died 
during the war, at Carbondale, 111., in 1863; and neither of the sisters now sur- 
vive. The male members of the family, five in number, all entered the Union 
army. The father enlisted in the Fourteenth Illinois Cavalry, was captured and 
died in a rebel prison-pen at Columbus, Miss. His grave is unmarked and 

260 





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unknown. Albert Tanner, one of the brothers, volunteered in the Twenty-sixth 
Kentucky Infantry ; was severely wounded in battle and died at Nashville, Tenn., 
in 1863. The youngest brother, Frederick, enlisted in the Eighteenth Illinois 
Infantry and died in the hospital at Pine Bluff, Ark., in September, 1864. The 
two survivors, J. M. Tanner and John R. Tanner, enlisted in the service, the 
former in the Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry and the latter in the Ninety-eighth 
Illinois Infantry, having enlisted in Company "A" in 1863, serving with that 
regiment until June, 1865, when he was transferred to Company "B" of the 
Sixty-first Illinois Infantry, being finally mustered out in September, 1865. He 
served with Sherman's army in Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia, his 
regiment forming a part of what is commonly known as Wilder's Brigade. No 
better body of troops fought under the flag. The comrades of John R. Tanner 
bear testimony that he was a true soldier, performing every duty with alacrity 
and courage. The military record of this family of farmers is a proud heritage 
for their descendants. 

Returning to his adopted State of Illinois after the war, his family and home 
broken up, Mr. Tanner purchased a small farm of sixty acres in Clay county 
and began farming for a living. He married Loretta Ingraham in December, 
1866. He continued farming and selling fruit trees until 1870, when he was 
elected sheriff of Clay county. His term of sheriff was followed by a term as 
Circuit clerk, at the close of which he again engaged in farming and in the real 
estate business. In 1880 he was nominated State Senator for the Forty-fourth 
District, and for the first time redeemed it from Democracy. During his term 
of Senator he was engaged in saw-milling with his brother, and continued in 
that business until 1886, when he was elected State Treasurer of Illinois. In 
1887 Air. Tanner had the misfortune to lose his wife, and being left a widower 
with two children, his first thought was to their education, that they might be 
properly fitted for the duties of life. His daughter. Lucinda J., finished school- 
ing at Mrs. Summers' Academy, "Washington, D. C. His son, J. Alack Tanner, 
graduated from Knox College, at Galesburg, 111., with the class of 1891. 

Mr. Tanner was for about one year United States Marshal of the Southern 
District by appointment of President Arthur. He served for a few months of 
Governor Fifer's term as Railroad and Warehouse Commissioner. Resigning 
this office, he was shortly thereafter made Assistant United States Treasurer 
at Chicago, which place he held until President Cleveland's administration. In 
1894 he became Chairman of the Republican State Central Committee, and 
effected the most complete organization known in Illinois politics ; the phenom- 
inal majority of 1894 was, no doubt, due to his excellent management of that 
campaign. In 1896 he received the nomination for Governor and was elected 
by a majority of more than 113,000. Before his inauguration he was married 
for the second time to Cora Edith English of Springfield, 111. 

As Governor he has had more than the usual amount of public duties to 
contend with. The coal strikes at Yirden, Pana and Carterville offered serious 
problems for solution, but peace and harmony were re-established with slight 
loss of life and with general satisfaction to the conflicting interests. In the war 
with Spain Governor Tanner was the first to tender the material and moral 
support of this State to the Nation, and he mobilized within forty-eight hours 
from the call ten thousand troops ; and through his efforts a regiment of Illinois 
soldiers was the first mustered into the volunteer service. Perhaps no more 
serious problem confronted the Governor than the financial embarrassment of 
the State when he entered upon office. There were deficiencies in nearly all of 
the institutions and no money in the treasury with which to pay outstanding bills 
or current expenses. He made arrangements with business firms to furnish 
supplies needed at their wholesale rates with the understanding that they were 
to wait until there was funds with which to pay their bills. He also secured a 
loan of $250,000 at 2.6 per cent interest rate, and by careful and judicious man- 
agement has brought the State out of this difficulty, restoring its credit, and 
having at the present time a handsome surplus in the treasury. 

His knowledge of men, his broad views upon public questions, his close 
acquaintance with the public affairs of the State, together with his sleepless 

262 



vigilance and devotion to public duties, have made his administration a most 
successful one. The career of Governor Tanner from his youth to the present 
time marks him as a man of great natural ability; in every official relation he 
has risen to the requirements of the occasion, and has performed every duty 
with wisdom and fidelity, demonstrating always the possession of a strong 
reserve force for any emergency. In his messages to the Legislature the Gov- 
ernor has shown a complete grasp of all important public questions. As a public 
speaker he is clear, forcible and convincing. His treatment of the political 
questions at issue in the campaign of 1900 was very able, his arraignment of the 
Democratic party for its disloyalty, its incapacity and misgovernment was with- 
ering in its denunciation and sarcasm, while his allusion to the splendid record 
of the Republican party brought to view the important achievements of the 
country during the past forty years. 



WILLIAM A. NORTHCOTT. 

Lieutenant-Governor William A. Northcott was born in Murfreesboro, 
Tennessee, January 28, 1854. His father, General R. S. Northcott, a prominent 
citizen of Tennessee, was — like Andrew Johnson, Parson Brownlow, Horace 
Maynard, Emerson Etheridge, and many other leading citizens of the State — 
earnestly opposed to secession; he was a Union man heart and soul, but the 
tide of public opinion in Tennessee went against him, and the State of Tennessee, 
under the influence of Governor Harris and others, was placed in the attitude 
of rebellion against the authority and laws of the United States. General 
Northcott decided to move with his family from Tennessee to West Virginia, 
taking his son William with him. 

General Northcott at once identified himself with the Union sentiment of 
West Virginia, and co-operated in the movement of separating- West Virginia 
from the old mother State and having it recognized and admitted into the Union 
as an independent State. He also raised a regiment of West Virginia Volun- 
teers, and was commissioned as Lieutenant-Colonel. He served with distinction 
during the war, suffering for nine months of the time as a prisoner of war in 
Libby Prison. In due time he was promoted to the office of Brigadier-General, 
which position he held when he retired from the service. 

General Northcott married Mary C. Cunningham, who was the daughter 
of Dr. James Cunningham. Mrs. Northcott was in full sympathy with her hus- 
band's sentiments in regard to the preservation of the Union. While her hus- 
band was at the front fighting for the preservation of the Union she kept her 
family together and attended to the education of her children. 

William A. Northcott received his preliminary education in the public 
schools, and was suitably prepared to enter the United States Naval Academy 
at Annapolis, in September, 1869. He was appointed a cadet to this school, 
where he received his education. After leaving Annapolis he entered upon the 
study of law, and from time to time while studying for this profession he taught 
school. In the year 1877 Mr. Northcott was admitted to the bar. In 1879 Mr. 
Northcott removed to Illinois and began the practice of law. In the year 1880 
President Hayes appointed him Supervisor of the Census of the Seventh District 
of Illinois. He performed the duties of this office with ability and to the entire 
satisfaction of the Department. Mr. Northcott was nominated to the office of 
State's Attorney for Bond county in 1882, and held that office for eleven years, 
being elected by the people for the second and third terms. Mr. Northcott 
made a good prosecuting officer ; he was not a vindictive man, but his ability 
as a lawyer and his power before court and jury made him the dread of evil- 
doers. During this period Mr. Northcott increased his acquaintance through- 
out the State and took part in the great political movements of that period. 
As a political speaker he drew large crowds, and was recognized as an interest- 
ing and forceful speaker. In 1890 President Harrison appointed Mr. Northcott 
as a member of the Board of Visitors to the United States Naval Academy at 

263 



Annapolis, and he was selected by the Board to deliver the oration to the 
graduating class. In 1888 Mr. Xorthcott became a member of the Modern 
Woodmen of America. This is a fraternal insurance society with a membership 
of 500,000. In November, 1890, he was elected head consul of this association, 
and has been four times unanimously re-elected to the same position, and now 
fills that important office. Mr. Xorthcott has brought to the performance of 
the important duties connected with this office the very highest order of execu- 
tive ability. 

Although Mr. Northcott was deeply engrossed in the duties of head consul 
of the Modern Woodmen of America, he did not at all lose his interest in politics, 
for in 1892 he was nominated by the Republican party as a candidate for Con- 
gress in the old Eighteenth, or Morrison Congressional District, which contains 
the cities of East St. Louis, Belleville and Alton. Mr. Northcott made a brilliant 
campaign in the district, but the political fates that year were against the Repub- 
lican party and he was defeated, but the energy and ability displayed by Mr. 
Northcott in this campaign made him a conspicuous figure among the leading 
Republicans of the State. It was only necessary for him to bide his time. In 1896 
the great Republican Convention, held at Springfield in June, took Mr. North- 
cott up and nominated him as the candidate of the Republican party for Lieu- 
tenant-Governor on the ticket with Hon. John R. Tanner. This was a great 
year in the Republican politics of the State of Illinois. Four years before the 
State had gone Democratic ; Grover Cleveland had been elected President, and 
John P. Altgeld had been elected Governor. The Democrats had William J. 
Bryan as their great national leader this year and the Republican party had for 
its great leader William McKinley. Governor Northcott entered this political 
campaign determined to do his part to carry the State for the Republican can- 
didates, and he delivered addresses in nearly every county in the State. He 
aroused enthusiasm wherever he went, and was elected Lieutenant-Governor of 
the great State of Illinois over Hon. Monroe C. Crawford, the Democratic 
candidate, by a majority of over 137,000 votes. Governor Northcott has per- 
formed the duties of this office with entire satisfaction to the people of the State. 
As a presiding officer of the Senate he exhibited the ability and tact so essential 
to success in a position of that kind. In the absence of Governor Tanner, Gov- 
ernor Northcott has been required to perform the duties of Governor, and those 
who have met him in the executive office have recognized in him a man fully 
capable of performing the duties of the office of Governor of the State of Illinois. 

On March 31, 1880, Governor Northcott married Julia Dressor, daughter 
of State Senator Dressor. Mrs. Northcott died in 1881, leaving a son, Nathaniel 
Dressor Northcott. He has since married Ada Stoutzenberg of Marine, Illinois, 
and they have one daughter, Amy Northcott. 



JAMES ALEXANDER ROSE. 

Hon. James A. Rose of Golconda, Pope county, Illinois, was born October 
13, 1850, in the county of his residence. He is descended from a pioneer family, 
his grandfather being one of the earliest settlers in Southern Illinois. His 
father, John D. Rose, married Sarah Sutherland. Mr. Rose became a merchant 
and carried on this business for a number of years, supporting his family in 
comfort. In tracing the geneology of this family it is found that they originally 
came from Scotland, and it is believed that most persons by the name of Rose 
living in the L T nited States are descendants of one general family who emigrated 
to America at an early date. James A. Rose was educated in the common 
schools of Pope county and in the State Normal School at Normal, Illinois. 

After leaving school he decided to study law, but taught school as a means 
of self-support and as an interesting field of study of human nature. He was 
a good teacher ; he devoted himself to this business with energy and enthusiasm, 
and inspired his students with the same spirit. So favorable was the impression 

264 




265 



made by him as a teacher in the public schools that in 1873, at the age of 23, 
he was elected to the office of Superintendent of Public Instruction of Pope 
county. He performed the duties of this office with rare ability, and adding to 
the work of his predecessor in that office, who was an able man, he brought 
the schools of Pope County up to a standard equal to that of any county in the 
State. 

Mr. Rose earnestly pursued the study of law, and in 1880 was admitted to 
the bar of the Supreme Court of Illinois. In May, 1881, a vacancy occurring 
in the office of Prosecuting Attorney of Pope county, he became a candidate for 
election to this office, was duly elected and resigned the office of School Super- 
intendent. Mr. Rose entered upon the general practice of law at Golconda. 
He filled the office of Prosecuting Attorney for seven years and a half, and in 
1888 declined a third nomination. 

This was an important period in Mr. Rose's life ; his continued study and 
practice of the law established his character as one of the leading lawyers of 
Southern Illinois. Gifted by nature with a fine voice, an impressive and eloquent 
delivery of speech, and well versed in the art of the trial of cases, he became one 
of the best trial lawyers in the courts. But Mr. Rose did not confine himself 
to the study of law. When a boy ten years old, in i860, he espoused the 
cause of the Republican party. As a youth he was deeply interested in the great 
struggle for the preservation of the Union, and in his manhood he studied the 
politics of his country, and soon became an effective and popular speaker upon 
political questions. He was chosen Chairman of the Republican County Com- 
mittee of Pope county, and thoroughly organized the party in every precinct. 
He took part in every political campaign, and soon every precinct in the county 
was carried by the Republican party. 

In 1889 Governor Fifer appointed Mr. Rose one of the trustees of the 
Pontiac Reform School, and held this position for about a year, when he was 
appointed by Governor Fifer one of the commissioners of the Southern Illinois 
Penitentiary at Chester. He held this position until the beginning of the admin- 
istration of Governor Altgeld, when he gave way for the appointment of a 
Democrat. Mr. Rose filled the positions to which he was appointed by Gov- 
ernor Fifer with intelligence and fidelity. In these positions, as in those which 
he had previously held, he demonstrated the fact that he possessed a high order 
of executive ability. 

In 1896 Mr. Rose became a candidate for nomination by the Republican 
party for the office of Secretary of State. He secured the nomination, and was 
elected, as was the entire state ticket, by an overwhelming majority. Mr. Rose 
has now held the office of Secretary of State for three years. The fact is recog- 
nized throughout the State that he is a thoroughly capable man for the place. 
In his office he is accessible to all comers. He has surrounded himself with 
intelligent and faithful men, and the immense business of the office is transacted 
without friction. In times past much of the important work of the Secretary's 
office had fallen behind, but during Mr. Rose's administration all the work is 
being brought up to date in a methodical and systematic manner. 

Mr. Rose is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and has been an elder 
in the church for more than twenty years. He has been three times elected as 
a delegate to the General Assembly. Mr. Rose is a member of the Masonic 
Fraternity ; he has attained to the Knight Templar degree. He has served for 
a number of years in the Grand Lodge of Masons, and was for some time Dis- 
trict Deputy Grand Master of the order. He is a member of the Hamilton 
Club of Chicago. 

As Secretary of State Mr. Rose's residence is at Springfield, Illinois, where 
he lives with his family. He was married to Elizabeth M. Young, July 27, 1874. 
Mrs. Rose was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, and came to this country with her 
father and mother when she was eleven years of age. They have had four chil- 
dren, namely: Jessie Josephine, Helen Elizabeth, Charles Roscoe and James 
A. Rose. All living except the last, who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Rose 
are hospitable people, and enjoy the society of friends. Their home has always 
been a delightful meeting place for young and old. 

266 





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267 



FLOYD K. WHITTEMORE. 

Hon. Floyd K. Whittemore of Springfield, 111., is a descendant from Colo- 
nial parentage. His ancestors came from England to America in 1630, a period 
when families left the old world to find political and religious freedom in the 
new. Mr. Whittemore was born in New York State, but at an early age was 
brought to Illinois by his parents, who settled at Sycamore, DeKalb County, 
where he received his education at the High School. In 186s young Whitte- 
more accepted the position of Assistant Treasurer of the State, under James H. 
Beveridge of Sycamore, who was elected State Treasurer in 1864. This step 
changed his whole plan of life ; he had intended to become a lawyer. While 
filling his position at the State Treasury Mr. Whittemore made the acquaintance 
of Jacob Bunn of Springfield, then one of the greatest bankers of the State, and 
accepted the position of cashier of his bank. He filled this position with great 
ability and to the entire satisfaction of Mr. Bunn. When the State National 
Bank of Springfield was organized, Mr. Whittemore was made its cashier, 
which position he held continuously for twenty years. 

Mr. Whittemore was made acting Assistant Treasurer of the United States 
at Chicago by President Harrison. In this position his responsibilities were 
great. The receipts and payments made by him during that period were more 
than five hundred million dollars. In 1895 he became Assistant State Treasurer. 
While holding this position he was nominated by the Republican State Con- 
vention of 1898 as a candidate for State Treasurer, and was elected by a majority 
of 43,450 votes over M. F. Dunlap, the Democratic candidate. It will be seen 
that Mr. Whittemore has, for the past thirty-five years, been intimately identified 
with great financial affairs in connection with banks, the State Government and 
the National Government. His financial experience has been equaled by few 
and surpassed by no man in the State of Illinois. He has made financial sub- 
jects a careful study, and has always been an earnest advocate of sound money. 

In politics Mr. Whittemore has always been a Republican ; a resident of 
the Capital of the State, where men from all parts of the State assemble, his 
acquaintance became large ; he knows every leading man in the State and has a 
wide circle of friends. He had no competitor for the nomination in 1898, and 
was nominated as a candidate for State Treasurer by acclamation. Mr. Whitte- 
more is a man of enterprise, and has always been successful in his under- 
takings. He has, for a number of years, been largely engaged. in farming in 
Sangamon and Madison counties. He is socially an agreeable man, and his 
friendships are firm and steadfast. 



JAMES R. B. VAN CLEAVE. 

There is no man in public life who can number a greater host of friends and 
acquaintances that James R. B. Van Cleave of Illinois. He was born October 
9, 1853, at Knoxville, Knox county, Illinois, at that time the headquarters of 
what was known as the "underground railroad system," where fugitive slaves 
were guided by sympathetic friends to the land of freedom. Thus the very 
atmosphere and environment surrounding his youth was one of liberty. Mr. 
Van Cleave was educated at Knox College, Galesburg, an institution which has 
for fifty years been foremost in the educational annals of this country. After 
leaving college, he engaged with the New York Herald and the Chicago Times 
as traveling correspondent through the South during the Hayes-Tilden electoral 
contest. This brought him in contact with the leading men in public life and 
disclosed a field for his own activities and energies, which he has occupied ever 
since. 

He helped to organize and was secretary of the original Blaine Club of 
Chicago in 1880, and after the nomination of General Garfield the nominee 
invited Mr. Van Cleave to take charge of the records and act as his secretary 
at Mentor until the permanent officers, Gen. Swaim and Col. Rockwell, could 

268 




'(miZZxa&Z 



269 



assume their duties. Mr. Van Cleave was an enrolling and engrossing clerk in 
the Thirty-second General Assembly, and acted as private secretary to the late 
Senator W. J. Campbell. Later he was private secretary and chief clerk of the 
Custom House of Chicago under Collectors Smith, Spalding and Seeberger. 
In 1887 he was appointed Deputy City Clerk of Chicago under D. W. Nickerson 
and was reappointed by City Clerk Amberg. In 1891 he was elected City Clerk, 
running 10,000 votes ahead of his ticket. In 1893, though defeated for re- 
election, he polled 13,000 more votes than any other candidate on the ticket. 
In 1895 he was again elected City Clerk by a majority of 45,000, a figure never 
before reached by a candidate for this position. 

During his tenure as City Clerk Mr. Van Cleave introduced the most perfect 
system of caring for the records which the city had known, taking all documents 
and ordinances from the time of the fire and properly indexing and filing the 
same. For more than twenty years Mr. Van Cleave has participated in every 
Republican convention held in this State, and, including the National Convention 
of 1876, which nominated President Hayes, he has held official positions in all. 
He has been a member of the First Ward Republican Club of Chicago since 
1876, and has been secretary of the Cook County Central Committee and secre- 
tary of the Republican State Conventions for many years, as well as the Repub- 
lican county conventions held in Cook county. In the campaign of 1896 he 
was secretary of the State Central Committee and a member of the Executive 
Committee. The result of that election shows conclusively the great labor per- 
formed that year. At the beginning of the campaign a victory seemed doubtful, 
as only predictions of failure and defeat were made, but he closed his books on 
the 6th of November with a success for his party the most conspicuous and 
stupendous since its organization. James R. B. Van Cleave carries with him 
the qualities of victory — skill, method, confidence and experience — and draws 
upon them for success when the occasion permits. His administration of the 
Insurance Department of Illinois, of which he has been superintendent since 
May 6, 1897, has been eminently satisfactory, his treatment of the difficult 
problems involved in State supervision of the great interests connected with his 
department has been uniformly fair and just to all. He was Inspector-General 
of the Illinois National Guard from 1897 to 1899, and was a conspicuous success. 
His aid in mobilizing the Illinois troops for immediate service in the Spanish- 
American war was timely and efficient. 

Mr. Van Cleave was married in 1882 to Josephine Helen Schweich of Rich- 
mond, Mo. They have three children — Helen Farwell, aged 14; Bruce, aged 5, 
and Wallace, nearly 4 years old. He is a Knight Templar, Mystic Shriner, 
Knight of Pythias, member of the Royal Arcanum, A. O. U. W., and the 
National Union. He is a member of the Union League, Chicago Athletic, Mar- 
quette, Hamilton, Miltona, Sangamo, Cumberland and Eagle River Clubs. He 
is in the prime of usefulness and vigor, and bids fair to enjoy a long lease of 
activity, which is the hope of a multitude of friends. 



JASPER NEWTON REECE. 

One of the most prominent of the present officials of the State is the subject 
of this sketch, who was born at Abingdon, Knox county, Illinois, April 30, 1841. 
His parents were David and Priscilla (Nichols) Reece, the former of whom was 
born in the city of London, England, and came to the United States at the age 
of sixteen years. The parents were married in Ohio and came to Illinois in 
1836, settling at Abingdon, where six children were born to them. Gen. Jasper 
N. Reece was educated at Hedding College, taking the scientific course, and 
was duly graduated. He engaged in business and was thus employed when the 
war broke out in 1861. He enlisted as a private and was sent to the front and 
saw many trying and arduous services and experiences. Later he enlisted in 
another regiment and continued to serve, receiving one promotion after another, 
until October, 1864, when he was mustered out as captain of his company. He 

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participated in many severe campaigns in the Southwest, righting the bush- 
whackers and guerrillas, remaining often in the saddle for days at a time, and 
undergoing many hardships and passing through many imminent dangers. 

Upon leaving the army he engaged in business in Monmouth, Illinois, farm- 
ing and merchandising, at which he was quite successful. In 1876 he became 
a member of Battery B, Illinois National Guard, and in July, 1877, was appointed 
Assistant Adjutant-General on the staff of Gen. E. N. Bates, then commanding 
the Second Brigade, I. N. G. He was immediately ordered to East St. Louis 
with the brigade to quell the riots in that city. In the November following, 
General Bates having resigned, he was appointed commander of the Second 
Brigade to succeed him. He was sent to East St. Louis in 1886 to quell the 
railroad riots there, and was on duty for a period of six weeks. He remained 
in command of the Second Brigade until 1891, when he was appointed Adjutant- 
General of Illinois by Governor Fifer, and held the position until 1893. In 
February, 1897, he was appointed Adjutant-General of the State by Governor 
Tanner, and is now officiating in that position. The General is a man who has 
traveled widely, and is well informed on a great variety of subjects. He has 
been connected with many important public enterprises, and in all things has 
carried the responsibilities of citizenship worthily and honorably. He was 
brought up a Methodist, but is now a member of the Congregational Church. 
He is a member of the Masonic, order, having reached the thirty-second degree ; 
is also a director of the Modern Woodmen of America, and is president of the 
Interstate National Guard Association. He is prominent in many other benevo- 
lent and secret organizations. He was married in 1861 to Mary J. Allen of 
Abingdon, whose family was among the earliest settlers, coming to Illinois in 
1833. To them were born six children, of whom three are now living — Captain 
E. A. Reece, Major R. R. Reece, and a daughter, Cora, yet living at home. 

His first connection with politics was with the Republican party as a boy of 
fifteen years during the Fremont campaign in 1856. In his enthusiasm he 
parted his hair in the middle in imitation of Colonel Fremont. In i860 he went 
to Chicago and took part in the demonstration made by the friends of Mr. 
Lincoln, and on that occasion carried a rail through the muddy streets of the 
city. At this time he was a member of an organization that was controlled by 
the leaders who were present in the interests of Mr. Lincoln and came to Chi- 
cago a week before the assembling of the National Republican Convention. It 
was his good fortune to stand within ten feet of the platform during the taking 
of the ballot for President. He considers the excitement and enthusiasm of 
that historic occasion one of the most important and memorable events in his 
life. After the convention he returned home and organized a company of "Wide 
Awakes." Since the war he has taken an active part in every Republican cam- 
paign down to the present. He was president of the Lincoln Guard of Honor 
which had charge of the remains of Abraham Lincoln after the attempt to steal 
his body, and on the twenty-second anniversary of his death the body was turned 
over by the Lincoln Guard of Honor to the Lincoln Monument Association, and 
during this ceremony General Reece was the last to gaze upon the face of the 
martyred President. 



EDWARD C. AKIN. 

Fortunate environments encompass nearly every man at some stage of his 
If those who claim that fortune has favored certain individuals above others will 
career, but the strong man and the successful is he who realizes that the proper 
moment has come, that the present and not the future holds his opportunities, 
but investigate the cause of success or failure, it will be found that the former 
is largely due to the improvement of opportunity, the latter to the neglect of it. 
It is this quality of improving every opportunity that has made Edward C. Akin 
a leader in thought and action. He was born in Lockport township, Will county, 

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Illinois, July 19, 1852, and now resides in Springfield, Illinois. He is a son of 
Edward H. and Sophronia C. Akin. In the public schools of Joliet, and at Ann 
Arbor, Mich., Mr. Akin received a thorough education. From 1871 to 1875 
he was paying and receiving teller of the First National Bank of Joliet, where 
he acquired an extensive acquaintance throughout Will county. In the fall of 
1878 he was admitted to the bar and has been in active practice ever since. 

He has ever been identified with the Republican party, and in 1887 he was 
elected city attorney of Joliet. Although the city was at that time Democratic 
from 500 to 600, he defeated the Democratic nominee by a majority of 716. In 
1888 he was nominated for State's Attorney of Will county, and at the ensuing 
election led the entire State and county ticket by 800 votes. In 1892 he was 
renominated and again led his ticket by hundreds of votes, and is credited by 
the leaders of both political parties with having saved the county ticket from 
defeat. His most brilliant political victory was achieved in the Spring of 1895, 
when he ran as the Republican candidate for Mayor of the city of Joliet. 
Although opposed by -a Citizens' ticket led by a Republican, he defeated the 
Democratic nominee by a majority of 260 votes, receiving nearly as many 
votes as both of his opponents combined. In 1897 he was elected Attorney- 
General of Illinois, a position he has filled in a most satisfactory manner. As 
a lawyer Mr. Akin stands among the leaders of the Illinois bar. As a public 
prosecutor he had no superior in the State, and his conduct of municipal affairs 
won for him the admiration of all good citizens, regardless of party affiliations. 
He is a man of high character and sterling integrity, and although he has been 
prominently before the people of his State and county for the past thirteen years, 
no breath of suspicion has ever been cast upon his private life or official acts. 
Being a man of fine appearance and pleasing address he has won an enviable 
reputation throughout the state as a public speaker. Mr. Akin selected his wife 
in the person of Louise M. McRoberts, a daughter of Judge Josiah McRoberts, 
of Joliet, and their union was celebrated in 1877. 



WILLIAM ERNEST MASON. 

Hon. William E. Mason of Chicago, Illinois, was born July 7, 1850, in 
Franklinville, Cattaragus county, New York. His father, Lewis J. Mason, mar- 
ried Nancy Winslow. Mr. Mason was a man of high character and standing, 
and well respected by all who knew him. His business was that of merchant. 
Anti-slavery in sentiment, he identified himself with the Abolition party, but, 
being conscious that there was no prospect for success for Abolition candidates, 
in 1856 he united with the Republican party, and supported John C. Fremont 
for the presidency. Two years later Mr. Mason removed with his family to 
Bentonsport, Iowa, where he resided until his death in 1865. The father had 
been anxious to afford his son William every advantage possible for acquiring 
an education, and had sent him to the public schools at Franklinville and Ben- 
tonsport, and two years before his death had placed him at Birmingham College, 
where William was studying at the time of his father's death. By the death 
of Mr. Mason the burden of self-support was thrown upon his son William E. 
Mason, who faced the situation with courage and confidence. He soon secured 
employment as a school teacher, and for three years devoted himself earnestly 
to this work, carrying on his studies at the same time. In 1869 he was employed 
as a teacher in the public schools of Des Moines, continuing this employment 
for two years more. 

The time had now come when he was to carry out a long-cherished plan — 
that of studying law. He entered, as a student, the law office of Hon. Thomas 
H. Withrow, a gentleman of high standing in the profession, and eminent as a 
corporation lawyer. Soon after Mr. Mason entered the office Mr. Withrow was 
appointed General Solicitor of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad, 
and removed to Chicago, whither Mr. Mason accompanied him. After remain- 

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ing one year with Mr. Withrow, Mr. Mason entered the office of Hon. John 
M. Jewett. where he finished his preparatory studies for admission to the bar. 
He remained several years in the law office of Mr. Tewett. but in 1877 he formed 
a law partnership with Judge M. R. M. Wallace, and began the practice of law 
on his own account. The firm secured a large practice, which brought Mr. 
Mason prominently before the courts and the public. He soon established the 
reputation of being safe in counsel, a good lawyer in the preparation and trial 
of a case, and an advocate of great eloquence and ability. Later Mr. Mason 
established die law firm of Mason & Ennis. He has been engaged in the prose- 
cution and the defense of many important lawsuits, and his reputation as a most 
competent and forceful lawyer is well known in Chicago. 

Mr. Mason has been a Republican in politics since his boyhood. He iden- 
tified himself with the party as soon as he arrived at the age of manhood. He 
was elected to the Illinois Legislature before he was thirty years of age. In 
1882 he was elected to the State Senate from the Ninth Senatorial District. 
During his service in the Illinois Legislature he familiarized himself thoroughly 
with the business of legislation, with the public affairs of the State, and particu- 
larly the interests of Chicago, taking a leading part in connection with all 
important legislation. In 1888 Mr. Mason was elected to Congress in the old 
Third Congressional District. He at once became a conspicuous figure in that 
body and took an active part in the debates of the House. His speeches were 
able, eloquent, often humorous and witty. He showed himself to be so thor- 
oughly familiar with public arlairs. that, although a young member of the House, 
with a short experience in National legislation, he was capable of sustaining 
himself in a running debate with the most experienced members, or in an ex- 
tended speech upon any subject which he might choose to discuss. In quick 
retort and humorous repartee Mr. Mason was soon regarded as a dangerous 
antagonist. He was re-elected to Congress in 1890, and 1892 he was again 
nominated as a candidate for Congress, but in the great political landslide of 
that year, caused by the temporary reaction of public opinion as to the wisdom 
of the McKinley Tariff Law. Mr. Mason, like many other Republican candidates, 
for Congress, was defeated. 

For many years Mr. Mason had participated in all the political campaigns 
of the State, was recognized everywhere as an able orator, received a hearty 
welcome wherever he appeared, and became one of the best-known and most 
popular men in the State. In 1894 Mr. Mason was a candidate before the Illi- 
nois Legislature for election to the L'nited States Senate, and, although he had 
an enthusiastic following, was defeated : but his ambition for that high place was 
not cooled by defeat. In 1896 a Legislature was to be elected whose duty it 
would be to choose a L'nited States Senator. With characteristic energy and 
enthusiasm Mr. Mason went before the people, declaring himself as a candidate 
for the Senate, and as a result of his canvass a Legislature was elected a large 
majority of whom were his warm supporters. In January. 1897, Mr. Mason 
'ected to the Senate, receiving 125 votes on joint ballot, his opponent, Hon. 
John P. Altgeld. the Democratic candidate, receiving jS votes. This was a 
great personal triumph of Mr. Mason's and demonstrated the fact that he had 
a strong hold upon the people. Senator Mason took his seat in the L'nited 
States Senate. March 4. 1897 : his term of service will expire March 3. 1903. Soon 
after Senator Mason took his seat in the Senate he made a determined attack 
on an old rule of the Senate, which enables a minority, by continued discussion 
and objections, to so obstruct business that no measure can be brought to a 
vote except practically by unanimous consent. Mr. Mason insisted, and as the 
public believed rightfully insisted, that that rule should be changed so that a 
majority could control the business and bring the Senate to a vote upon any 
ion on a certain day and hour, as is done in the House of Representatives. 

Mr. Mason was earnestly in favor of declaring and prosecuting a war against 
Spain for the liberation of Cuba, but he was unalterably opposed to the policy 
oi the National administration for the acquisition of the Philippine Islands by 

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the government, and by military array overcoming the resistance offered by the 
Filipinos against the authority of the United States. The Senator insisted that 
these people were fighting for independence, that they were justly entitled to it, 
and that it was inconsistent with our Declaration of Independence, and our sys- 
tem of government to subject them to the authority of the United States with- 
out their consent. In the war in South Africa between Great Britain and the 
Boer Republics, Senator Mason has been outspoken in his sympathy for the 
Boers; he has made a number of public speeches upon this subject, and has 
eloquently plead the cause of the South African Republics. 

In 1873 William E. Mason was married to Edith J. White, daughter of 
George White, a prominent citizen of Des Moines, Iowa. They have a large 
and interesting family of children. 



WILLIAM A. RODENBERG. 

This gentleman, though comparatively young, is one of the most prominent 
Republicans, as well as one of the most promising politicians of the State. He 
resides at East St. Louis. His birth occurred in Randolph county, Illinois, 
October 30, 1865, his father being Rev. Charles Rodenberg and his mother 
formerly Anna C. Walters. The father has been active in the ministry for about 
forty years as a member of the German Methodist Episcopal Church. During 
his long and eventful career in the ministry he has served as pastor of some of 
the most important appointments in the State. He possesses high oratorical 
powers and a strong individuality, which together with his earnest and consistent 
piety, account for his popularity as a pulpit orator and his success in the cause 
of the church. At present he is stationed at Decatur, Illinois, where he has a 
large, appreciative and intelligent congregation. 

William A. was educated in the public schools of Nashville and Belleville, 
Illinois, and later entered Central Wesleyan College at Warrenton, Mo., select- 
ing the classical course, and was duly graduated in 1884 with the degree of A. B. 
Succeeding that event he attended the law school of Washington University, St. 
Louis, and was admitted to the bar in 1892. In 1887 Central Wesleyan College 
conferred upon him the degree of Master of Arts. From his youth he evinced 
a strong tendency for literature, took great pleasure in study and was specially 
fond of historical research. Much of the means to secure his education was 
obtained from teaching school. He taught in St. Clair county in 1884 and 1885, 
and at Staunton, Illinois, in 1885 and 1886. From 1886 to 1891 he served as 
principal of the Mount Olive schools, Macoupin county. Previous to attending 
law school he had first read law for a period in the law office of Hon. M. W. 
Weir of Belleville, Illinois. He is six feet in height, weighs 200 pounds, has 
dark complexion and is sociable and magnetic by nature. He is an easy and 
persuasive speaker, and has gained an enviable reputation as a stump orator, 
second to few if any others in this part of the State. 

He has been a Republican since boyhood, and at all times has proved his 
faith in that party by upholding its principles with vigor and ability. Recog- 
nizing his fitness for the position, and having confidence in his personality, 
oratorical capacity and skill as an organizer and manager, his party in the 
Twenty-first District nominated him for Congress in 1898, and, after an inter- 
esting and instructive campaign, he was triumphantly elected in a district which 
had a normal Democratic majority of 3,500. The wisdom of his nomination 
was thus conclusively proved. His popularity carried him through, the vote 
being as follows : Rodenburg, 20,461 ; Fred J. Kern (Democrat), 19,956. Pre- 
vious to this he had taken an active part in politics, serving as secretary of the 
St. Clair County Central Committee and chairman of the judicial committee 
for the First Judicial District of Illinois. He had also run for County Super- 
intendent of Schools of Macoupin county in 1890, suffering a defeat by about 
700, when the county gave a general Democratic majority of 2,400. He is now 

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recognized as one of the strongest of the young leaders of the Republican party 
in the southern part of the State, and has been renominated for Congress in the 
Twenty-first District. 

He is a member of the Methodist Church and of the following fraternal 
societies : Masons, Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen of America, Ancient 
Order of United Workmen, Improved Order of Red Men, Court of Honor, 
Eastern Star, Knights of Khorassan and the Fraternal Mystic Circle. From 
1892 to 1898 he was State Deputy Head Consul for Illinois of the Modern 
Woodmen of America, in which capacity he had occasion to deliver addresses 
in almost every county in the State. He is president of the Fraternal Mutual 
Indemnity Association and vice-president of the Illinois Trust and Investment 
Company. 



WALTER REEVES. 

Among those men who have distinguished themselves in the practice of 
law, and who have exalted and dignified that profession in this State, is Hon. 
Walter Reeves of Streator, Illinois. From his earliest experience his tastes and 
inclinations ran in the direction of the legal profession, and even as a boy he 
began those elementary studies which pave the way for a profound knowledge 
of law and equity. He was born September 25, 1848, near Brownsville, Penn- 
sylvania. His early education was received at the common schools, but he 
succeeded in acquiring, in addition thereto, by diligent study, a wide acquaint- 
ance with science and literature. His parents were Harrison and Maria (Leon- 
ard) Reeves, highly respected citizens of the Keystone State. The ancestors of 
Mr. Reeves on his father's side came from Scotland and England; on his 
mother's side the ancestry is Welsh and German. Mr. Reeves, therefore, pos- 
sesses the blended and excellent traits of the Anglo-Saxon race. During his 
early life he passed through many severe experiences, not only in securing his 
education, but also at hard work upon his father's farm. It should be empha- 
sized that the bulk of his education was obtained by his own unaided efforts, 
under many difficulties, but with a determination and success that rounded out 
and polished his literary acquirements. After leaving school, while still a com- 
paratively young man, he became a teacher, and so continued during a consid- 
erable portion of the succeeding seven or eight years. The primary purpose of 
his course as a school teacher was to secure means to promote still further his 
education, particularly in law, and to fit himself in all respects for a useful and 
honorable career before the bar of this State. In due time he entered an office 
and continued his legal studies, and in 1875 was licensed to practice law. He 
established an office at Streator, Illinois, and immediately entered upon the 
active work of his profession. Within a short time he had a profitable clientage, 
and had become interested and identified with many of the most important cases 
in that section of the State. Steadily his practice grew, and now it may be 
stated that few lawyers in the State, outside of Chicago, enjoy a larger clientage. 

From childhood up he has been a consistent and unfaltering Republican, 
deeply interested in the success of his party, and proud of his patriotism. His 
prominence as a member of his party, his strength as a public speaker and his 
well-known integrity were the elements recognized by his numerous friends when 
he was brought forward as a candidate for the Fifty-fourth Congress. After a 
spirited campaign, during which he displayed unusual skill and ability in the 
field of politics, he was triumphantly elected. He was re-elected for the Fifty- 
fifth Congress and again for the Fifty-sixth Congress, and has been renominated 
for the Fifty-seventh Congress. In 1900 his friends brought him prominently 
before the people of the State as a candidate for the governorship of Illinois. 
Mr. Reeves has been identified with all the worthy public enterprises of his 
community. He is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, and is a great reader 
of current literature. He was married June 27, 1876, to Marietta M. Cogswell. 

280 









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DAVID DAVIS. 

Hon. David Davis was born in Cecil County, Maryland, March 9, 181 5. 
His ancestors settled in this country at an early date, some of them emigrating 
from Wales. By the death of his father he was left an orphan while quite young. 
His education was begun in the public schools of Maryland ; having something 
of an income at his command he decided to take a collegiate course, and attended 
Kenyon College, Ohio. Having the acquaintance and friendship of Judge Henry 
W. Bishop, of Lenox, Mass., he read law in his office, and later took the legal 
course in the New Haven Law School. He was admitted to the bar in 1835. The 
expenses incident to his education had absorbed his small estate, and he was 
at once thrown upon his personal efforts to make headway in the w r orld. He 
removed to Illinois, and in 1835 settled at Pekin. The following year he changed 
his residence to Bloomington, which became his permanent home. He was 
well received at Bloomington, made many friends, and soon established a good 
practice of the law. In politics he was a Whig. In 1840, at the earnest solici- 
tation of his political friends, he became a candidate for the State Senate on 
the Whig ticket. He made an able canvass of the district, and drew out the full 
vote of the Whig party, but failed of election. He was beaten by Governor 
John Moore, a popular Democratic leader of great experience. In 1844 he was 
again a candidate, and was elected to the lower house of the General Assembly 
of Illinois. His record in the Legislature was highly satisfactory to his con- 
stituents, in fact, he had now established the reputation of being a man of ex- 
cellent judgment, a first-class lawyer, a sincere friend and an honest man. So 
in 1847 ms friends made him a candidate as a member of the Constitutional Con- 
vention, which framed the constitution of 1848. As a member of the Constitu- 
tional Convention Mr. Davis performed a great work for the State in his labors 
to establish a more uniform judiciary system. 

Upon the adoption of the new constitution, he was elected one of the Cir- 
cuit Judges of the State without opposition. This action of the people brought 
him into his true field of labor. His circuit was composed of fourteen counties, 
and covered one of the richest and most rapidly growing sections of the State. 
The duties of this office, begun at a time when there were no railroad facilities, 
involved a great deal of time and labor in going from county to county and in 
holding the courts. David Davis was one of the best Circuit Judges of the 
State. The attorneys who practiced in his courts were among the most able and 
most distinguished men of Illinois. Lincoln, Douglas, Baker, Trumbull, Hardin, 
Judge Logan and many other prominent men appeared before him. Judge 
Davis occupied the position of Circuit Judge for fourteen years, rendering decis- 
ions in many important cases but few of which were ever reversed. While Judge 
Davis occupied the bench he did not undertake to participate in active partisan 
politics, but he kept fully informed of the great current of political events in the 
country, and the threatening aspect of the slavery question. He was in full ac- 
cord with the leading Whigs of the State in opposition to the repeal of the 
Missouri Compromise and the enactment of the Kansas-Xebraska Bill. He 
was a close personal friend of Abraham Lincoln, and felt great interest in the 
-debate of 1858 between Mr. Lincoln and Senator Douglas. Two years later, 
when Mr. Lincoln became a candidate for the Presidency, at his earnest solici- 
tation Judge Davis broke over his settled rule in regard to politics, and accepted 
the appointment by the State Convention of delegate at large to the Repub- 
lican National Convention at Chicago. Judge Davis labored in that convention 
for the nomination of Mr. Lincoln, and did as much perhaps as any other dele- 
gate to secure that result. When the nomination was made and the convention 
adjourned Judge Davis returned to his duties on the bench and left to others 
the active work of conducting the campaign. In 1861 General Fremont was 
assigned to duty at St. Louis, Mo., with authority to organize and equip an 
army to operate against General Sterling Price and other Confederate generals 
in Missouri. The exigencies of the service demanded prompt action in the 
purchase and accumulation of all kinds of quartermaster's stores, horses, mules, 
wagons, harness, tents, blankets, corn, oats, hay, etc., and the great bulk of 
these articles was bought on credit, quartermaster's certificates being issued in 
payment in lieu of cash. The haste with which this business was done, the want 

282 




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283 



of proper system, and the loose manner in which the purchases were made, soon 
brought the whole business into disorder, and suspicion was thrown upon the 
integrity of many of the contracts. To straighten out this bad condition of 
affairs, President Grant appointed a commission consisting of Judge Davis, 
General Holt, and Mr. Campbell, of St. Louis, to investigate and to adjudicate 
the numerous claims against the quartermaster's department of Missouri. This 
was a heavy task, involving great labor and the exercise of business knowledge 
as well as legal talent. The work was done in a most satisfactory manner and 
the findings of the commission stood the test of the courts. This was the first 
introduction of Judge Davis to business connected with the United States 
Government. 

President Lincoln had unlimited confidence in the good judgment, ability 
and the integrity of Judge Davis, and he was glad to avail himself in so im- 
portant an affair of so experienced a man. In November, 1862, a vacancy oc- 
curred in the Linked States Supreme Court. The President appointed Judge 
David Davis to fill that vacancy. This appointment was made during the sec- 
ond year of the civil war; many new and important questions were pressing 
upon the attention of that court of last resort, and it fell to the lot of Judge 
Davis to consider and pass upon some of the most momentous issues ever de- 
cided by a court in this country. One of the most important questions passed 
upon was the constitutionality of the legal tender acts of 1862-3. The necessities 
of the war imposed upon Congress the duty of providing a circulating medium 
for the transaction of the business and the government of the people during 
the war. The State bank issues were either worthless or greatly depreciated; 
gold and silver absolutely disappeared from circulation. The war could not be 
conducted to a successful issue without the use of large sums of money. To 
remedy the then existing evils Congress authorized the issuing of 8300,000,000 
of treasury notes, and made them a legal tender, in payment of all debts, public 
and private. The constitutionality of this law was called into question, the case 
of Hepburn against Griswold involving that question was taken by appeal to 
the Supreme Court of the L'nited States. The case was ably argued, and with 
a divided court the act was declared to be unconstitutional. Judge Davis was 
of the minority, and joined Air. Justice Miller and others in a dissenting opinion 
which for clearness and power of statement has never been surpassed by an 
opinion rendered by that court. In due course of time this question was 
again brought before the court and the constitutionality of the law was upheld. 
Judge Davis united, with the majority of the court in holding that "the acts of 
Congress known as the legal tender acts are constitutional when applied to 
contracts made before their passage, and are also applicable to contracts made 
since." This decision firmly establishing the proposition that Congress has 
constitutional power to authorize the issuing of a legal tender currency resulted 
in giving to the people of the United States the best circulating medium that 
the world has ever seen. This is only one of many important cases upon which 
Judge Davis was called to bring to bear his sound judgment and great judicial 
experience. 

In 1872 many prominent statesmen and politicians opposed the renomi- 
nation of General Grant to be President, and the leaders of this so-called liberal 
movement were casting about for a suitable candidate for President. The 
Labor Reformers also essayed to bring a Presidential candidate into the field 
with the hope and expectation that all the elements opposed to the regular 
Republican organization would concentrate on their candidate. Judge Davis 
was regarded as a Presidential possibility ; he was well and favorably known 
throughout the country, and a Labor Reform party holding an early conven- 
tion nominated him as a candidate for President. The liberal movement, includ- 
ing Air. Sumner, Mr. Greeley, and many other Republican leaders, was encour- 
aged by the Democratic party. At the convention held in May. 1872, the names 
of Judge Davis and Senator Trumbull were brought before the convention, 
but Horace Greeley, of New York, was nominated ; this nomination was ratified 
by the Democratic party, and Air. Greeley became the candidate for President 
of these elements in 1872. Judge Davis had maintained his residence at Bloom- 
ington, during all the years of his service on the Supreme bench of the L T nited 
States. He had lost none of his popularity in the State, so that when the Illinois 

284 






Legislature at its January session in 1877 found an opposition majority on joint 
ballot against the Republican party, and there was a two months' struggle on the 
question of selecting a United States senator to succeed John A. Logan, a 
majority of the Legislature united upon Judge Davis ; he was elected to the 
United States Senate for a term of six years from March 4, 1877, and he ac- 
cepted the position. 

Judge Davis had passed twenty-nine years of his life upon the bench, four- 
teen years as a Circuit Judge in Illinois, and fifteen years as a Judge of the Su- 
preme Court of the United States. It was a noble record. His retirement from 
the bench, and his withdrawal from the association of the men with whom he 
had been so long, was impressive, and the step was taken with a certain degree 
of reluctance. His letter to the court announcing his retirement and their reply 
shows the high esteem in which he was held by the members of that august tri- 
bunal. 

While Judge Davis had had but little experience in a legislative body, his 
long and able career on the bench gave him a standing in the Senate that is 
rarely ever accorded to a new member. He was assigned to the Committee on 
the Judiciary, and sat with Conkling, Carpenter, Edmunds, Thurman, and other 
distinguished men, and performed the duties of his position with marked ability. 
So highly respected was he by the Senate that he was selected as presiding offi- 
cer, and filled the position of acting Vice-President for nearly two years. When 
the Senatorial term of Judge Davis expired he returned to his old home at 
Bloomington and devoted his time and attention to the care and management 
of his large estate. 

Judge David Davis was twice married. His first wife, the mother of his 
children, was born in Massachusetts, and died at her old home in that State in 
November, 1879. ^ n March, 1883, Judge Davis married Adaline Burr, of Fay- 
etteville, N. C. Judge Davis died June 26, 1886; his surviving children were 
George Perrin Davis and Mrs. Sarah B. Swayne. 



ISAAC FUNK. 



Hon. Isaac Funk was born Nov. 17, 1797, on a farm in Clark County, Ken- 
tucky. He died, after a brief illness, in the home of his son Duncan, in Bloom- 
ington, 111., Jan. 29, 1865. Of Mr. Plunk's remoter ancestry, we have but little 
knowledge. The name is German ; his grandfather, Adam Funk, was born in 
Germany, but in what place we do not know. He came to America about 1750 
and probably settled first in Pennsylvania. Mr. Funk's father, whose name 
also was Adam, was reared in Virginia ; his wife's name was Sarah Moore, and 
she was of German descent. They had nine children, six boys and three girls, 
Isaac being the fourth son. In about the year 1790 the family removed to 
Kentucky, where Isaac was born ; the first ten years of his life were spent there. 
In 1807 the family removed to Fayette County, Ohio; sixteen years of Mr. 
Funk's life were spent at this place. 

We learn that Isaac attended school, all told, parts of but three winters, 
this when he was ten to thirteen years old. We know nothing of the character 
of his teacher ; all we know is that he was renowned as a very severe discipli- 
narian, even for that day; Mr. Funk often alluded to the frequent and fearful 
thrashings that he gave his pupils ; all remembrance of the other qualifications 
of the teacher, if he had any, seem to have faded from his mind. We, who now 
know all about schooling, smile at the old-time methods, and yet there must 
have been some kind of virtue in those backwoods schools, otherwise how can 
we explain the fact that so many boys of those days with so little schooling, ac- 
complished so much, while now so many with so much schooling accomplish so 
little? In 1823 Mr. Funk started for Illinois; in May of the following year he 
pitched his camp on the east side, just at the edge of what is now known as 
Funk's Grove ; on this spot, or very near it, he lived the balance of his life-time. 

Mr. Funk was married in June, 1826, at Peoria, to Cassandra Sharp. The 
pair returned immediately after their marriage to the Funk's Grove home. In 
partnership with his older brother Absalom, Mr. Funk began to farm a little with 

285 



such rude implements as could be procured at that time, in the new country. As 
the settlement increased, the Funk Brothers, Isaac and Absalom, began to buy 
the surplus stock of the region and drive it to such markets as they could find; 
first to Peoria, later to eastern markets and to Chicago. This business of 
handling cattle and hogs grew to vast proportions. The brothers learned their 
business well; they were alert, worked very hard, dealt fairly with everybody, 
and thus gained a pretty complete monopoly of the stock buying business of all 
their region. With the profits of their business they bought land. About 1840 
the partnership was dissolved, Isaac continuing alone, still extending his live 
stock operations, still putting the profits into land. The fertility and value of 
the prairie lands of Central Illinois was not generally known to the first settlers, 
but Mr. Funk evidently discovered very early after his arrival the matchless fer- 
tility of the prairie land, and no doubt in the very first years of his residence 
here, conceived the purpose of acquiring all he could of the land in and around 
Funk's Grove; to accomplish this purpose he worked by day and by night. He 
pursued it with tremendous energy and splendid daring. 

When the Illinois Central and Chicago & Alton railways were projected and 
partly built, he foresaw that lands would rapidly rise in value, and about that 
time, in the short space of three or four years, he bought more than twelve 
thousand acres of land and sent himself $80,000 in debt. At the time of his 
death he owned in McLean County 25,000 acres of land, 20,000 of it being in one 
body in and around Funk's Grove. We do not know that any other man in 
the United States has, by his own unaided efforts, acquired as much land equally 
valuable and fertile as there is in the Funk's Grove tract, all bought and paid 
for by Mr. Funk in his life-time. 

Mr. Funk was a powerful man physically; he was five feet ten and one-half 
inches in height ; normal weight two hundred pounds ; stout but not obese ; finely 
proportioned ; compactly built ; black hair, inclined to curl ; Roman nose ; long, 
strong upper lip ; mouth wide, closing firmly in handsome lines ; complexion 
ruddy to dark ; eyes dark brown, clear, penetrating and steady, but flashing with 
fire and power when aroused. In politics, Mr. Funk was a Whig while that 
party was still in existence. In 1840 he was elected to the lower house of the 
State legislature. While always taking an active part and having an intelligent 
interest in public affairs, Mr. Funk was in no sense a politician. Mr. Funk's 
great business was sufficient to occupy most of his time and always required 
the closest attention, but he was a broad-minded man and knew full well that 
he owed a duty to his State and the public. While in no sense a politician, he 
felt the keenest interest in public affairs and found time to take an active part 
in the management of county affairs and also in the conduct of political cam- 
paigns, State and National. He was a member of the Republican party from 
the first ; he was not at first an abolitionist. Mr. Funk was a law-abiding citizen, 
trained to respect the rights of property, and while the laws of his country recog- 
nized the right of property in slaves, Mr. Funk abided those laws. Just pre- 
ceding the war time, Owen Lovejoy, candidate for Congress in Mr. Funk's dis- 
trict, delivered a great speech in Bloomington. Mr. Funk heard it; he was 
converted to abolitionism and ever afterward hated slavery and was ready to 
welcome any lawful means of abolishing it. 

lie was a close friend of Abraham Lincoln, and entered into the Lincoln 
campaign of [860 with all the zeal and enthusiasm of his strongly emtional 
nature. For the election of Lincoln he gave of his time, labor and money 
without stint. In 1862 he was elected to the State senate by the Republicans 
of his district to fill the unexpired term of Gen. Richard J. Oglesby; he was 
re elected for the next term. It was during this term, in the darkest days of the 
War of the Rebellion, when the fate of the Union seemed to be trembling in 
the balance, that he made his famous speech in the senate in favor of an appro- 
priation for what was known as the Sanitary Commission. The opponents of 
the war had a majority in the senate; they were openly and persistently opposing 
any and every measure calculated to furnish aid and comfort to the armies of 

nion. To Mr. Funk their conduct seemed nothing less than treason to the 
country and government I Ee was unaccustomed to speaking in public, but there 
came a time when, in his own words, he could sit in his seat no longer and sec 

trifling with the interests of his country. It was then that he arose and 

286 





ClC^L 




hurled at the opposition that philippic of philippics, which will never be forgotten 
by those who heard it, and is probably remembered today by more people than 
remember any other speech ever made in Illinois. 

"Mr. Speaker: I can sit in my seat no longer and see such boy's play 
going on; these men are trifling with the best interests of the country. They 
should have asses' ears to set off their heads, or they are secessionists and 
traitors at heart. I say there are secessionists and traitors at heart in this sen- 
ate. Their actions prove it. Their speeches prove it. Their gibes and laughter 
and cheers here nightly, when their speakers get up in this hall and denounce 
the war and the administration, prove it. I can sit here no longer and not tell 
these traitors what I think of them, and while so telling them I am responsible 
for what I say. I stand upon my own bottom. I am ready to meet any man 
on this floor, in any manner, from a pin's point to the mouth of a cannon, upon 
this charge against these traitors. (Tremendous applause from the galleries.) 
I am an old man of sixty-five. I came to Illinois a poor boy. I have made a 
little something for myself and family. I pay $3,000 a year in taxes. I am 
willing to pay $6,000, aye $12,000" (great cheering, the old gentleman bringing 
down his fist upon his desk with a blow that would knock down a bullock and 
causing the inkstand to bound a half dozen inches in the air), aye, I am willing 
to pay my whole fortune, and then give my life to save my country from these 
traitors that are seeking to destroy it. (Tremendous cheers and applause, which 
the speaker could not subdue.) 

"Mr. Speaker, you must please excuse me. I could not sit longer in my 
seat and calmly listen to these traitors. My heart that feels for my poor country 
would not let me. My heart that cries out for the lives of our brave volunteers 
in the field, that these traitors at home are destroying by thousands, would 
not let me. My heart that bleeds for the widows and orphans at home, 
would not let me. Yes, these villains and traitors and secessionists in this 
senate (striking his clenched fist on the desk with a blow that made the house 
ring again) are killing my neighbors' boys, now fighting in the field. I dare to 
tell this to these traitors, to their faces, and that I am responsible for what I say 
to one or all of them. (Cheers.) Let them come on, right here. I am sixty-five 
years old, and I have made up my mind to risk my life right here, on this floor, 
for my country. These men sneered at Col. Mack a day or two ago. He is a 
little man, but I am a large man ; I am ready to meet any of them in place of Col. 
Mack. I am large enough for them, and I hold myself ready for them now, and 
at any time. (Cheers from the galleries.) 

"Mr. Speaker, these traitors on this floor should be provided with hempen 
collars. They deserve them. They deserve them. They deserve hanging, I say. 
(Raising his voice and violently striking the desk.) The country would be better 
off to swing them up. I go for hanging them, and I dare tell them so right 
here to their traitors' faces. Traitors should be hung. It would be the salva- 
tion of the country to hang them. For that reason, I would rejoice at it. (Tre- 
mendous cheering.) 

"Mr. Speaker, I beg pardon of the gentlemen in the senate who are not 
traitors, but true, loyal men, for what I have said. I only intend it and mean it 
for secessionists at heart. They are here, in this senate. I see them joke, and 
smirk, and grin at a true Union man, but I defy them. I stand here ready for 
them and dare them to come on. (Great cheering.) What man with the heart 
of a patriot could stand this treason any longer. (Cheers.) I denounce these 
men and their aiders and abettors as rank traitors and secessionists. Hell itself 
could not spew out a more traitorous crew than some of these men who disgrace 
this legislature, this State and this country. For myself, I protest and denounce 
their treasonable acts. I have voted against their measures. I will do so to 
the end. I will denounce them as long as God gives me breath. And I am 
ready to meet the traitors themselves here or anywhere, and fight them to the 
death. (Prolonged cheers and shouts.) 

"I said I paid three thousand dollars a year taxes. I do not say it to brag 
of it. It is my duty — yes, Mr. Speaker, my privilege to do it. But some of 
the traitors here, who are working night and day to get their miserable little 
bills and claims through the legislature to take money out of the pockets of the 
people, are talking about high taxes. They are hypocrites, as well as traitors. 

287 



I heard some of them talking about high taxes in this way, who do not pay 
five dollars to support the Government. I denounce them as hypocrites as well 
as traitors. (Cheers.) The reason they pretend to be afraid of high taxes is 
that they do not want to vote money for the relief of the soldiers. They want 
also to embarrass the Government and stop the war. They want to aid the 
secessionists to conquer our boys in the field. They care about taxes? They 
are picayune men, anyhow. They pay no taxes at all, and never did, and never 
hope to, unless they can manage to plunder the Government. (Cheers.) This is 
an excuse for traitors. 

"Mr. Speaker, excuse me. I feel for my country in this hour of danger. I 
feel for her from the tip of my toes to the end of my hair. That is the reason 
I speak as I do. I cannot help it. I am bound to tell these men to their teeth 
what they are, and what the people, the true, loyal people, think of them. Mr. 
Speaker, I have had my say. I am no speaker. This is the only speech I have 
made, and I do not know that it deserves to be called a speech. I could not 
sit still any longer and see these scoundrels and traitors work out their selfish 
schemes to destroy the Union. They have my sentiments. Let them one and 
all make the most of them. I am ready to back up all I say, and repeat it, to 
meet these traitors in any manner they may choose from a pin's point to the 
mouth of a cannon." 

The effect of this speech in the army and among the friends of the Union 
throughout the whole North can scarcely be measured ; coming as it did from 
the full heart of a plain man, spontaneously; it aroused a sympathetic echo in 
hundreds of thousands of breasts that were pained as his was for his country, in 
the fearful trials through which she was passing. The remains of this remark- 
able man lie buried in Funk's Grove cemetery, remote from traveled ways and 
thronged towns, beside the still, running stream and in the heart of the same 
magnificent forest which captivated his eye when, as a young, strong man, he 
came this way in search of home and fortune. By his side lie the remains of his 
beloved and faithful wife, whose death occurred only about four hours later 
than his. 

Mr. Funk left a large family ; they and their descendants have, for the most 
part, kept their residences in McLean County. They are all engaged in agricul- 
tural pursuits. The immense land holdings of Isaac Funk still remain in pos- 
session of the family. Several of the sons have taken considerable part in poli- 
tics and other public business. They are all Republicans. 



JOHN McNULTA. 

General John McNulta of Chicago, Illinois, has for many years been a con- 
spicuous figure in the State of Illinois, as a soldier, as a lawyer, as a Republican 
in politics, and as a business man he has made a name of which any man might 
be proud. The General comes of Scotch-Irish ancestry, County Donegal in 
Ireland, and Invernesshire in Scotland, were their homes, the remote male line 
being Northmen or Vikings, who intermarried and merged with the Clan Don- 
ald. His immediate ancestors came to this country at an early day, and settled 
in New York. He was born in New York City Nov. 9, 1837. He came west 
in 1852 and settled in Attica, Indiana. Having received a liberal education, 
having subsequently conferred upon him out of course pro-merits the degree of 
A. M. by Wabash College. In 1856 he was employed as a traveling salesman 
and collector for Dick & Co., wholesale tobacco dealers, traveling on a route in 
the western part of Indiana and the eastern part of Illinois. 

In 1858, on attaining his majority, he became a member of the firm. His 
business as a salesman and collector took him to Bloomington, Illinois ; he 
became well pleased with the place, and went there to reside permanently in 
1859. The Civil War coming on in the spring of 1861, he abandoned his business 
and on May 3 was made captain of Company A, First Illinois Cavalry. On Aug. 
20, 1862, he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the 94th Illinois Infantry. 
The colonel of the regiment, William W. Orme, having been assigned to the 
command of a brigade, the command of the regiment devolved upon Lieutenant- 

288 





M.Zsi'Lx-MZ. 



289 



Colonel McNulta. He led the brigade for some time, was promoted to be col-^ 
onel, and was afterwards breveted brigadier-general for "gallant and meritorious 
services in battle." General McNulta served from May 3, 1861, to Aug. 9, i865 r 
during the Civil War. His regiment, the 94th Illinois, belonged to the Army 
of the Tennessee, whose commanders were respectively General Grant, General 
Sherman, General McPherson, General Howard, and General Logan. The army 
was composed of the 13th, 15th, 16th, and 17th Army Corps. The victorious 
career of this army was to Belmont, Ft. Henry, Donaldson, Shiloh, Corinth, 
Vicksburg, Chattanooga, Atlanta, the March to the Sea, capture of Savannah, 
the campaign through the Carolinas, and the grand review at Washington. Gen- 
eral McNulta and his regiment at the close of the siege of Vicksburg went to 
the capture of Yazoo City, thence to New Orleans and back to Morgan's Bend,, 
and then to Atchafalaya, thence to the Texas frontier, thence through the Mobile 
campaign and back to Galveston at the close of the war. He and the men under 
him performed every duty devolving upon them and established a reputation 
for valor, and the performance of duty, which constitutes a part of the glorious 
record of the soldiers of Illinois. 

General McNulta was mustered out of the service Aug. 9, 1865. In 1866 
General McNulta was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of Illinois, and 
in 1874 to the Supreme Court of the United States. In 1866 he formed a part- 
nership for the practice of law with Hon. Lawrence Weldon, now a judge of the 
United States Court of Claims at Washington City. In 1868 he was elected 
to the Illinois State Senate, and in 1872 he was elected to the Congress of the 
United States as a Republican. Was renominated in 1874, but was defeated by 
his Democratic opponent. General McNulta has been identified with the Re- 
publican party actively for a number of years. In 1880 he was a delegate from 
his Congressional district to the Republican National Convention. He was a 
member of the "Old Guard of 306," who stood by General Grant in the mem- 
orable contest in that convention, and possesses a bronze medal prepared in 
commemoration of that event. 

In 1881 General McNulta was appointed Master in Chancery of the Circuit 
Court of McLean County, and held that office for four years. In June, 1885, he 
was appointed receiver of the railroad known as the Clover Leaf Route, now 
the Toledo, St. Louis & Kansas City Railway. This appointment opened up to 
him a new field of endeavor, and gave him an opportunity of exercising the 
extraordinary powers of administration, which he has shown himself to possess. 
This receivership was followed by his appointment by Judge Gresham, Judge 
of the United States Circuit Court, to be receiver of the Wabash Railroad in 
April, 1887. In the conduct of the affairs of this railroad, General McNulta 
developed into one of the most efficient railway men of the country, both as 
manager and lawyer, directing all of its legal complications and becoming to a 
great extent a guide to the railway traffic associations of the West in the ad- 
justment of the railway traffic to the Interstate Commerce Law. He mastered 
all the details of the business, in operating the road, conducting its freight 
and passenger business, its repairs and betterments and its financial operations, 
bringing the property up to the highest standard of efficiency and earning power. 
General McNulta's success as a receiver, lawyer and manager of large proper- 
ties brought to him the receivership of the Whisky Trust in 1895, this combi- 
nation with a great number of distilleries, with a capital represented by thirty- 
five millions of certificates, having practical control of the production and sale 
of high-proof spirits and alcohol manufactured in the United States. General 
McNulta mastered the intricacies of this business, carrying on its manufactures 
successfully, and finally turned the property over in good shape, after it was 
sold to the corporation which was organized to receive it, with a surplus of 
over ten and a half million dollars, instead of being insolvent, as was decided in 
the first instance. 

General McNulta was the receiver of the Calumet Electric Street Railway, 
and of the National Bank of Illinois at Chicago, to which positions he was 
appointed in January, 1898, and receiver of several other corporations at the 
time of his death. The business of these corporations was being conducted to 
the entire satisfaction of all concerned in them, by General McNulta, who had 
been the most successful receiver of the management of large properties of any 

290 



man in the country. General McNulta was an active supporter of William Mc- 
Kinley for President ; he favored the Spanish War and the policy of expansion, 
and delivered a number of able speeches in favor of retaining the Philippine 
Islands. 

John McNulta married Laura Pelton at Bloomington, Illinois, Jan. 15, 1862. 
They have four children living, namely: Herbert, Robert Pelton, Donald and 
Laura. General McNulta died in Washington, D. C., on Feb. 22, 1900. He 
was buried at his old home in Bloomington, Illinois. 



WILLIAM PENN NIXON. 

William Penn Nixon became a citizen of Chicago in 1872. The Chicago 
Inter-Ocean had just been established; its first issue appeared on March 25. 
Two months later, on May 21, Mr. Nixon became manager of the paper, which 
position he retained until 1876, when he became editor-in-chief and general man- 
ager. He has continued to be identified with that great journal, without inter- 
ruption, until the present time, twenty-eight years. The Chicago Inter Ocean is 
a Republican newspaper. It has always been a staunch supporter of the party, 
it has exerted a powerful influence throughout the United States, but particu- 
larly in Illinois and the Northwest. Mr. Nixon for over twenty years was editor- 
in-chief, and publisher of the paper, and, of course, directed its policy, and con- 
trolled its editorial utterances. The Inter-Ocean never claimed to be the organ 
of the Republican party, but under Mr. Nixon's management it was largely in- 
strumental in molding and directing public opinion upon the great political issues 
of the day. 

The success of Mr. Nixon as a newspaper man was not accidental; to ac- 
complish such results and to exert such an influence a man must possess strong 
traits of character ; these are found in Mr. Nixon. He is a man of sound judg- 
ment, an alert and watchful mind, a man of patience, of good temper, an in- 
defatigable worker, and of good literary ability. Ail of these qualities he pos- 
sesses in full measure, and they were brought to bear in the daily labors and 
management of the Inter-Ocean. So closely identified was Mr. Nixon with the 
thought of the paper that the readers who are well acquainted with its editor- 
in-chief could always forecast the position the paper would take upon important 
public questions. They knew that Mr. Nixon was not erratic, that while he 
was a progressive man and kept up with the thought of the leading Republicans 
of the country, he was so thoroughly loyal to the principles and policies of the 
Republican party and believed so firmly in the necessity of party organization 
as a means of good government, that he would not on occasion go off on a tan- 
gent and have the Inter-Oecan "take to the woods." 

Mr. Nixon is of Quaker stock on both sides of the family, his grandfather, 
Barnaby Nixon, owned and occupied a plantation situated on the James River, 
not far from Petersburg, Virginia. Here he lived, reared his family, and spent 
his entire life. Barnaby Nixon, like all his neighbors, was a slave holder, but 
unlike the most of them, he became thoroughly convinced that slavery was 
wrong, and that it was his duty as a citizen and a Christian to emancipate his 
slaves. The Quaker denomination in all the Colonies had at an early date taken 
strong grounds against the African slave trade, and the perpetuation of slavery 
in America, but Barnaby Nixon, who was himself a prominent minister of 
the Quaker faith, and who had preached the doctrine of freedom to 
his people, did not wait for the action of the church ; his conscience moved 
him and he emancipated his slaves. Samuel Nixon, the father of William Penn 
Nixon, was born and raised on his father's plantation on the James River ; re- 
ceived a liberal education, and in due time married Rhoda Hubbard, also a 
descendent of a Quaker family. He removed to, and became a citizen of North 
Carolina, where he resided for a number of years. He was a merchant and a 
miller, and established a large business. In those early days railroad facilities 
in North Carolina were unknown, and Mr. Nixon had to depend on wagons for 
his transportation. It is a tradition of the family that he crossed the Blue Ridge 
Mountains twenty-seven times on horseback. Samuel Nixon and Mrs. 

291 



Nixon had a family of four children, three of whom were born in North Caro- 
lina. They removed with these children from North Carolina to Wayne County, 
Indiana, where William Penn Nixon was born, in the town of Newport, now 
Fountain City. His mother died in 1840. His father died in 1866 at the ad- 
vanced age of eighty-four. It is an interesting fact to note that the mother of 
Mr. Nixon was connnected with the Hubbard family, who were early and promi- 
nent settlers in Virginia, and that one of them married an Indian girl of the 
Cherokee tribe, who was the great grandmother of Mr. Nixon. 

William Penn Nixon was placed at a private school by his father, where 
he received his elementary education. He entered Turtle Creek Academy, in 
Warren County, Ohio, in the fourteenth year of his age ; he remained there 
two vears. He then went to Harveysburg Academy, to assist his brother ; he 
remained here one year. He then entered Earlham College, a Quaker institu- 
tion in Richmond, Indiana. He studied there some time and was again a teacher 
for a vear. He then entered Farmer's College, near Cincinnati, Ohio, from 
which he graduated in 1854. Murat Halstead, the well known newspaper man 
and writer, had just graduated from the same institution. Mr. Nixon, still in 
search of knowledge, entered the law department of the University of Penn- 
sylvania, pursuing his studies there for four years. He was graduated from this 
institution with honor in 1859. 

Mr. Nixon settled in Cincinnati, opened a law office, and soon built up a 
good practice. A Republican in politics, he identified himself with the organ- 
ization of Hamilton County, Ohio, and soon became prominent and influential 
in its counsels. In 1864 a vacancy occurred in the Ohio Legislature, by the 
death of Hon. Mr. Keck. Mr. Nixon was nominated and elected to fill this 
vacancy. In 1865 he became a candidate for re-election, was successful before 
the people, and served in the Legislative session of 1866-7. After the adjourn- 
ment of the Legislature, Mr. Nixon decided to spend some time abroad; he 
traveled extensively through Europe, visiting all the principal capitals and places 
of interest. On his return home he became interested in the Cincinnati Mutual 
Life Insurance Co., and was elected its president. In 1869 Mr. Nixon conceived 
the idea that there was ample room for another daily paper in Cincinnati. He 
enlisted a number of friends in the new enterprise, and established the Cincin- 
nati Daily Chronicle as an evening paper. He was the commercial editor for 
some time, but his associates recognizing his fine business qualifications made 
him publisher and business manager. In that position he was a pronounced 
success. Finally the Chronicle Company purchased the Evening Times and con- 
solidated the two papers. Mr. Nixon then sold out his interest, and resumed 
active business with the insurance company, of which he had continued to be 
president. In 1871 a consolidation was effected between the Union Central 
Life Insurance Co. and the Cincinnati Mutual Life Insurance Co., the corpora- 
tion controlled by Mr. Nixon, whereupon he sold out his insurance stock and 
the next year removed to Chicago. 

This brief summary of the life of Mr. Nixon shows that he was a diligent 
student, devoting unusual time to gain an education and the acquisition of knowl- 
edge, that immediately upon starting out in life he took high rank with the public 
and men of affairs. That his business before coming to Chicago was varied, ex- 
tensive and successful, well fitting him for the responsible and important position 
which he at once took on the staff of the Inter Ocean. 

During Mr. Nixon's long connection with the newspaper world he never 
became a candidate for public office, contenting himself with advocating the 
claims of others for office instead of his own. When William McKinley was 
elected President the friends of Mr. Nixon believed that the time had come 
that there should be a proper recognition of the valuable services which he 
had rendered to to the country and to the Republican party bv appointing him 
to the most important office in the gift of the President at Chicago. In due 
course Mr. Nixon's name was presented for the office of Collector of the Port. 
The President knew Mr. Nixon well, recognized his ability, his integrity, his 
fidelity to every trust, and his thorough fitness for this office, and gladly ap- 
pointed him Collector of the Port of Chicago. This office Mr. Nixon now holds ; 
he has thoroughly familiarized himself with every duty, and the business of the 
government and the people is being conducted with promptness and intelligence. 

292 




IXs^J^a^^. 




293 



Mr. Nixon was married in September, 1861, to Miss Mary F. Stites, daugh- 
ter of Hezekiah Stites of Cincinnati, Ohio. In the early spring of the following 
year his wife died. In June, 1869, he was married to Elizabeth Duffield, daughter 
of Charles Duffield, a well known citizen of Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Nixon 
have three children, Mary Stites, Bertha Duffield, and William Penn, Jr. Mr. 
Nixon was several years president of the Associated Press ; he is a member of 
the Union League Club, Marquette Club, Press Club, the Ohio Society, and a 
director of the Humane Society. Mrs. Nixon, a lady of education and refine- 
ment, is a member of the Fortnightly Club, the Woman's Club, and a member 
of the board of trustees of the Illinois Training School for Nurses. Mr. and 
Mrs. Nixon have a delightful home at 743 North Clark Street, Chicago. The 
shelves of their library contain more than two thousand volumes of well-selected 
books, treating of almost every branch of literature, art and science. Their 
home is a center for agreeable association for their family and large circle of 
friends. 



GEORGE EVERETT ADAMS. 

In 1835 Benjamin Franklin Adams, a prosperous merchant and manufac- 
turer of woollens and window glass, a citizen of Keene, N. H., visited Chicago 
and purchased some land in and around that town. Air. Adams was so well 
pleased with his investment and the growth of the West, that in 1853 he re- 
moved with his family to Chicago. Mr. Adams' ancestors came to America 
in 1626, settling at Cambridge, but afterwards removed to Ipswich, Mass. One 
branch of the'family trace their lineage to "William of Ipswich." A member of 
this branch served in the old French war, and afterwards was one of the first 
settlers of New Ipswich, New Hampshire, and was a member of the Committee 
of Safety organized at the outbreak of the Revolution. Mr. Adams was born 
March, 1800, at New Ipswich; his mother belonged to the Everett family. Early 
in life Mr. Adams removed to Keene, where he established himself in business, 
and married Louisa R. Redington of Walpole, N. H. Her mother was a Dana, 
whose father graduated from Harvard in 1767 and preached in Barre, Mass. 

Mr. Adams brought his son, George Everett Adams, then thirteen years 
old, with him to Chicago. Before coming West George went to school at the 
Academy doing chores and farm work as part of his education. He was a 
studious boy, fond of books, fond of the woods and streams and of hunting and 
fishing. His experience, tastes and habits of early life, were those of the average 
New Hampshire boy. Although he lived at his father's house in town, he had 
to take care of horses and cattle, and do farm work. His father was in easy 
circumstances, but thought that boys should learn to work with their hands, 
and he brought his boys up upon that principle ; he gave them every opportunity 
for education and the improvement of the mind, but did not neglect the educa- 
tion of their hands. In 1854 he was sent back to his old home in New Hampshire 
and placed at Phillips Exeter Academy for one term, and then entered Harvard 
College, from which institution he graduated in i860. Mr. Adams decided to 
study law, and on returning to Chicago he entered the law office of Scammon, 
McCagg and Fuller, one of the most prominent law firms in the city. 

In April, 1861, when the Civil War began, and Fort Sumpter fell, Mr. 
Adams and his brother enlisted in Battery A, Illinois Light Artillery. Upon 
leaving the service he became a teacher in the Chicago High School, studying 
law at the same time. In 1864 he entered Dane Law School of Harvard Uni- 
versity, graduating in 1865. He returned home to Chicago well equipped for 
the important affairs of a busy life in a great city ; he began the practice of law 
and continued this with success until the great fire in 1871. The rebuilding of 
Chicago opened up a new field for Mr. Adams. The care and improvement of 
real estate required and occupied his attention, and he has been devoting him- 
self largely to this business for more than twenty-eight years. It can be said 
that by heredity and environment Mr. Adams has a natural bent for literature 
and art ; he is fond of books, has read much and is well versed in the best 
literature of the world. He is a trustee of Newberry Library, and overseer of 

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Harvard College, 1892 to 1898, and 1898 to 1904. He is a ready speaker upon 
literary and political topics. 

In politics Mr. Adams has always been a Republican. When he was a 
school boy at Keene the political excitement concerning the slavery question 
in Kansas was at its height ; he saw a train load of Massachusetts emigrants 
go by on their way to Lawrence, Kansas. Many of these had Sharp's rifles. 
He became interested in the political issues of that period and his sympathies 
were for making Kansas a free State. His father was a Whig, and his grand- 
father was a Federalist, supporting the administration of President Washington. 
In 1876, for the first time, Mr. Adams took an active part in politics; this was 
in connection with a town election; it was not his intentinon to enter political 
life, but in 1880 his friends secured his nomination as a Republican candidate for 
the State Senate. It was a Presidential year; Garfield and Arthur were the 
Republican candidates. Mr. Adams made a number of speeches in the canvass 
and was elected. This opened the way to a ten years' service as a legislator. 
In 1882 he was elected to the Congress of the United States from the Sixth 
District of Illinois, and was re-elected three terms successively, but was de- 
feated in 1890 during a great Democratic revival. In Congress Mr. Adams took 
high rank, and was well esteemed by his associates. He served on two of the 
most important committees of the House, the Judiciary Committee and the Com- 
mittee on Banking and Currency. Many important measures came before Con- 
gress during the term of his service, all of which received his careful considera- 
tion. Mr. Adams earnestly opposed the measures brought forward by the 
Democratic party for repealing Republican tariff legislation. He gave his voice 
and vote for the great tariff measure known as the "McKinley Bill." His ex- 
perience in Congress as a legislator, the knowledge he acquired while there of 
the practical operations of the executive departments, and the broad acquaint- 
ance made by him of prominent men throughout the country, together with his 
high sense of public duty and his great natural abilities, made his retirement 
from Congress an actual loss to the country. 

Mr. Adams is a member of the Unitarian Church, and has been since child- 
hood. In November, 1871, he married Adele Foster, daughter of John H. 
Foster, an early settler of Chicago. Mr. Foster and his wife, Nancy Smith 
Foster, came from New Hampshire, where their families had resided for one 
hundred and fifty years. Mr. Adams was born at Keene, New Hampshire, June 
18, 1840, and is now a citizen of Chicago, Illinois. 



GEORGE ROYAL DAVIS. 

George R. Davis was born January 3, 1840, in the town of Three Rivers, 
near Palmer, Mass. His father, Benjamin Davis, was descended from a pioneer 
family, and was raised at the town of Ware. He married Cordelia Buffington, a 
member of an old Quaker family of Connecticut. 

The father and mother of George, being well educated themselves, were 
anxious that he should have the advantages of a collegiate course. He passed 
through the public schools, and was placed at Williston Seminary, East Hamp- 
ton, Mass., to prepare for college. He was a fine student, mastering his studies 
with ease, and graduated with honor from the seminary, with the intention of 
entering college. But this was not to be. The exciting events of the spring of 
1861, aroused a martial spirit throughout the old Bay State, in which George R. 
Davis enthusiastically shared. He enlisted as a private in Company H, 8th 
Regiment, Mass. Infantry. He soon exhibited his capacity and tact for the 
leadership of men, and was promoted to the rank of captain; in that position 
he served with his company, with the 18th Army Corps, in North Carolina, 
until August, 1863; he resigned his commission in the infantry service, and re- 
turned home, where he raised a battery of light artillery. His capacity as a 
commanding officer had attracted attention, and he was tendered a commission 
as major of the 3d Regiment, Rhode Island Cavalry. He commanded this regi- 
ment until the close of the war in 1865, and was mustered out of the service 
with the rank of brevet colonel. As the result of his long and active service in 

296 




297 



the volunteer forces, Col. Davis acquired a fondness for military life, and ac- 
cepted an appointment in the civil department of the regular army. He was 
assigned to the Department of the Missouri, commanded by General Sheri- 
dan, and reported to that officer for duty. Colonel Davis remained with Gen- 
eral Sheridan for about four years. He accompanied General Sheridan in his 
Indian campaigns in 1868 and 1869, and traversed much of the western country, 
in pursuit of the Indians. He was present on the head waters of the Washita, 
when "Black Kettle" and his band were defeated and routed. When General 
Sheridan moved his headquarters to Chicago, in the latter part of 1869, Colonel 
Davis accompanied him, and remained at the general headquarters until May 1, 
1871. Colonel Davis resigned his position in connection with the regular army, 
settled permanently as a citizen of Chicago, and at once established a home 
for himself and his family. 

His first private business in the city of Chicago was that of general agent 
of the Massachusetts Mutual and the Hartford Life Insurance Companies. He 
held this position for some time, giving entire satisfaction to the companies. 
In the early seventies, he was active in the organization of the First Regiment, 
I. N. G., and was made colonel of that body. Colonel Davis soon had a wide 
circle of friends and acquaintances. His fine personal presence made him an 
attractive figure in any company. A man of agreeable manners and pleasant 
address, he soon became popular with all those with whom he came in contact. 

Always a Republican in politics, he identified himself with that party, and 
was soon accorded an important place in its councils. His capacity for organi- 
zation, the influence he exerted over men, his clear perception of the political 
issues, and his power as a public speaker, soon made him a recognized leader 
of the politics of Cook County. In 1878, Colonel Davis was nominated for and 
was elected to Congress from the 26. Congressional District of Illinois. He 
was re-elected for two successive terms, serving six years in the lower House of 
Congress. During that service he was assigned to the following committees: 
Invalid Pensions, Military Affairs, Mines and Mining, Education and Labor, 
and Commerce; was a member of the Board of Examiners of the West Point 
Military Academy, and was selected by his colleagues as a member of the 
Republican Congressional Committee. The entrance of Colonel Davis into the 
Congress of the United States gave him an opportunity of broadening his 
career, which he naturally availed himself of. He made friends and acquaint- 
ances in every State of the Union, without reference to party ties. He was 
one of the best liked and most popular men in Congress during his six years 
of service. Space will not allow to give in detail the services of Colonel Davis 
while in Congress. It is proper to state, however, that he was always watchful 
of the interests of Chicago, and was mainly instrumental in securing a large 
appropriation for the improvement of the Chicago Harbor and in saving the Lake 
Front for the people of Chicago. In 1886, Colonel Davis was elected Treasurer 
of Cook County for a term of four years. He performed the duties of this 
office with ability, and at the close of his term, his accounts were promptly 
settled. 

Colonel Davis was a great believer in Chicago, and was ever anxious to 
labor to advance her interests. He had assisted in securing the assembling 
of national political conventions in the city, and believed that Chicago was the 
best fitted place for holding the Columbian Exposition, for which Congress 
had made provision. He entered heartily into the work of bringing the claims 
of Chicago for the Exposition before Congress. This campaign of Chicago 
in Washington was entrusted to Colonel Davis. The large acquaintance which 
he had made in Congress now stood him well in hand. Chicago was successful. 
Colonel Davis was chosen one of the Directors of the Chicago Board of Man- 
agement of the World's Columbian Exposition. When the National Board of 
Commissioners met in Chicago, in September, 1890, Colonel Davis was selected 
by that board as Director-General of the Exposition. In this position he ex- 
hibited the highest order of executive ability in the management of its affairs, 
and contributed largely to the success of that great enterprise. Colonel Davis 
established himself in successful private business, in manufacturing enterprises. 
He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and for a number of years be- 

298 



longed to Chicago Commandery 19, Knight Templars. He was also a mem- 
ber of the Chicago, Union League, Washington Park, Fellowship and Illinois 
Clubs. 

George R. Davis, in 1867, married Gertrude Schulin, of New Orleans, La. 
They have six children, two sons and four daughters. He died Nov. 25, 1899, 
and was buried at Rose Hill, in Chicago. 



WILLIAM SIDNEY ELLIOTT, Jr. 

William S. Elliott, Jr., is now in the full vigor of physical and intellectual 
manhood. As a lawyer he stands upon a level with the most able, successful, 
and distinguished attorneys of the State. This position has not been reached 
by accident nor by a sudden and unexpected flight. Entering the profession 
twenty years ago, earnest devotion to study, a rare aptitude for the profes- 
sion, and an extraordinary experience in practice before the courts, have made 
him a master of the law. Nature has been kind to Mr. Elliott ; physically he 
is a fine specimen of humanity; he possesses a constitution of iron; his facul- 
ties are always on the alert; quick perception, unfailing memory, unerring 
judgment, and indomitable energy, with an extensive knowledge of human na- 
ture, have made his rise to his present position natural and inevitable. Mr. 
Elliott in the course of his practice has been engaged in more than seven thou- 
sand cases, he has conducted the defense in forty-five trials for murder, and 
lias been employed on one side or the other of many of the most important and 
intricate cases ever decided in the courts of Illinois. Mr. Elliott. did not begin 
the study of law in his youth ; after passing through the public and academical 
schools of Quincy, 111., he took employment in a banking house in that city, 
where he mastered the business of banking, from sweeping out the office to the 
•duties of bookkeeper, teller, and assistant cashier ; after devoting three years 
and a half to this business he came to Chicago, and entered the insurance 
business ; but eleven years of active business life in Chicago* failed to satisfy 
his ambitious nature. He sought a broader field for the development and ex- 
ercise of his intellectual forces. 

At thirty years of age, in 1879, Mr. Elliott decided to enter upon the study 
■of law; he was fortunate in the friendship of two of the ablest lawyers at the 
Chicago bar, Luther LafTin Mills and Emery A. Storrs. Upon the advice and 
influence of the one, he entered the office of the other, and set himself the 
task of becoming a lawyer. Mr. Storrs soon recognized the fine business quali- 
fications, and the aptitude for the law of Mr. Elliott. Upon his admission to 
the bar, Mr. Storrs offered Mr. Elliott a partnership in his law business, which 
Mr. Storrs had conducted with such extraordinary ability as to give him a 
national fame. These two men, unlike in almost everything else except their 
agreement in politics, and their devotion to their profession, worked together 
fiarmoniouslv and successfully until their partnership was dissolved by the death 
of Mr. Storrs. 

Continuing the practice of law after the death of Mr. Storrs, Mr. Elliott 
w r as appointed Assistant States Attorney under Judge Longenecker. He held 
this position for five years ; during this period he disposed of nearly six thousand 
cases. He prosecuted and brought to justice many noted criminals, and be- 
came a terror to evil doers in general. 

Upon retiring from the office of Assistant States Attorney, Mr. Elliott re- 
sumed his private practice, which has grown to be large and lucrative, and, as 
lias been seen, he has been called to the defense of more men accused of high 
crimes than almost any other lawyer in the State, and has been one of the 
most successful defenders. In the course of his practice, Mr. Elliott has secured 
the respect and friendship of the judges before whom he has practiced, and 
the good will of the lawyers with whom he has associated. 

Mr. Elliott has not neglected his duties as a citizen ; he has been identified 
with the Republican party from his early manhood ; he has never held an elec- 
tive office for himself, but has been an active worker for the success of the 
Republican party. He is thoroughly familiar with the principles, policies, and 

299 



history of parties. He is an able and accomplished political speaker, and has 
taken an active part in every National and State campaign during the past 
twenty years. While a man of eloquence and pleasing address, he speaks not 
simply to amuse but to instruct. He is always subject to the call of the party 
organization, has delivered many speeches to ward, city, county, State and other 
clubs, and is always in demand as a public speaker. Mr. Elliott was a candi- 
date for the nomination for States Attorney of Cook County before the Re- 
publican convention in the fall of 1884, and in the Republican City Convention 
of March 15, 1885, he received no votes out of 257 for the Republican nomi- 
nation for the office of City Attorney. Hempstead Washburne secured the 
other 147, and the nomination. 

A true estimate of a man's character cannot be formed by what he does 
in connection with his profession or in politics, for these really are subordinate 
to the home life, and the social life. Mr. Elliott has a delightful social side to 
his character; he was one of the early promoters of the Apollo Music Club of 
Chicago; it owes its early success to his liberality and energy. He belongs 
to the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Council, and Commandery of the Masonic fra- 
ternity, is a member of the Royal League, the Royal Arcanum, the National 
Union, the Ancient Order of Foresters, and is a Noble of the Mystic Shrine ; he 
also belongs to the Illinois, Marquette, Hamilton, Lincoln, and Menoken Clubs, 
and to the Art Institute, and is an associate member of Columbia Post, G. A. R. 
He is an active member of the First Congregational Church of Chicago. 

Mr. Elliott has a delightful home, a fine library, and many beautiful works 
of art. His collection of portraits of distinguished men hanging in his office 
suggests his love of art. 

William S. Elliott, Jr., was born May 1, 1849, at Niles, Michigan. He 
traces his lineage in a direct descent from John Eliot, of Massachusetts, the great 
missionary to the Indians, as follows : Joseph Eliot (2), Jared Eliot (3), Aaron 
Eliot (4), Samuel Smithson Eliot (5), William Worthington Elliott (6), William 
Sidney Elliott (7), William Sidney Elliott, Jr., (8). 

William Sidney Elliott, the father, was born January 18, 1813, in North 
Hampton, Montgomery County, New York. Six years later his parents re- 
moved to Balston Spa, Saratoga County, and engaged in agricultural pursuits. 
Young Elliott attended school in the winter, worked on his father's farm in the 
summer, and in 1833 taught school in Rochester. At an early date Mr. Elliott 
espoused the anti-slavery cause and was a delegate to the first anti-slavery 
convention held in New York State, which met at Utica in 1835. The opposi- 
tion to this assemblage was so great that the convention was dispersed. Garrett 
Smith, who was present at that meeting, expressed indignation at the action 
of the people, espoused the cause represented by the convention, and invited 
its members to meet in his city and at his house to finish their deliberations. 
The action of Mr. Elliott on this occasion showed that the anti-slavery blood 
of his ancestor, John Eliot, flowed in his veins. Mr. Elliott removed to Michi- 
gan, locating about a hundred miles east of Chicago, and never failed an op- 
portunity to aid a slave fleeing northward to gain his freedom. About 1857 Mr. 
Elliott removed to Quincy, Illinois, where he settled with his family. He was 
a strong supporter to the Union cause during the Civil War, and aided in 
equipping men of younger years for the great struggle. Mr. Elliott, in 1840, 
supported William Henry Harrison for President, and was an earnest Repub- 
lican in his latter years. He died in 1899, at the advanced age of eighty-sevren, 
and was buried at Niles, Michigan. 

William S. Elliott, Jr., was married October 14, 1871, to Alinda Caroline 
Harris, daughter of James and Salome Harris, of Janesville, Wisconsin. Mrs. 
Elliott is a lady of refinement and culture, a prominent member of several so- 
cial, ethical, religious, and charitable organizations, among them the Arche Club, 
the Woman's West End Club, and the Chicago Culture Club. Their children 
are Lorenzo B. Elliott, a graduate of Kent College of Law, and post-graduate 
and Bachelor of Laws of Lake Forest University; Daniel Morse Elliott, a 
graduate of Kent College of Law ; Emery S. Elliott, Jessie Elliott and Birdie 
Leon Elliott. 

300 





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301 



GEORGE B. SWIFT. 

Among the names of the representative men of Chicago who have been- 
closely identified with its interests, and have assisted in its marvelous growth,, 
and who, while building up a metropolis., have founded for themsedves repu- 
tations more enduring than iron or stone, will stand that of George B. Swift,. 
who, by force of native ability and steady perseverance, has raised himself to 
a position of wealth and honor. He comes from a State that has furnished to 
Illinois many of its most honored and valued citizens, his birth occurring in 
Cincinnati, Ohio, December 14, 1845. His parents, Samuel W. and Elizabeth 
(Bell) Swift, were natives of the Keystone State. During his youth young 
Swift attended the public schools at Galena, 111., and at Chicago. In 1865 he 
branched out for himself as a clerk, but later embarked in the manufacturing 
business under the firm name of Frazer, Swift & Company, which afterwards 
became George B. Swift & Company, then and now Frazer Lubricator Com- 
pany, now actively engaged in general contracting under corporate name of 
George B. Swift Company. 

Mr. Swift was first actively connected with the Republican party in the 
year 1879, when he was elected to the city council of Chicago from the Eleventh 
Ward. He has been twice elected Alderman. In 1887 he was appointed Com- 
missioner of Public Works for the city of Chicago and served in that capacity 
for two years. He was chosen Mayor pro tern of the city of Chicago in No- 
vember, 1893, and was elected Mayor in December, 1893, but was counted out. 
In the month of April, 1895, he was elected Mayor by 42,000 majority. Mr- 
Swift was one of the ablest and most popular Mayors the city has perhaps 
ever had, and instituted many reforms while in office. He is always well poised, 
is a man of keen discrimination and stands high in the estimation of the pulbic. 

He has shown his appreciation of secret organizations by becoming a mem- 
ber of the Masonic Fraternity, Hesperia Blue Lodge, Washington Chapter and 
Chicago Commandery, all of Chicago. He is also a member of the Knights of 
Pythias, Royal Arcanum and Royal League. He is a Methodist in his religious 
views. On the 12th of November, 1868, he was married to Miss Lucy L. 
Brown, of Chicago, whose parents were natives of New England. They have 
seven children, four sons and three daughters. 



ANDREW JACKSON KUYKENDALL. 

Major Andrew J. Kuykendall was born March 3, 181 5, in Bloomfield Town- 
ship. Johnson County, Illinois. His grandfather with two brothers were 
poineer settlers in the British Colony of North Carolina. When the Revolu- 
tionary War broke out he served in the Continental Army, in the great struggle 
for independence. After the peace of I/83, Mr. Kuykendall, lured by the glow- 
ing accounts of Daniel Boone and other hunters and pioneers of North Caro- 
lina, who had visited Kentucky, he removed with his family to that territory 
and settled on a farm, where he raised a family of children; one of these, Joseph 
Kuykendall, removed with his family from Kentucky to Illinois, early in the year 
1815, where his son, Andrew J. Kuykendall, was born at the time and place 
above mentioned, being the youngesl of three brothers. 

Maj. Kuykendall was born in Illinois while it was yel a territory. When 
rew to be of school age the opportunities for education were very meager, 
consequently, like Abraham Lincoln, his school experience was confined to a 
three months' term, but at home and at .school he acquired the rudiments of 
an English education. In early life- he took loch interesl in politics, and in 
[842 was elected to the Illinois Legislature, and was re-elected several times 
to the lower house. Me became a candidate for the State Senate in opposition 
to I lou. John Dougherty, who was a man of prominence, a lawyer of fine abil- 
ity, and an orator of gfeal power. Maj. Kuykendall met Col. Dougherty in 
joinl debate before the people, and was elected by a good majority. He was 
re-elected to the Senate, and gained a State reputation for his ability and wisdom 
as a legislator. 

302 



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303 



Mai. Kuvkendall was a Democrat in politics. He supported Stephen A- 
Douglas for the Presidency in i860. He was a member of the Illinois Legis- 
lature in the spring of 1861, when the Civil War began, and President Lincoln 

i a call for 75.000 volunteers. Governor Yates by proclamation convened 
the Illinois Legislature in special session the latter part of April, 1861. Before 
leaving his home for Springfield, to attend that special session of the Legisla- 
ture. Senator Kuvkendall called a meeting of the people of Johnson County at 
Vienna, the county seat. He delivered an address in which he declared himself 
in favor of the preservation of the Cnion. and of his determination when he 
arrived at Springfield to vote for men and money for the Lnion cause. This 
early declaration of the Senator exerted a great influence with his people, and 
during the whole of the great struggle for the L'nion his conduct was strictly 
on a fine with the sentiments he first expressed. L'pon the adjournment of the 
Illinois Legislature he returned to his home, and soon entered upon the work 
of assisting to raise a regiment of troops. This regiment became the 31st Illinois 
Volunteers, with John A. Logan as Colonel, John C. While, of Williamson 
County, as Lieutenant-Colonel, and Andrew J. Kuvkendall as Major. After 
serving some time as Major of said regiment, he resigned his commission in 
1862. m 

It is proper to state that Maj. Kuvkendall studied law during the early 
part of his legislative career, was admitted to the bar, and became a successful 
practitioner of his profession, but, trained to farming in his early life, he never 
lost his taste for that avocation, and was a successful farmer and stock raiser. 

As :he struggle of the Civil War proceeded, the conflict of political opinion 
in Southern Illinois upon the issues of the war became more and more intense, 
so in 1864 there was great discontent in the old 13th Congressional District 
at being represented in Congress by a man who was not in hearty sympathy 
with the prosecution of the war. A political convention was held in the dis- 
trict, and Maj. Kuvkendall was selected as a candidate to represent the LTnion- 
Republican war sentiment of the people. Maj. Kuvkendall made a spirited and 
able canvass before the people against his opponent, Hon. William J. Allen, 
and was elected to Congress by about 1,000 majority. This canvass was watched 
with great interest throughout the country, and the election of Maj. Kuvken- 
dall was regarded as a great political revolution in "Lower Egypt." Maj. Kuy- 
kendall served in the 39th Congress and gave earnest support to all necessary 
war measures. 

He was a member of the Masonic Order from the year 1850. was Master 
of the Vienna Lodge about 1856, and was Junior Grand Warden of the Grand 
Lodge of I"|nois in 1862. Maj. Kuvkendall married Cynthia Simpson, August 
16. 183C a ivoman of excellent sense and judgment, of great kindness of heart 
and of continuing popularity with her neighbors : Mrs. Kuvkendall has always 
exerted a most admirable influence upon her family and friends. As time rolled 
on Maj. Kuvkendall retained the respect and friendship of his wide circle of 
acquaintances, and died, universally respected. May 11, 1891. 



RALPH PLUMB. 

Many important and interesting items in the life of this distinguished citi- 
zen must of necessity be omitted from this volume. Having lived long past 
the alotted span of fife and been very active in public affairs, an interesting 
volume could be written of the momentous events comprised in his eventful 
eighty- years and over. He was born in Bustd, Chautauqua County. Xew York. 
March 29. 1816. Four years later his parents moved to Hartford. Ohio, where 
he was educated and lived until he had attained the age of fourteen years, at 
which time necessity forced him to begin life on his own account. He worked 
first as a gardener and later in the store of Richard Hayes & Co.. continuing 
until he had attained the age of majority. During this time he continued his 
studies with more or less assiduity. He entered into partnership with his old 
employer under the firm name of Hayes & Plumb, and the firm soon built up 
an extensive and profitable business. He was married to Marrilla E. Borden on 

304 





f^f nUz^U^^^y^\^ 



305 



- ^. In i860 Colonel Plumb was selected by a syndicate of 

moneyed men to go to Streator, Illinois, to purchase 4,000 acres of valuable coal 
land, and was required to iive in that city, which was then nothing but the prim- 
itive prairie. He founded and laid out what is now the city and gave every 
street in the original plat its name. The property of the syndicate prospered 

try under his care and became very valuable. He built about 400 miles of 
railroad required to handle the coal output of the company, and in many other 
ways contributed immensely toward the building up of this section of the State. 
He became the rirst Mayor of Streator and held the office two terms and had 
no opposition. He became identified with the growth of the city and was 
prominent in every movement for the public good. He built at his own ex- 
pense and presented to the city one of the best high school buildings, fully 
equipped with all modern conveniences, at a cost of over S40.000. The opera 
boose and the leading hotel bear his name. He may be called with propriety 
the "Father of Streator." 

Upon the outbreak of the rebellion he was appointed assistant quarter- 
master of division with the rank of captain on the start of General Garfield, and 
on October 31, 1 861, was breveted lieutenant-colonel of volunteers for faithful 
and meritorious services in his department. He participated in the campaign 
of Eastern Kentucky, operated in the Big Sandy Valley, participated in the 
capture of Paintville. Ky., and took part at Middle Creek and at Prestonsburg. 
He participated at Sounding Gap. Tenn.. in the capture of Humphrey Marshall 
and the expulsion of his forces, in Buell's movement on Pittsburg Landing^ in 
the battle of Shiloh, in the attack on Beauregard's rear guard, in the siege of 
Corinth, in duty on the Charleston Railroad with headquarters at Hunts ville. 
in the movements through Northern Alabama. Tennessee, and Kentucky, in the 
pursuit of Bragg's forces, in the Tennessee campaign of General Rosecrans. in 
the battle of Stone River, and from June. 1863, to November, 1805. was as- 
signed to duty as post quartermaster at Camp Denison. Ohio. He was honor- 
ably mustered out November 11, i£ 5 

His political life has been equally conspicuous. At the age of seventeen 
years, or in 1833. he joined the Abolitionists in their crusade against slavery. 
In 1839 he attended a convention of the American Anti-Slaver}' Society at 
Cleveland. Ohio, on which occasion a resolution was passed to form the Liberty 
party to attack slavery politically. The following year he polled his vote for 
the first Abolition candidate for the Presidency. James G. Birney. and four 
years later voted for the same candidate. In the spring of 1848 he attended the 
famous convention at Columbus. Ohio, when Salmon P. Chase secured the 

ige of a resolution declaring for "Free speech, free territories, and free 
men." This declaration was the foundation upon which was erected the Free 
Soil party of 1848 and upon which was nominated for the Presidency Martin 
Van Buren the following June. He supported Hale and Julian in 1852 and 
promptly and actively took part in the Fremont campaign of 1856. He has sup- 
ported every Republican candidate since that date. In 1854 he was a Free 
Soil member of the Legislature of Ohio. Xear the close of Buchanan's admin- 
istration he. with a number of others, was indicted for assisting a fugitive to 
escape, and for 84 days was imprisoned in the jail at Cleveland. Ohio, an inci- 
dent that greatly aided in making Northern Ohio the noted stronghold of Re- 
publicanism that it is today. L'pon his removal to Illinois he became very useful 
to the Republican party. He represented the 8th District in the 49th and 50th 
- 3 



THOMAS JEFFERSON HENDERSON. 

Thomas J. Henderson, of Princeton, Bureau County, Illinois, was born 
ruber 29, 1824, in Brownsville, Haywood County. Tenn. His father. Wil- 
liam Hendricks Henderson, was born in Garrard County, Ky.. November 16, 

removed to Stewart County. Tenn., in 1816, and afterwards to Haywood 
Comity, where, after the death of his rirst wife, he married Sarah Murphy How- 
ard, November I •_ the mother of the subject of this sketch. Mr. Hen- 

306 





307 



- n received a good English education, was well instructed in arithmetic, 
mathematics, and surveying. He was a good practical surveyor, and surveyed 
and platted the town of Brownsville, where his son. Thomas J., was born. He 
was the first Register of Deeds of Haywood County. He represented Hay- 
wood and other counties in the Senate of the State of Tennessee, receiving the 
largest vote cast for any candidate in the county of Haywood, where he lived. 
He resigned his seat in the Senate, emigrated to Illinois in 1836. and settled in 
Putnam County, on Indian Creek. Air. Henderson was a \\ nig, and became 
prominent in the politics of Illinois. He was elected to the Illinois Legislature, 
and secured the passage of a law creating the county of Stark, and locating the 
county seat at Toulon. He represented the counties of Putnam, Bureau. Mar- 
shall and Stark in the Legislatures in 1838 and 1840. serving with Abraham 
Lincoln. John J. Hardin, Thomas Drummond. Lyman Trumbull, and other men 
who afterwards became distinguished. In 1842 he was the Whig candidate for 
Lieutenant-Governor of Illinois, on the ticket with Joseph Duncan. Mr. Hen- 
derson was a man of ability, a forcible public speaker, and of great popularity. 
His ancestors, who. it is believed, came from Scotland, settled in Hanover 
County, Virginia, at an early date- 
Airs. Henderson was born in North Carolina, Sept. 15. 1804: her ancestors 
emigrated from England. She received the rudiments of an English educa- 
tion, was intelligent, well informed, highly respected, and exerted a good in- 
fluence upon her family and neighborhood. Air. Henderson died January 2J, 
4, and Airs. Henderson died January 7, 1S79. 
Thomas J. Henderson, at the age of live or six, was taught to spell and 
read; he was placed at the Male Academy, Brownsville, Tenn., and was taught 
grammar, arithmetic, geography, and other studies, including Latin. He had 
mastered the Latin grammar when twelve years of age. After coming to 
Illinois he attended private schools for three terms, and he taught school three 
or four terms, continuing his own studies. His father removed to Iowa in 
1845. an( l ne entered the Iowa L niversity. where he remained one term, de- 
livering the valedictory address at the commencement exercises. Young Hen- 
derson became a constant reader of history, literature, politics, and general news 
of the day. at his father's house. In 1840 he returned to Illinois and settled at 
his old home. He took 'employment in a brick yard during the spring, clerked 
for merchants during the summer, and taught school at Toulon. In 1847 ne 
- elected Clerk of the County Commissioners' Court, was later elected Clerk 
of the County Court, was appointed Alaster in Chancery, in 1849, anc ^ Deputy 
Circuit Clerk in 1850. For several years he had devoted his spare time to 
the study of law; in 1852 was admitted to the bar. In 1853 he opened a law 
office in Toulon. In 1854 Air. Henderson was elected to the Illinois Legisla- 
ture as an Anti-Xebraska Whig, from the counties of Peoria and Stark ; was 
Chairman of the Committee on Counties, and a member of the Committee on 
Judiciary. 

He voted nine times for Abraham Lincoln for the Lnited States Senate, 
and on the tenth ballot, upon the urgent request of Air. Lincoln, voted for 
Hon. Lyman Trumbull, who was elected. Air. Henderson has a number of 
interesting letters written by Air. Lincoln upon the subject of his candidacy for 
the Senate. In 1856 Air. Henderson was elected to the State Senate, and voted 
for Abraham Lincoln for the United States Senate against Stephen A. Douglas 
in 1859. In 1861 Governor Yates tendered Air. Henderson a position on the 
Commission for Auditing Alilitary Accounts. He qualified, but found the duties 
required too much of his time and resigned. 

In 1802 a number of companies of volunteers were raised in the counties of 
Henry and Stark, one of them by Air. Henderson; the men elected him to be 
the regiment. He was much surprised by this action, and 
was reluctant to assume the responsibility of commanding a regiment, 
as he had had no previous military experience, but he accepted 
the situation, was commissioned Colonel of the ri2th Illinois Volunteers 
■ vernor Yates, and was mustered into the t Fnited States service at Peoria, 
September 2_ _ [. Henderson was ordered to Kentucky. The regi- 

ment reached Covington. Ky., October ir. was equipped at Cincinnati, and 

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assigned to a brigade ; and on the 18th the brigade was ordered to Falmouth. 
While on the march Col. Henderson was detached, and assigned to guard a 
large supply train to Big Eagle, where General Gilmore was encamped. He 
conducted the train in safety, following General Gilmore's army to Georgetown, 
Ky.. marching with the army thence to Lexington, where he remained until the 
spring of 1863. 

General Henderson's military career was active and important ; his enter- 
prise, skill and courage soon attracted attention. In the spring of 1863 his regi- 
ment was mounted, and was kept constantly on the move. A detachment un- 
der Maj. Dow accompanied Gen. Sanders in his raid through the mountains of 
Kentucky to Knoxville. The entire regiment followed under Gen. Burnside in 
August, 1863. He was at Kingston, Athens, Post Oak Springs. Knoxville, 
Strawberry Plains, and many other places, commanding sometimes a brigade of 
cavalry and mounted infantry. In February, 1864, his regiment returning to 
Kentucky, was dismounted and again equipped as infantry. Col. Henderson com- 
manded for a time the post at Mt. Sterling. In April returned to Knoxville, 
thence by railroad to Cleveland, from there moved with a large ammunition and 
ambulance train to join Sherman's army at Tunnel Hill. Passed Catoosa 
Springs, May 10, and heard the opening guns of the Atlanta campaign at Buz- 
zard Roost; having turned over the train, on May 11. was assigned to the 1st 
Brigade, 3d Division, 23d Army Corps, commanded by Col. Riley. Three days 
later, at the Battle of Resaca, Col. Henderson received a gunshot wound through 
the right thigh ; he was severely disabled, but returned to his command July 
28. Soon after his return Generals Schofield and Cox organized a brigade for 
Col. Henderson. Command composed of the 112th Illinois, 63d Indiana, 120th 
Indiana, 128th Indiana, and the 5th Tennessee Infantry. Gen. Henderson com- 
manded these troops until the close of the war. 

Gen. Henderson participated in all of the important movements of the 23d 
Army Corps, the campaign of Atlanta, and pursuit of Gen. Hood northward. 
When Sherman divided his army, the 23d Army Corps remained with Gen. 
Thomas. Henderson's brigade fought at Columbia, at Franklin, and at Xash- 
ville ; after the rout of Hood's army, Henderson's brigade went with the Army 
Corps to Xorth Carolina, was with Gen. Schofield in the campaign against Fort 
Anderson, Wilmington, Kingston, and Goldsboro. where he joined Gen. Sher- 
man's army. Was at Raleigh, and was finally mustered out at Greensboro, 
Xorth Carolina, June 21, 1865. 

Col. Henderson was "breveted Brigadier-General for gallant and meritori- 
ous services during the campaigns in Georgia and Tennessee, and especially 
in the battle of Franklin, Tennessee, X"ovember 30, 1864." This deserved recog- 
nition was recommended by Gen. Schofield in writing, and by Generals Schofield 
and Cox in person. 

Gen. Henderson was Presidential Elector in 1868 and voted for Grant and 
Wilson for President and Vice-President. In 1871 was appointed Collector of 
Internal Revenue of the 5th Illinois District ; held the office two years, collecting 
nine million dollars. In 1874 he was elected to Congress from the Bureau 
County District, and was re-elected nine successive times, serving twenty years 
in Congress. His acquaintances and friendships included the most distin- 
guished men of the United States, regardless of politics. He served on many 
important committees. Banking and Currency, Commerce, River and Harbors, 
of which he was Chairman in the 51st Congress, and was Chairman of Military 
Affairs. Gen. Henderson was an influential and safe legislator. He opposed all 
measures intended to restore the old State banking system. He supported bills 
for improving the public credit, reducing taxation, and maintaining the pro- 
tective system. He advocated the building of the Hennepin Canal. Probably 
his most important legislative work was for improving the rivers, harbors and 
water ways of the country. Very few men have served the Xation so long, so 
faithfully, and with so much intelligence and success. 

Gen. Henderson belongs to the Masonic Fraternity, is a Templar, and has 
taken the Scottish Rite degrees except the 33d. He is not a member of any 
church organization ; his mother was a Methodist and led her son to believe in 
the Christian religion as the best hope of mankind. 

310 



Thomas J. Henderson was married March 29, 1849, at Wyoming, Illinois, 
to Henrietta Butler, daughter of Capt. Henry and Rebecca G. Butler, natives of 
New Haven, Connecticut. Gen. and Mrs. Henderson have four children — Ger- 
trude, wife of Charles J. Dunbar ; Sarah Ella, wife of Chester M. Durley ; Mary, 
wife of John Farnsworth, and a son, Thomas B. Henderson. 

Gen. Henderson assisted actively in the organization of the Republican 
party in Illinois. He was a delegate to the Bloomington Convention in 1856; 
aided in the nomination of Col. Bissell for Governor, and has taken an active 
part as a Republican in the politics of Illinois during the past forty-four years. 



JAMES S. MARTIN. 

General James S. Martin, of Salem, Marion County, Illinois, was born 
August 19, 1826, in Estillville, now Gate City, Scott County, Virginia. His 
father, John S. Martin, was an early settler in Virginia ; he was a man of good 
education, great probity of character, and the fact that he served as County 
Clerk, Circuit Clerk, and Master in Chancery for about twenty years, is con- 
clusive proof of his ability and popularity. He married Malinda Morrison, who 
was born and raised in Sullivan County, Tennessee. She was the mother of 
General Martin. Mrs. Martin was a woman of strong mind and possessed a 
lovely character, and noted for her charities. Mr. and Mrs. Martin were slave 
holders, the wife possessing a number of slaves in her own right. Mrs. Mar- 
tin died in 1828, but before her death she emancipated her slaves, and their 
interests were afterwards looked after by her husband. Mr. Martin shared 
the opinions of his wife in regard to the subject of slavery; he also emancipated 
his slaves, and in the fall of. 1844 removed from Virginia to Illinois and settled 
on a farm, seven miles north of Salem; here his son James resided with him 
for three years. 

General Martin received his education in the common schools in his native 
town in Virginia, and at Emery and Henry College, Washington County, Vir- 
ginia. In the spring of 1847 General Martin enlisted in Company C, 1st Regi- 
ment, Illinois Volunteers, for service in the Mexican War, and was elected third 
sergeant of his company. The regiment was mustered into service at Alton, 
Illinois, was transported to Ft. Leavenworth, and marched across the plains to 
Santa Fe. The regiment remained at that post until the war ended and peace 
was declared, when they returned home and were mustered out of the service 
at Alton. 

On the return trip from Santa Fe the company to which General Martin 
belonged held a meeting and nominated him for County Clerk of Marion Coun- 
ty, Illinois. Upon reaching home the people of the county ratified this nomi- 
nation, and he was duly elected at the polls. He held this office for twelve 
years, and was also appointed to the office of Master in Chancery, which he 
held for two terms. While holding these offices he studied law, and was ad- 
mitted to the bar July 4, 1861, and formed a law partnership with B. F. Marshall 
and D. C. Jones, and opened an office in Salem. 

The country was then in the midst of the great Civil War. In the summer 
of 1862 James S. Martin decided that it was his duty to participate in the great 
struggle for the preservation of the Union. He received the authority from 
Governor Yates to raise a regiment. Seven companies were enlisted in Marion 
County, one company in Clinton County, one company in Washington County, 
and one company in Clay County. He was elected Colonel of the regiment, 
which was mustered into the service of the United States as the 111th Illinois 
Volunteers, September 18, 1862, with 930 officers and men. The regiment was 
ordered from Salem to Cairo, thence they were ordered to report to General 
Davies at Columbus, Kentucky. 

On February 2, 1863, Colonel Martin was assigned to the command of the 
post of Columbus, by order of Brigadier-General Asboth. He held this com- 
mand, which included the command of the forces at Columbus, until April 18, 
1863, when by order of Gen. Asboth he was assigned with his regiment to the 
command of the post at Paducah, Ky., relieving Col. Dougherty, of the 22d Illi- 

311 



nois Infantry, then in command. He remained at Paducah until Oct. 31, 1863, 
when he was ordered by Gen. Sherman to proceed to Florence, Ala. ; embarked on 
transports for Eastport, Miss., disembarked and took up line of march for Flor- 
ence, was ordered by Gen. G. M. Dodge, commanding 16th Corps, to join his 
command, and was temporarily assigned to 2d Brigade, 26. Division ; went into 
winter quarters at Pulaski, Tenn. On March 16, 1864, he was ordered to report 
with his regiment to General Logan, commanding the 15th Army Corps, at 
Fluntsville. Ala. General Martin served with the 15th Army Corps until the 
close of the war, and participated in its great marches and battles ; marched 
with Sherman from Atlanta to the Sea. He fought with his regiment in the 
battles of Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw, Atlanta, Jonesborough, Fort McCallister, 
and Bentonville. He commanded a brigade at the assault on Ft. McCallister, 
and received the surrender of the commander of the fort. He was breveted 
Brigadier General May 8, 1865, to take rank February 25, 1865; participated 
in the grand review at Washington City, and on May 30, 1865, was assigned to 
the command of a provisional division of the 15th Army Corps, consisting of 
veterans to be mustered out, and was discharged at Springfield, Illinios, June 
2'/, 1865. President Johnson appointed General Martin First Lieutenant of 
the 24th U. S. Infantry to take rank July 24, 1866. This appointment was de- 
clined. 

On his return home General Martin did not resume the practice of law, 
but entered upon the business of banking. Prior to the war General Martin 
was a Democrat in politics, and had supported Stephen A. Douglas for the 
Presidencv in i860. On his return home he found himself unable to affiliate 
with the Democratic organization which had opposed the war for the Union. 
He joined the Republican party, as did hosts of his neighbors and comrades, 
and in 1866 he was nominated and elected to the office of County Judge of 
Marion County, overcoming a Democratic majority of 600. In 1868 he was 
nominated as the Republican candidate for Congress against Hon. Samuel S. 
Marshall. The district was Democratic, and Mr. Marshall was elected. Presi- 
dent Grant appointed General Martin Pension Agent for the district embracing 
Southern Illinois, in 1869. In 1872 he was nominated for Congress and was 
elected over Hon. Silas L. Bryan, father of Hon. William J. Bryan, later can- 
didate for President. In 1874 the district went Democratic and he was defeated 
for Congress by Hon. W. A. J. Sparks. Governor Cullom appointed General 
Martin Commissioner of the Southern Illinois Penitentiary September 4, 1879; 
he served in this position four years. It will be seen that General Martin has 
occupied a number of important positions ; he performed the duties of all of 
them with distinguished ability. In addition to these public official positions 
General Martin has been a conspicuous figure in connection with. the politics 
of the State. He has attended all the Republican State Conventions of the State 
of Illinois, and in most of the conventions represented his county as a dele- 
gate. He served as a member of the Republican State Central Committee for 
about twenty years, and was Chairman of the State Central Committee during 
the canvass which resulted in the election of Governor Fifer. He was a dele- 
gate to the National Republican Convention in 1876, and voted for the nomina- 
tion of James G. Blaine for President. 

Gen. Martin was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic from its or- 
ganization and was elected Department Commander of the Department of Illi- 
nois at the State encampment held at Springfield in 1889, served the full term 
of the office, and relieved by the election of his successor at the State encamp- 
ment held at Quincy, in 1890. 

Gen. Martin was married in 1852 to Jane Elston, of Salem, 111. To them 
four children were born, three of whom are now living. Mrs. Martin died in 
1889. He was again married in 1893 to Margaret Savage, of Ashland, Ky. 
One child has been born to them. His children reside at and near his home in 
Salem, 111. 

General Martin has a warm social side, and makes friends wherever he eoes. 
In September, 1882, he and others organized the Southern Illinois Soldiers' 
and Sailors' Reunion Association, and he was elected commander, and has been 
successively elected commander ever since. This association holds annual re- 

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p4^^^^2^ 



313 



anions lasting several days, where are assembled thousands of old soldiers and 
their families. It is now the largest association of the kind in the West., and 
General Martin is the life and soul of the institution. 



JOHN CORSON SMITH. 

This self-made man and eminent soldier and public official, now residing 
in Chicago, Illinois, was born in Philadelphia. February 13. 1832. His early ed- 
ucation was extremely limited, as he was compelled to work in a cotton factory 
from his earliest childhood. His ancestors were distinguished soldiers and sail- 
ors in the British service under Wellington and Nelson. At the age of sixteen 
he was apprenticed to a carpenter and builder in Philadelphia, and upon at- 
taining his majority worked at Cape May. Keyport. X. Y., and Xew York 
City. In 1854 he came to Chicago and began working at his trade as carpenter 
and builder. The cholera which visited Chicago in 1854 drove him to Galena., 
where he remained for twenty years, returning to Chicago in 1874. to take 
charge of the business of the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company. While re- 
siding at Galena he constructed many of the substantial buildings and private 
residences of that city. In i860 he was Assistant Superintendent of the Custom 
House and Post Office at Dubuque. Iowa. In 1862 he abandoned several large 
and important contracts which had kept him busy for many years, and enlisted 
as a private in the Seventy-fourth Illinois Regiment. He was afterward com- 
missioned to raise a company, which he did. and was elected captain thereof, and 
his company became I. of the Ninety-sixth Regiment, Illinois Infantry Volun- 
teers. Upon the organization of the regiment he was elected Major. His first ser- 
vice was in the defense of Cincinnati, but in January. 1863. his regiment was or- 
dered to the relief of Rosecrans. participating in the second battle of Fort Don- 
aldson, and later was engaged with Van Dorn at Springhill, Triune and Franklin. 
He served on the staff of Generals Absalom Beard and James B. Steedman, 
fought at Liberty Gap, Chickamauga. Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, 
and was complimented by Generals Steedman, Granger and Rosecrans for gal- 
lantrv at Chickamauga. and was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel in recogni- 
tion of his services on the field. After the battle of Missionary Ridge, Colonel 
Smith was placed in command of his own regiment and the Fortieth Ohio Regi- 
ment on out-post duty at Xickajack Cove, Ga. He participated in the following 
movements and engagements : Buzzard's Roost. Resaca. Kingston, Cassville, 
Xew Hope Church. Dallas, Pumpkin Vine Creek. Pine Mountain and Kenesaw 
Mountain. While in command of a brigade in repelling a night attack at Kene- 
saw Mountain he was severely wounded. Though unfit for active duty, he again 
took the field in October, participating in the fight at Xashville, and serving 
upon several court martials and military commissions, and later returned to the 
command of his regiment. In February. 1865. he was breveted Colonel by 
President Lincoln for gallantry in action and soon thereafter was promoted to 
the full rank of Colonel, and in the following June was breveted Brigadier Gen- 
eral for meritorious service during the war. 

Since the war he has taken an active part in the Republican campaigns of 
the State. He first served as Assistant Assessor of Internal Revenue, 
(hen as special assessor for banks, legacies, etc-, one of the Centennial Com- 
missioners to the 1876 Philadelphia Exhibition, Chief Inspector of Grain of 
the City of Chicago, and State Treasurer. He was renominated for the State 
Treasury in 1882, and was the only one elected on the Republican ticket. As 
a matter of history, it should be stated that the General's popularity among 
the people alone saved him from defeat. It was during his first term as State 
Treasurer that the Treasury was robbed of $15,000. which he made good from 
his own private resources. In 1872-6 he was a delegate to the Republican Xa- 
tional Conventions from the Galena district. In 1884 he was elected Lieuten- 
ant-Governor by a largely increased majoritv. and upon the conclusion of his 
term, retired with unusual honors to the quiet of private life. In all of these 
responsible positions General Smith has shown great integrity and great 
capacity. 

314 





S, ^(yt^^A. ( 



315 



He is one of the most prominent Masons in the United States, and has 
performed services of vast importance to that fraternity, as well as to the I. O. 
O. F., in each of which orders he has been a member for more than forty years. 
He was married in 1856 to Charlotte A. Gallagher, of Galena. They have been 
blessed with five children, of whom three sons and one daughter survive. His 
father, Robert Smith, at the age of fifty-six years enlisted in Company A, ?d Ken- 
tucky Infantry, served three months, three years, and veteranized in the reserve 
corps to the close of the war. His two brothers, both younger than himself, 
died in battle. One at Resaca as First Lieutenant of Company I, Ninety-sixth 
Regiment, and the other at Duck River, Tenn., as a private, aged eighteen 
years, in Company B, Seventh Ohio Cavalry. 



ROBERT BOAL. 

Dr. Robert Boal, of Lacon, Marshall county, 111., was born November 15, 
1806. His father, Thomas Boal, married Elizabeth Creain, who was the mother 
of the subject of this sketch. Both parents died when Robert was quite young; 
they were of Scotch descent, having emigrated to this country at an early date. 
Dr. Boal in his youth came West. He was educated in the Cincinnati Literary 
College, and graduated from the Ohio Medical College in 1828. He was fond 
of books, and took up the study of medicine with enthusiasm. He practiced 
medicine for some time in the city of Cincinnati. In 1834 he made a tour of 
central Illinois with a view of settling in the State. Two years later he removed 
with his family from Cincinnati to the town of Columbia, now Lacon. He 
resided at that place and practiced his profession for nearly thirty years, when 
he removed to Peoria in 1865. He was induced to make this change from the 
fact that during the Civil War he was stationed at Peoria in connection with 
the military service. He practiced his profession in the city of Peoria for 
twenty-seven years, when he retired, and removed to his old home at Lacon, 
where he now resides. 

In 1862 Dr. Boal was appointed Surgeon of the Board of Enrollment for 
the Fifth Congressional District of Illinois, composed of Henry, Bureau, Knox, 
Peoria, Stark, Marshall and Putnam counties. He served in this capacity till 
the end of the war in 1865. During this service Dr. Boal examined about 5,000 
volunteers and drafted men, a large majority of whom were mustered into the 
United States service, and fought for the preservation of the L T nion. Dr. Boal 
was one of the incorporators for the establishment of the Cottage Hospital of 
Peoria, and for some time was a director in that institution. He is a member 
of the American Medical Association, Illinois State Medical Society, Peoria 
City Medical Society, and honorary member of the North Central Medical 
Association. Dr. Boal was trained in the Presbyterian Church. . At the age 
of thirty-five he changed his church relations and became a member of the 
Protestant Episcopal Church, with which he has remained to the present time. 
It will be seen that Dr. Boal has been an earnest and active worker in his 
profession, but he did not confine his activities to the practice of medicine. He 
always took a profound interest in the politics of his country. In 1844 he was 
elected to the State Senate, and took an active part in securing the passage of 
a law for completing the Illinois and Michigan Canal, and also the law for the 
creation of the Illinois Hospital for the Insane at Jacksonville, 111. 

In 1854, when the anti-Nebraska sentiment swept over Illinois, Dr. Boal 
became a candidate for a seat in the Illinois House of Representatives upon 
that issue, and was elected. The session of that Legislature in 1855 was made 
memorable by the candidacy of Abraham Lincoln for the United States Senate. 
Dr. Boal voted for Mr. Lincoln as long as there was any hope of his election, 
and then, at the request of Mr. Lincoln, cast his vote for Hon. Lyman Trumbull, 
who was elected. In 1856 Dr. Boal was re-elected to the Legislature, and was 
chairman of the joint committee of the two houses appointed in 1855 to investi- 
gate the conditions of the Hospital for the Insane and the Blind and Deaf and 
Dumb. Institutions at Jacksonville. A most careful and intelligent investigation 
was made of these institutions and of the manner in which they had been con- 

316 




(farUZ£M*4~*L> 



317 



ducted. It was found that considerable ill feeling and controversy existed 
between the trustees of these institutions, most of whom were citizens of Jack- 
sonville. The report of the committee was approved by the Legislature, and a 
law was passed for the better government of those institutions, an important 
feature being that the trustees should be appointed from different counties in 
the State. In 1857 Dr. Boal was appointed by Governor Bissell, trustee of the 
Deaf and Dumb Institution ; he held this position for seventeen years. The 
last five years he was president of the Board. He was successively reappointed 
by Governors Yates, Palmer, Oglesby and Beveridge. The Doctor performed 
the duties of this position with marked ability. 

Dr. Boal was a delegate from Marshall county, in 1856, to the Bloomington 
Convention, which organized the Republican party of Illinois and nominated 
William H. Bissell as a candidate for Governor. In i860 he was an alternate 
delegate to the Republican National Convention at Chicago, which nominated 
Abraham Lincoln for President. The Doctor has been an earnest supporter of 
the Republican cause since the organization of the party. 

Dr. Robert Boal was married at Reading, Ohio, May 12, 1831, to Christiana 
Walker Sinclair ; she was of Scotch descent, of excellent family, and a woman 
of education, intelligence and refinement. Their family consisted of two sons 
and a daughter. The eldest, Charles T. Boal, has been for many years and is 
now a citizen of Chicago. The younger son, James Sinclair Boal, died in 
Chicago after serving ten years as Assistant United States District Attorney 
under District Attornies Bangs, Leak and Ewing. His only daughter, Mrs. 
Clara B. Fort, widow of Colonel and Brevet Brigadier-General Greenbury L. 
Fort, resides at Lacon, 111., and is the mother of Captain Robert B. Fort, of the 
Spanish War, who is now State Senator from the Marshall County District. 



THOMAS BERRY NEEDLES. 

Thomas B. Xeedles of Nashville, 111., is one of the best-known citizens of 
the State. He was born April 25, 1835, near Waterloo, Monroe county. His 
father, James B. Needles, was a native of Delaware, and married Lumima Tal- 
bott of Virginia. Mr. Needles was Sheriff of Monroe county for a number of 
years, taught school, and was engaged in the mercantile business. Resided 
for a time at Richview, 111. In 1858 he removed to Keokuk, Iowa, but returned 
to Illinois some time later, and settled at Richview, Washington county. Mr. 
Needles was educated in the common schools of the country, and by private 
tutors in the classics and higher branches of mathematics, remaining continu- 
ously in school until he was eighteen years of age. He assisted his father in 
the mercantile business, and thoroughly qualified himself for the active affairs 
of life. Mr. Needles married Sarah L. Bliss, December 18, i860. Mrs. Needles 
belonged to an Ohio family of prominence, her mother being a cousin of James 
A. Garfield, late President of the United States. 

After his marriage Mr. Needles removed to Nashville, Washington county, 
111., his present residence, where he went into the mercantile business on his 
own account. He has continued up to the present time in active and successful 
business in the town of Nashville. In 1861 Mr. Needles was nominated on the 
Republican ticket in Washington county for the office of County Clerk, and was 
elected by a majority of over 300 votes. This was a complete revolution in the 
politics of the county; at the election in i860 the Democrats had a majority of 
800. Mr. Needles was four times elected to the office of County Clerk, holding 
that position as a Republican for sixteen years. In 1876 his popularity through- 
out the State was such that he was nominated by the Republican State Conven- 
tion for Auditor of Public Accounts, was elected and held the office for four 
years, performing its duties with great ability. In 1880 Mr. Needles was elected 
to the Illinois State Senate from his (the Forty-second Senatorial) District, which 
had been Democratic, but he overcame the majority, serving in the Senate four 
years. He was chairman of the Senate Committee on Revenues. In 1884 Mr. 
Needles was nominated as the Republican candidate for Congress in the old 
Eighteenth District ; his Democratic competitor was Hon. William R. Morrison, 

318 





m- 



a man of great popularity. After an active campaign the District went Demo- 
cratic, and although Air. Needles received a larger vote in the District than 
the Blaine and Logan electors, he was defeated for the first and only time in his 
life before the people. 

In 1889 Air. Needles was appointed by President Harrison United States 
Marshal for the Indian Territory and Oklahoma, he being the first United States 
Marshal appointed for that territory. He served during President Harrison's 
administation, and had charge of the opening of Oklahoma Territory for settle- 
ment. In 1894 Air. Needles was nominated and elected as a Republican from 
the Washington County District to the House of Representatives of the Thirty- 
ninth General Assembly of Illinois, and was re-elected to the same position in 
1896. During hts service in the- Legislature he was chairman of the Committee 
on Appropriations, this being the leading committee of the House. In 1897 
Mr. Needles was appointed by President McKinley a member of the Commission 
to the Five Civilized Tribes of Indians, ex-Senator Dawes of Massachusetts 
having been appointed chairman of the commission; it is commonly known as 
the "Dawes Commission," its duties being to determine the citizenship of the 
Indians, alot their lands in severalty and make treaties with the different tribes, 
etc., which position Mr. Needles now holds. Mr. Needles has taken an active 
part during the last thirty years in the politics of the state; he has been a 
delegate to almost every Republican State Convention, and has several times 
been a member of the Republican State Central Committee. He has been 
engaged in various private and personal enterprises, and prominently connected 
with all public enterprises in his town and county. He was the first president of 
the Centralia & Chester Railroad Company; has been in the banking business 
for many years at Nashville, and is now president of the Washington County 
Bank. Mr. Needles belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was 
Grand Master in 1870, Grand Representative to the Grand Lodge of the United 
States for four terms, and has been Grand Treasurer during the past fifteen 
years. He belongs to the Masonic Fraternity and is a Knight Templar. 

In every avenue of life Mr. Needles has shown himself to be a man of ability 
and enterprise ; a man of fine social qualities, making friends wherever he goes. 
He is five feet five inches in height, weighs about one hundred and seventy 
pounds, and enjoys robust health. Mr. and Airs. Needles have two children, 
the eldest Jessie, the wife of Frank S. Genung, of Evansville, Ind. ; the youngest 
Winnefred Needles. 

It is proper to state that Air. Needles supported Stephen A. Douglas in 
i860; when the Civil War broke out he allied himself with the friends of Lin- 
coln's administration, and has been a staunch Republican from that time to the 
present. 



ABNER C. HARDING. 

This eminent soldier and professional man was a native of Connecticut, his 
birth occurring at East Hampton on the 10th of February, 1807, but at the age 
of two years he was taken by his parents to New York State, and was educated 
in the schools of Herkimer county, where he chopped cord wood for his first 
geography. He was given unusual advantages for that day, and after complet- 
ing his career in the common schools he entered Hamilton College of that State 
and after four years of hard study was graduated with distinction. In early life 
he was adventurous and managed to see life in many phases. While yet a boy 
he served as an operative in a wool-carding factory, and when only fifteen years 
old he took the usual examination for school teaching and successfully passed 
and began a short career as a pedagogue. Despite his age he managed to 
control the large boys and was successful. In 1821, when but fourteen years of 
age, he enlisted as a midshipman in the United States Navy, but was rejected 
upon examination because his stature was not up to the requirements of that 
branch of the service. He continued to teach for several years, and during the 
vacations engaged in various other pursuits to swell his income. He mounted 
one of the old-time stages and for a season cracked his whip along one of the 

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7 



New York thoroughfares. He also secured a stock of tinware and for some 
time peddled the same in different parts of his county. Having made up his 
mind to study and practice law, he devoted himself to his books, beginning in 
1826 and continuing with some interregnums for several years. He continued 
the study after his removal to Pennsylvania, in 1828, under the direction of a 
Mr. Ruger, and late in that year was admitted to the bar of that State. He 
began to practice law, and from the start was successful. He possessed many 
of the qualities absolutely necessary for the successful practice of that difficult 
profession. Soon his power at the bar brought him fame as well as affluence. 
His strength as a public speaker and his splendid social qualities brought him 
prominently before his fellow-citizens for political preferment, and accordingly 
he was elected to the Constitutional Convention called to frame a new organic 
law for the State late in the decade of the thirties. 

In June, 1838, Mr. Harding came west to Monmouth, 111., and there con- 
tinued his practice. He took active and prominent part in the campaigns of 
the Whig party, of which he was an enthusiastic member, exerting wide influ- 
ence. Late in the forties he became interested in railroad building and assisted 
in building that part of the C, B. & Q. road between Peoria and Burlington. 
In 1848 he was elected as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention. His 
prominence in politics led to his election to the State Legislature in 1848-50, of 
which body he was* one of the most influential members. In 185 1, his eyesight 
failing him, he relinquished the practice of law and became actively engaged in 
railroad building, constructing what was then known as the Peoria & Oquawka 
railroad, in conjunction with Chauncey Harding and Judge Ivory Quinby. 
Later the route was changed and the road was built from Burlington to Knox- 
ville. In 1862 he enlisted in the Eighty-third Illinois Infantry, and upon the 
•organization was elected Colonel. He served with unusual distinction, and in 
March, 1863, was promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General of Volunteers, 
continuing to serve' with the highest honor and distinction. In 1864 he was 
brought forward by the Republicans as a candidate for Congress, was easily 
elected and represented his district in the Thirty-ninth and Fortieth Congresses, 
and was placed upon several of the most important committees. His work as 
a member of Congress during that most important era still further enhanced 
his reputation as an able and pure-minded patriot and statesman. He secured 
in his own name the charter to build a bridge over the Mississippi river at Bur- 
lington, Iowa, and later sold the same to the C, B. & Q. Railroad Company. 

He was twice married, first to Mrs. Rebecca L. Beyers, who bore him two 
children, George F. and Mary R. She died in 1833, and two years later he 
married Miss Susan Ickes, daughter of Dr. Jonas Ickes, a man of much promi- 
nence and ability in the Keystone State, whose ancestors came to the State with 
William Penn. In May, 1871, his health having failed, General Harding went to 
Europe, but returned in August. He died July 19, 1874, leaving an estate 
valued at more than one million dollars. 



GREEN BERRY RAUM. 

Green B. Raum was born December 3, 1829, at Golconda, 111. His father, 
John Raum, was born at Hummelstown, Pa., July 14, 1793; was well educated, 
served three years in the Sixteenth United States Infantry as First Lieutenant 
during the War of 1812; came to Illinois in 1823, lived three years at Shawnee- 
town, removed to Golconda, served as Major in Black Hawk War; was State 
Senator in 1833; in 1835 was appointed clerk of the Circuit Court; was elected 
Clerk of County Court ; held both offices many years, and was Clerk of County 
Court when he died, March 14, 1869. The original orthography of the name 
was Rahm ; Conrad Rahm, the grandfather of John Raum, emigrated from 
Alsace, landed at Philadelphia April, 1742; settled at Hummelstown; married 
Miss Wolfley, reared a large family ; his son Melchoir married Mary King ; they 
had a family of twelve children, John being the second. Melchoir Raum died 
in 1828 and was buried at Harrisburg; was a man of popularity and influence; 
he was an elector on the Jackson ticket for President at the time of his death. 

321 



John Raum married Juliet C. Field, March 22. 1627. at Golconda. She was 
born December 17. 1810, in Bourbon county, Kentucky: her father. Green 
B. Field, a native of Indiana, served in the War of 1812 as a Lieutenant, settled 
in Illinois in 1817. laid out the town of Golconda, served in the first Legislature 
of the State of Illinois. Green B. Field married Mary E. Cogswell, daughter 
of Dr. Joseph Cogswell, born in Connecticut, served as surgeon in the Revolu- 
tionary War, married Francis Mitchell of Virginia and emigrated to Kentucky, 
where he raised a large family. John and Juliet C. Raum had several children; 
all died young except the subject of this sketch and his brother, John Melchoir 
Raum. late Major of the One Hundred and Twentieth Illinois Volunteers. 

Green B. Raum attended the common schools. He was taught algebra and 
Latin by a tutor. The family library contained standard historical and literary 
works. The family kept pace with current events by reading the Xational Intel- 
ligencer, Globe. Saturday Evening Post, Godey's Lady's Book and Littell's 
Living Age. Green B. was taught to work on the farm and in his father's 
office. He was in a store for a time, and he went three times to Xew Orleans 
on flatboats with produce. When he came of age he began to study law with 
Hon. Wesley Sloan, and was admitted to the bar in 1853. He settled at Harris- 
burg in 1857: his law practice grew, it extended into several counties, and 
became equal to that of any lawyer in southern Illinois. He was a Democrat 
in politics ; was secretary of the convention which first nominated General John 
A. Logan for Congress, and was Assistant Clerk of the House of Representa- 
tives of Illinois in 1859. During that session he prepared a bill to "Reform the 
Probate System." which became a law. He was a delegate to the Democratic 
State Convention of i860, and an alternate to the Democratic Xational Conven- 
tion of i860, supporting Senator Douglas. By agreement of counsel he held 
the Franklin Circuit Court to enable Judge Allen to attend the Democratic 
Xational Convention at Charlestown. S. C. 

When Fort Sumpter was fired upon he made, at Metropolis, the first war 
speech in southern Illinois urging the people to stand by the Union and support 
Abraham Lincoln's administration. He made many speeches to stimulate vol- 
unteering. He assisted in raising the Fifty-sixth Regiment Illinois Volunteers, 
and was commissioned Major. He was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel and Col- 
onel. August 31, 1862. He was at the siege of Corinth, and in the movements 
in northern Mississippi in 1862 under Rosecrans ; was at the battle of Corinth 
October 3d and 4th: led a successful bayonet charge which broke the Confed- 
erate line and retook a battery ; was in the winter campaign of 1862 under 
General Grant : was in the campaign against Vicksburg ; went down Yazoo 
Pass : occupied Grand Gulf and established the base of supplies. Was in the 
assault on Vicksburg. May 22d : assigned to command of brigade during siege. 
After surrender of Vicksburg, went with Fifteenth Army Corps under Sherman 
to Memphis and marched to relief of Chattanooga: in battle of Missionary 
Ridge his brigade sustained heavy loss, and he was severely wounded in left 
thigh. In the fall of 1863. while at home on leave of absence, he addressed 
meetings approving emancipation and the arming of negroes. He advised all 
Union men to stand together politically. He favored re-election of Abraham 
Lincoln in 1864. 

Recovered from wound sufficiently to rejoin command February 15. 1864. 
At Huntsville, the Third Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, to which his brigade 
belonged, was assigned to the defense of the railroad in the rear of Sherman's 
army; his headquarters were at Resaca : he discovered General Wheeler's cav- 
alry raid, and caused a concentration of troops for his defeat. Was assigned 
to command the Division in October, 1864. headquarters at Cartersville. When 
General Hood made his great northern movement General Raum furnished the 
transportation and caused General Corse to reinforce Altoona against the attack 
of General French. He reinforced Resaca at night, October 12, and held it 
against General Hood's army: was breveted Brigadier-General in 1864; was 
on the March to the Sea. and the siege and capture of Savannah ; was commis- 
sioned Brigadier-General and assigned to command in the Shenandoah \ alley 
under General Hancock. General Raum resigned at the close of the war and 
resumed the practice oi law the next day after returning home. 

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9 



He was elected to Congress as a Republican in the Cairo District in 1866, 
after an exciting contest with Hon. W. J. Allen, now United States District 
Judge. While in Congress he voted for the Reconstruction laws, for the Fif- 
teenth Amendment to the Constitution, for the purchase of Alaska and for the 
impeachment of President Johnson. He projected the Cairo & Vincennes 
railroad and prepared the charter which was passed by the Legislature in 1867. 
He was made president of the company, secured over a million dollars local 
subscription, and finally secured the construction of the road. 

In 1876 he was appointed Commissioner of Internal Revenue by President 
Grant, and held the office for seven years, serving under Presidents Hayes, Gar- 
field and Arthur. He superintended the collection of $850,000,000 and the 
disbursement of $35,000,000 without the loss of a dollar by defalcation. He 
then opened a law office in Washington City, and had a large clientage for six 
years. He was appointed Commissioner of Pensions by President Harrison, 
and held that office for three and a half years. It is a tradition in both of the 
Bureaus that General Raum became thoroughly familiar with every detail of 
administration inside and outside of those offices. His faculty for organization 
and administration were highly beneficial to both Bureaus. 

General Raum is a Republican in politics ; he believes in the principles of 
the party, and is proud of its achievements. He believes in political organiza- 
tion. He believes that the Republican party can and will give better laws and 
better administration in National, State and Municipal governments than its old 
Democratic antagonist. General Raum has been a delegate to eight or ten 
State Conventions ; was president of the Conventions of 1866 and 1880, and 
temporary chairman of the Convention of 1876; he was usually on the Com- 
mittee on Resolutions. In 1874, with eight other members of the committee, 
he prevented the passage of a greenback platform, holding the party to the 
doctrine of the resumption of specie payments. He was a delegate to the 
Republican National Conventions of 1876 and 1880, supporting Mr. Blaine in 
the one and General Grant in the other. General Raum has taken part in every 
Presidential campaign since the Civil War; he has made political speeches in 
eleven States ; a number of his speeches have been printed for circulation. He 
has written numerous articles for magazines, and is the author of "The Existing 
Conflict Between Republican Government and Southern Oligarchy." 

On October 16, 1861, Green B. Raum was married to Maria Field, whose 
father, Daniel Field, was a native of Jefferson county, Kentucky, who married 
Elizabeth Dailey of Charleston, Indiana. Mr. Field was an early settler at 
Golconda, where he raised a large family and successfully engaged in merchan- 
dising, farming and stock raising. General and Mrs. Raum have a family of 
eight children. 



RICHARD YATES, Jr. 

Hon. Richard Yates was born in Jacksonville, December 12th, i860. His 
birth coincides very closely with that of the Republican party ; Lincoln having 
been elected as the first Republican president in November, i860. Though 
comparatively young in years, Mr. Yates is old in experience. The days of 
his childhood were epoch-making days, and he not only lived in them, but was 
brought into daily contact with the men who were most active and powerful in 
shaping events. His father was Governor of Illinois during the four years in 
which "the big wars that make ambition virtue" were waged, and he earned and 
has maintained, and as long as history is written and read will maintain a place in 
the galaxy of "great War Governors." In 1873, the year of his father's death, 
Richard Yates entered Illinois College, now the University of Illinois, and 
graduated in 1880, just forty-five years later than his father, who was one of the 
graduates of this famous seat of learning. In 1879 he represented his college 
in the oratorical contest at Champaign, in which the picked men of ten colleges 
participated. He was awarded first prize, and thereby gained the additional 
honor of representing all Illinois colleges at the Inter-State Oratorical contest 
held at Oberlin, Ohio, 1880, where he won the second prize. Mr. Yates then 

323 



entered the law school of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, graduated 
in 1884, and the same year was admitted to practice in the courts of Michigan 
and Illinois. He was admitted to the United States Circuit Court in 1892 and 
the Federal Supreme Court in 1897. His practice, in the main, has been confined 
to his native county, though he is favorably known to the lawyers and real estate 
owners of Chicago and Cook county. 

In 1888 Mr. Yates married Ellen Wadsworth, also a native of Jacksonville. 
Airs. Yates comes of thorough American stock; her grandfather, Gen. John 
Wadsworth, having served in the war of 1812, and her great-grandfather in the 
War of the Revolution. Mr. Yates has been an active, member of the Masonic 
Order, Knights of Pythias, and Modern W r oodmen. He served five years in 
Company I, Fifth Regiment. I. N. G. From 1881 to 1883, he was city editor of 
the Jacksonville Journal, and gained that insight into human motives and man- 
ners which is nowhere so fully or so picturesquely visible as in a newspaper 
office. In his 13th year Mr. Yates joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
is now a member of Grace Church, Jacksonville. He has also been engaged 
in Y. M. C. A. work. In 1885 Mr. Yates was vice-president of the Jacksonville 
branch of this association, while William Jennings Bryan was president. Mr. 
Bryan graduated from the Illinois College one year later than Mr. Yates. They 
w^ere fellow-students, and up to 1890 fellow-practitioners at the Jacksonville bar. 

In 1 88 1 Mr. Yates made his first Memorial Day and Fourth of July ad- 
dresses. Since then he has spoken on all these occasions, and was a favorite 
speaker at a great many reunions of the G. A. R. He is a forcible speaker upon 
social, legal, and political topics. In each of the nine state and four National 
campaigns between 1881 and 1900, Mr. Yates has been one of the speakers 
selected by the State Central Committee of Illinois, and in 1896 he was sent by 
the National Committee to Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio and Ken- 
tucky. He was chairman of the Jacksonville City Committee in 1883 ; the 
Blaine & Logan Club of Morgan County in 1884; the Congressional Committee 
in 1888; the County Committee in 1890, and the Judicial Committee in 1891. 
In each of these campaigns the most thorough Republican organization was 
effected, house-to-house canvasses being vigorously carried on, campaign litera- 
ture and circulars being systematically resorted to. In 1894, Mr. Yates was 
elected County Judge of Morgan County, by a majority of 540. His prede- 
cessor, a Democrat, had been elected by a majority of 1,400. Previous to this 
campaign, Mr. Yates had been a candidate before the people only twice. He 
was City Attorney of Jacksonville from 1885 to 1891, having been appointed in 
1885 and elected in 1887 and 1889, by good majorities. In 1892 he made a hard 
fight for the Republican nomination for Congressman-at-large, and obtained the 
nomination. In the Democratic landslide of that year, however, he was defeated, 
although he ran ahead of President Benjamin Harrison at the polls. In 1897 
he was appointed by President McKinley United States Collector of Internal 
Revenue for the Central Illinois District, comprising forty counties. His acl : 
ministration of the offices of City Attorney, County Judge and collector has 
been satisfactory to his constituents. In 1886 and again in 1890 he declined 
the Republican nomination for minority representative in the Legislature. 

Judge Yates is young in years, but old in memory. He saw and felt the 
agony of the war. He heard alike its paeans of victory and its dirges of defeat. 
He saw the triumphant return of the regiments in 1865. He saw Jefferson 
Davis a prisoner at Fortress Monroe in 1867. His childish eyes beheld with 
adoring wonder the matchless glory of Lincoln and Grant. In his youth he 
observed and studied and revered the development of Logan and of Garfield. 
In his maturity he was a co-worker with all the famous Republican leaders of 
the State and Nation. He has had a part in all that has happened between 
Lincoln and McKinley. He has the seasoned energy of a veteran, with the 
impetuous valor of a recruit. In 1900 Judge Yates was nominated by the 
Republicans as their candidate for Governor. He conducted his campaign for 
the nomination in so manly and prudent a manner, that he retained the sincere 
friendship of all his opponents and had their ardent support for Governor. 



324 





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CHARLES ALLING. 

Charles Ailing, Alderman of the Third Ward, Chicago, was first elected to 
that office on the Republican ticket, in April, 1897, as the successor of Hon. 
Noble B. Judah. At the end of that term his constituents showed their appre- 
ciation of his services by not nominating a candidate against him, and he was 
unanimously re-elected on the Republican ticket to succeed himself in April, 
1899. The Municipal Voters' League made this report of his aldermanic career : 
"Charles Ailing, lawyer; resides at 3167 Groveland avenue; elected to Council 
in 1897; record excellent; has been an active member of many special commit- 
tees appointed by the Mayor. By forcefulness and ability has done much to 
secure defeat of bad legislation and the enactment of good measures. His 
re-election very important to public interests." This was the strongest endorse- 
ment given to any candidate by the League. 

During his first term Mr. Ailing was appointed to represent the South Side 
on the Educational Commission of eleven members, and during a year's stuHy 
of the educational system of Chicago and other large cities gained a broad 
knowledge of educational affairs, which has been valuable to him in his subse- 
quent work as a city official. He secured the first appropriation ever made in 
Chicago by the City Council to establish play grounds in school yards during 
the summer vacation, $1,000 having been voted by the City Council for this 
purpose at his solicitation in 1898. During his second term Alderman Ailing 
has been a member of the Finance and Judiciary Committees, the two most 
important standing committees in the City Council. He is one of the most 
influential members of each of these committees, and has gained a broad knowl- 
edge of the resources of Chicago and of the municipal legislation which it needs. 
In December, 1899, he was appointed a member of the Small Park Commission, 
one of the most important special committees ever appointed by direction of 
the City Council. He is greatly interested in the extension of the boulevard, 
public bath and park systems of Chicago. Mr. Ailing has become considerably 
interested in the proposed union of the city and county governments, and is 
chairman of the special Governmental Commission appointed for the purpose 
of recommending desirable changes in the city charter. 

Charles Ailing was born at Madison, Indiana, on December 13, 1865. He 
graduated from Hanover College, six miles below Madison on the Ohio river 
(between Cincinnati and Louisville), in 1885. He taught school one year and 
then graduated, after a two years' course in the law department of the University 
of Michigan, in 1888. He came to Chicago at once, where he has been en- 
gaged in the general practice of law ever since. He was a contributor to the 
American and English Encyclopaedia of Law. 

Mr. Ailing is a member of the Hamilton Club, Chicago Chapter 127, Royal 
Arch Masons, the Independent Order of Foresters and the Royal League. He 
attends the First Presbyterian Church at Indiana avenue and Twenty-first street, 
and has been a director in the South Central District of the Bureau of Asso- 
ciated Charities for the last three vears. 



CHARLES H. ALDRICH. 

Charles H. Aldrich is of English ancestry. His forefathers came to Amer- 
ica at an early date and settled in Vermont. Hamilton M. Aldrich, the father, 
and Harriet Sherwood, the mother of the subject of this sketch, were married 
in the State of Indiana, where Charles H. Aldrich was born, at La Grange, 
August 26, 1850, on his father's farm, where he was brought up, and learned 
the business of farming. He attended the common school of his neighborhood, 
entered the Seminary at Orland, Steuben county, Indiana, to which place his 
parents had moved for the purpose of giving their children a better opportunity 
of obtaining their education. 

From the Seminary young Aldrich passed to the High School at Coldwater, 
Mich., and later at Ann Arbor, Mich., where he was prepared for college. He 
entered Michigan University and graduated with high honor in the class of 

326 





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327 



1875 ; the degree of M. A. was afterwards conferred upon him by his Alma 
Mater for distinguished services. After leaving college Mr. Aldrich opened a 
law office at Fort Wayne, Ind., where he immediately entered upon a successful 
career as a practitioner, which continued until his removal to Chicago in i886 r 
where he at once took a high rank at the bar. He gained a national reputation 
by the vigorous manner in which he presented the claims of the United States 
against the Southern Pacific railroad, and later by his victory over the Union 
Pacific railroad and the Western Union Telegraph Company in the suits between 
those corporations and the United States. 

Mr. Aldrich was invited to accept the office of Solicitor-General of the 
United States, and filled that office with great ability. Upon retiring from his 
office in Washington, Mr. Aldrich resumed the practice of law in Chicago, and 
at once became one of the leaders of the Chicago bar, and has been engaged in 
many of the most important controversies and litigations arising since that 
time. Mr. Aldrich has been president of the Chicago Law Club and a trustee 
of the Chicago Law Institute ; is a member of the Union League Club, and has 
been vice-president and member of the committee on political action of that club. 

Charles H. Aldrich was married October 13, 1875, to Miss Helen Roberts 
of Indiana. They have a family of one son and two daughters, and a wide circle 
of friends. Mrs. Aldrich is a woman of fine social qualities, is highly cultivated, 
and a fitting companion for the encouragement of her husband in his intellectual 
pursuits. 



SAMUEL WATERS ALLERTON. 

Samuel Waters Allerton is one of the best-known citizens of Chicago, and 
is one of its most successful and prosperous business men. He has been for 
many years, and is now, engaged in a number of business enterprises. Most of 
them are conducted upon a large scale, requiring a great amount of attention 
and business sagacity; they all receive Mr. Allerton's care. As a business 
machine, Mr. Allerton has immense capacity and power ; he is a great money- 
maker, and yet, amidst all his financial operations, he does not neglect his 
political duties as a citizen nor the claims upon him as a man of society. It 
may be said that Mr. Allerton is a true product of Chicago, but it may be more 
proper to say, by reversing the statement, that Chicago is the true product of 
such men as Samuel W. Allerton. Mr. Allerton is a lineal descendant of Isaac 
Allerton, who came over in the Mayflower, and whose name appears as the 
fifth signature in the "Compact" for the Organization of Civil Government, 
signed November 11, 1620, by the Pilgrim Fathers. 

Isaac Allerton (1) was at the time he emigrated to America, the head of 
a family; his son Isaac (2) was born at Plymouth, Mass., in 1630; his son Isaac 
(3) was born January 11, 1655, at New Haven; his son John (4) was born at 
the same place about 1685 ; his son Isaac (5) was born at Norwich, Conn., 
August 16, 1725 ; his son Reuben (6) was born December 25, 1753, at Canter- 
bury, Conn., and was a physician ; his son Samuel W. (7) was born December 
5, 1785, at Amenia, Duchess county, N. Y., and was the father of Samuel W. 
Allerton (8), the subject of this sketch. 

Samuel W. Allerton, Sr., was a man of education and enterprise. His 
father being a physician, he also studied for that profession, but decided to learn 
a trade. He was a merchant tailor, and had a country store. He, with others, 
erected a woolen factory in 1828, which bid fair to become a paying institution, 
but the low tariff of 1833 threw open the American markets to foreign manu- 
facturers, and this enterprise, like thousands of others, failed. This disaster, 
and the hard times which followed the tariff legislation, broke Mr. Allerton's 
fortune and left him a poor man ; but he retained his energy and perseverance. 
He was Deputy Sheriff of Duchess county for three years. In 1848 he bought 
a farm in Wayne county, his son, Samuel contributing largely to this result by 
his industry and economy. Mr. Allerton lived upon this farm during the balance 
of his life ; he died at the mature age of ninety-nine, August 10, 1885. Mr. 
Allerton was a man of great force of character and sterling integrity, and 
exerted a powerful influence for good upon his children. 

328 




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329 



Samuel Waters Allerton is the youngest of nine children. At fourteen 
years of age he removed with his father to Yates county, where the family 
engaged in the business of farming. He and his brother Henry conducted the 
business on joint account, first upon rented land, and afterward upon a farm 
of their own. They were successful from the start, and accumulated consid- 
erable money. Samuel decided to quit farming and devote himself to trade, 
so he and his brother made a division of their property, Samuel taking his 
proportion in cash. 

His first important operation was the purchase of one hundred head of 
cattle for the New York market. He lost $700 in this deal and was very much 
discouraged ; but his uncle urged him not to lose his courage, stating that, "if 
you make money, you must sometimes lose it." Some time afterward he made 
another large purchase of cattle at Dunkirk, at a time when there was an inter- 
ruption of the railroad by the destruction of the bridges. These cattle were 
also shipped to Xew York. Mr. Allerton found the market short of cattle, and 
he netted $3,000 on this venture. Later on the Sturgis failure, in Cincinnati, 
swept away his entire capital. He returned to Newark, N. Y., and bought an 
interest in a store with his brother. Mr. Allerton still had an ambition to try 
his fortune in the West, but it is probable that the principal attraction was Miss 
Pamilla W. Thompson, daughter of Astor C. Thompson of Fulton county, Illi- 
nois. He had met this young woman and had formed a serious attachment for 
her, so he closed out his mercantile business, gathered all his money together, 
borrowed $5,000 from a friend, and went directly to Fulton county. He came 
to Chicago in March and married Miss Thompson in July, i860. He began 
at once to deal in live stock. 

Mr. Allerton was self-reliant and ambitious as a merchant; he had but 
little capital and no bank connections. His first big deal was the purchase of 
all the hogs on the Chicago market, amounting to $80,000. Messrs. Aikens 
& Norton, bankers, cashed his draft, and the deal was carried through with 
success. From this time forward Mr. Allerton was a large and successful 
dealer in live stock. His connection with this business suggested to his mind 
the organization of a Union Stock Yards, where all the buyers and sellers would 
be brought together. Air. Allerton brought this subject to public attention 
by a letter published in the Chicago Tribune, and to him is due, probably more 
than to any other man, the establishment of the Union Stock Yards at Chicago. 
When the National Bank Act was passed, Air. Allerton urged Messrs. Aikens 
& Norton to start a National bank ; the matter was set on foot, and Mr. Allerton 
became one of the original subscribers to the stock of the present First National 
Bank of Chicago. Having been raised upon a farm, Air. Allerton has given 
much of his time to farmnig ; he is now one of the largest farmers of the soil 
in the country, being engaged in cultivating about forty thousand acres of land. 
He is largely interested in cattle ranches and in gold mining ; has large interests 
in Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York. He 
is still a dealer in live stock, and continues to make shipments to New York 
and England. His largest investments are in farms, stock yards and street 
railways. 

In politics Air. Allerton is an uncompromising Republican. He has been 
identified with the party from the beginning. His early opinions upon the tariff 
question were derived from Henry Clay and Horace Greeley. He has stood 
by the Republican legislation upon the tariff and financial questions, and is a 
forcible writer upon these topics. Air. Allerton believes in political organiza- 
tion and contributes both time and money to aid in the organization and com- 
paign work of the Republican party. Air. Allerton was the Republican candi- 
date for Alayor at one time, and carried the north division of the city, but 
Carter H. Harrison, Sr., a most influential and enterprising Democrat, was 
elected. 

As before stated, Samuel Waters Allerton was married July 1, i860, to 
Aliss Pamilla W. Thompson, at Peoria, Illinois. Airs. Allerton died Alarch 1, 
1 881. On Alarch 15, 1882, Air. Allerton married Agnes C. Thompson, a sister 
of his first wife. Air. and Airs. Allerton have an elegant home in Chicago, have 
a large circle of friends, and dispense an agreeable hospitality. 

330 




331 



JOHN 1 AME: 

Success in any line of occupation, in any aver: t 
of spontaneity, but the legitimate offspring oi subjective efL ri 

utilization of the means at hand, the improvement rrv.n:: zit : er- 

cise oi the m^ .-..-- am made possible : 

John C. Ames had his nativity encompassed "by those environmen: . 

ever fosterec nfl _:i dependence anc sf :ddk Jhave 

furnished the bulwark of our National prosperity and wonderful in: : zrn : t : - 

opment. He was born on a farm in LaSalle county. Til in . _ : i ;_ an: 

m . \ saac and Arilla (Mooar) Ames, na_ i s 
oi LaSahe county, whither they journeyed as :/ a? 184&. ^Between Ac kan- 

■ ■ : - . d might be . - : : - g Ain es grew to -mar.: 
district school of Ins neighborhood :- .z - ^ ' - - ^ - 

Later he took a two years' course in the T THn . - . . rn tf Nor- 

mal, and in 187^ laid aside his school books in ■■: : - e - 1 msne (tflffik mfil 

:i in the school of experience. He engag-ed in the drag imsiness with jfdmi 
Dickerman. under the hrm name of Dickermaz & Asm - 1 .:--..- He s:m: 
out his interest in 1873, engaged in the hardware : :afher, -under 

the firm name of I. Amt. and continued in this connection until ±&y&, 

when the store was destroyed by hre. Lata 1 en . - r-d in business on his 
own responsibility, became the owner of an t" - i hardware Stun, anc 

unusually successful. Selling out his stock in July be turnec 

more particularly to the lumber business, with which he had heen 
since 1878. In that year he organized the J. C. Ames Lumber . 
this organization, of which he has ever been pi-, 
financial returns to the stockholders Ms _-_:::-.■ ecu -.-:..--■ 

man}- enterprises which have contributed ::.-..:. . : - - 

but have also advanced the general v - r -rhmu : ; rcxmodian 

. ;^mmercial activity. He was one of the 

. k Company, was one of its dir-. " . . . ' ' . n: 

president of the Streator Loan and BrrflfHng 
in 1874.. In 1 89 1 he organized the City National Bank : :---..-.- und 

tent until he - -. . - 
shal. having been appointed Presicka k 3 taons 

■ to whi. ] - -^mes has been caller bi as g en entire 
-rrengthened the trust reposed in him. H \ 

German . - and in April, 18: ■ . . .- 

neas - . n he he . • . - 1 1 erms, ha 

tion. Lnder Governor Fife: \ -.- Csee . .::::. 

- ■ and then came in tment 1 1 . ition 

as Unitr - ----- - as a: 

honor well merii: - be has not only beer 1 - - -aafe 

of the Republican part}' in the r : 1 - -. ar many --..-. at m 

filled by him he has discharged h:.- ea :n a manner - * hrmftte 

. ^mmendation. Socially Mr. An 1 a memht - 3 " eafitor 

Lod. - and_to StreL: - . .--.-. :_- R. A. 1_ . - 

man. ■ . Knights Templar. On the ad . \ h ■ . ■ - - -jnes 

- merva 1 off Elizs r 

.aeon. 111. They have one child living, Isaac Ca- - 

his country in the Philippine Islands. A \ : tea urn «eth. died aft 

the age of fourteen months, and a son, Walter Cope, died in : <eprat 

- e old. In Strea: - - and ]\'Irs. Ames hL 

they are held in the h . 1, and their residence . cntrnreii 

society circle. 



. 





333 



EDWIN M. ASHCRAFT. 

Edwin M. Ashcraft of Chicago, 111., was born August 27, 1848, near Clarks- 
burg, Harrison county, Va. His ancestors came to this country from England 
at an early date and settled in Virginia. They were sturdy people of the Anglo- 
Saxon race, and took an active part in building up the colony and common- 
wealth. The Ashcraft domain and homestead was in the land of the great 
military operations of the Civil War. A number of the Ashcraft family, adher- 
ing to the Union, fought for its preservation in the Union army. James M. 
Ashcraft, the father of the subject of this sketch, married Clarissa Snider, also 
a native of Virginia. They had four children, of whom Edwin M. is the eldest. 

Edwin M. Ashcraft attended the common schools of Virginia, and in 1865, 
having removed to Illinois at the close of the Civil War, he attended the State 
Normal University at Normal, 111. Young, ambitious and full of health and 
strength, he secured employment hauling ties and working on the Illinois Cen- 
tral railroad as a section hand near the town of Ramsey, where he then resided. 
Having qualified himself as a teacher, he secured employment in 1867, and for 
two years was at the head of one of the free schools of the neighborhood. 
During this period he took up the study of law. He afterward read law in the 
office of Henry & Fauke, and in January, 1873, passed an examination before 
the Supreme Court at Springfield, and was admitted to the bar. He settled at 
Vandalia, opened a law office, and at once made the 'friendship of the leading 
people of Fayette county, where he was soon elected Prosecuting Attorney, and 
filled the office until 1876. In the course of his legal practice Mr. Ashcraft 
demonstrated the fact that he was a man of sterling ability, and well qualified as 
a lawyer. He met many able men at the bar, and became noted for his forensic 
efforts. 

Mr. Ashcraft was nominated as a Republican candidate for Congress in 
1876; he canvassed the district thoroughly, and, although not elected, he re- 
duced the Democratic majority from five thousand to fourteen hundred. While 
Mr. Ashcraft is a strong Republican, and has a taste for politics, he has stuck 
closely to his profession, and is now one of the leading lawyers in the State of 
Illinois. In the earlier years of his practice Mr. Ashcraft met at the bar such 
men as John M. Palmer, S. W. Moulton of Shelby, B. W. Henry of Fayette; and 
in his legal contests with such men he developed the highest qualities of a trial 
lawyer. 

In April, 1877, Mr. Ashcraft removed to Chicago and became a member of 
the law firm of Cratty Brothers & Ashcraft. This partnership .continued for 
four years, when, in June, 1891, the firm of Ashcraft & Gordon was formed. 
This is one of the best-known firms in the city of Chicago ; has been engaged 
in some of the most important and difficult cases in the court, and has estab- 
lished a high reputation for the careful preparation of their cases and the ex- 
traordinary ability with which they are tried. 

Mr. Ashcraft is a member of the Hamilton Club, and also belongs to the 
Masonic Fraternity. He is a man of fine social qualities; makes friends and 
holds them; is kind and considerate of others; is animated by a broad sense 
of humanity, and is rightly classed as one of Chicago's best citizens. He was 
married in 1875 to Florence R. Moore, daughter of Risden Moore, an old and 
prominent citizen of Belleville, 111. They have four children — Raymond M., 
Edwin M., Florence V. and Allen E. Ashcraft. Mr. and Mrs. Ashcraft are 
popular people with their neighbors ; they have many friends and are generously 
hospitable. 



33+ 





£xv, 




335 



HOMER F. ASPINWALL. 

The Aspinwall family is one of the oldest of New England families. Its 
founder, Peter Aspinwall, came to Massachusetts Bay from Toxteth Park, 
County of Lancaster, near Liverpool, England, and settled in Dorchester, 
Mass., during the year 1630. He was one of the colonists headed by Governor 
Winthrop and came with his expedition. In 1650 he moved to Muddy River, 
now Brookline, Mass., where he died between November 20, 1687, the date of 
his will, ;and December 9, 1687, the date of the inventory of his estate. Aaron 
Aspinwall, great-grandson of Peter, was a member of Captain Watson's Com- 
pany, Seventh Regiment of the Connecticut line, during the Revolutionary War, 
and served from March 10, 1777, until the close of the war. He was eighteen 
years old at the time of his enlistment. John Aspinwall, son of Aaron, was 
born at Norwalk, Conn.. October 18, 1771, and died at Freeport, 111., January 
6, 1858. His son John was the father of Homer F. 

Homer F. Aspinwall was born in Stephenson county, Illinois, November 
15, 1856, on his father's farm seven miles west of Freeport. His father, John 
Aspinwall, was born July 21, 1807, at Stillwater, Saratoga county, N. Y. He 
was a descendant of Peter Aspinwall, who came to Massachusetts in 1630 from 
Liverpool, England. He married Lucy Shumway, March 1, 1835, who was born 
in Jefferson county, New York, May 28, 181 3, a descendant from the family 
of French Huguenots by that name who came to America during the seven- 
teenth century. Mrs. Aspinwall died December 29, 1883. In 1845 Mr. Aspin- 
wall moved with his family to Illinois and settled on a farm, where the following 
year his son Homer was born. Mr. Aspinwall taught his son the business and 
occupation of a farmer, and encouraged him to acquire an education. John 
Aspinwall died April 29, 1889. 

Homer F. Aspinwall attended the district school and High School of 
Freeport, from which he graduated with good standing as a scholar. For two 
years after leaving school he was a clerk in a wholesale notion store, where he 
gave entire satisfaction to his employers. Preferring the activities of a farm 
life, he returned to the farm in Florence township, where he has lived ever since, 
owning and operating one of the best-developd farms in the Northwest. It is 
equipped with good buildings and all the modern conveniences and machinery 
used by the most progressive farmers. He has been a successful farmer, and 
has made farm life an agreeable and remunerative occupation. 

Early in life Mr. Aspinwall identified himself w T ith the Republican party, 
took an active part in politics, and was soon recognized as a leader in his town- 
ship. He was elected Assessor and held other minor township offices. He was 
then elected as a member of the Board of Supervisors, held this position four 
years, and was regarded as one of the safest, strongest and most practical men 
on the Board. His successful career in public affairs of his county brought 
Mr. Aspinwall to the front, and in 1892 he was elected to the State Senate from 
the Twelfth Senatorial District, and re-elected in 1896 by an overwhelming 
majority. Senator Aspinwall has shown himself to be a man of fine intellectual 
ability, of sound judgment and of unquestionable integrity. His career in the 
Senate has reflected credit upon himself, his district and the great party that 
elected him. He safeguarded the interests of his immediate constituents, and 
in respect to the general legislation, good measures always received his support, 
and bad ones his opposition. 

He has been a delegate to a number of Republican Conventions, the most 
notable of which was the State Convention of 1880. Senator Aspinwall was a 
Grant delegate, and voted with the majority in favor of the nomination of Gen- 
eral Grant for President. He was a warm friend of General Logan, and stood 
by him in that memorable struggle. Senator Aspinwall is a close student of 
public questions and is able to present his views with convincing power either 

336 





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337 



on the stump or in the Senate, and during political campaigns is always in 
demand. In 1896 he did effective work on the stump during the political cam- 
paign of that year. 

Senator Aspinwall was a boy when the Civil War broke out, and took no 
personal part in that conflict, but he was a loyal friend of the old soldier. When 
war with Spain was declared in 1898, he and others began the organization of 
a regiment of which the Senator was to be the Lieutenant-Colonel. When 
convinced that his regiment would not be called, he accepted a commission 
from President McKinley as Captain and Assistant Quartermaster of the United 
States Army, and assigned to take charge of the United States Transport 
"Manitoba," one of the largest transports in the service. This vessel, in charge 
of Captain Aspinwall, visited nearly all the ports of Cuba and Porto Rico, trans- 
porting troops and provisions during and after the war. He transported over 12,- 
000 soldiers without accident. The "Army and Navy Journal," commenting upon 
the service of the "Manitoba," declared it was the best-managed transport in 
the service. When the war was over Captain Aspinwall preferred to retire from 
the military service and resume his position in the State Senate. He asked to 
be mustered out, but instead a leave of absence of twenty days was given him. 
This, of course, under the circumstances was not satisfactory, and he was finally 
mustered out of the service February 13, 1899. 

Senator Aspinwall served two years as president of the Xorthern Illinois 
Agricultural Association, and so managed its finances that the stockholders for 
the first time received a dividend. He was many years secretary of the Freeport 
Methodist Camp-Meeting Association; the grounds and buildings of this asso- 
ciation are the finest of the kind in the State. He has long been a member of 
the Methodist Church. He is a Mason of high rank, being a member of Free- 
port Commandery, Freeport Consistory and the Rockford Shrine. He is also 
a member of the Modern Woodmen and other similar organizations. 

Senator Aspinwall was married December 18, 1874, to Emma M. Sheetz, 
who is also a native of Florence township ; their family consists of a son and 
daughter, Grace and John R., who reside with their parents at the Aspinwall 
home in Florence township. Senator Aspinwall is a man of fine social qualities, 
and has many personal friends in all parts of the State. Mrs. Aspinwall con- 
tributes her share in making their home an agreeable resort for all their friends 
and neighbors. 



SMITH D. ATKINS. 

This well-known and distinguished soldier and civilian was born June g r 
1836, at Horseheads, near Elmira, Xew York. At the age of ten years he was 
taken west by his parents, who located on a farm near Freeport, Illinois. In his 
native State he had attended school for one term, and upon coming to Illinois 
continued his studies. In 1850 he entered a printing office at Freeport and 
began to learn to set type, and a year later went to Mount Morris, Illinois, where 
for a time he worked four hours a day in a printing office and attended the Rock 
River Seminary. By this time he had made up his mind to become a lawyer ; 
he therefore entered the office of Hiram Bright, at Freeport, and began studying 
law. After diligent work he was duly admitted to the bar June 27, 1855. He 
immediately began to practice, meeting with fair success, and thus continued 
until November, i860, when he was elected State's Attorney of the Fourteenth 
Judicial Circuit, consisting of the counties of Stephenson, Jo Daviess and Win- 
nebago. The next spring the war broke out and he enlisted April 17th as a 
private under the three months' call and was elected captain of his company, 
which became "A" of the Eleventh Infantry. Under this call he served mainly 
in Missouri, and on June 30 was mustered out. He immediately re-enlisted and 
was again elected captain of his company, going out for three years. He led 
his company at the right of the regiment at Fort Donelson, and for gallant and 

338 






339 



meritorious service in that battle was promoted Major of the regiment — the 
Eleventh Illinois Infantry — and by special order of General Grant was detailed 
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General on the staff of General Stephen A. Hurlbut. 
He served in this capacity until after the battle of Shiloh, when he returned to 
Illinois on recruiting service. He took the stump at the request of Governor 
Yates, and succeeded in. putting forty-four companies in camp at Rockford in 
a short time. Out of these the Ninety-second Regiment was formed, of which 
he was elected Colonel. 

His regiment first assisted in driving General Morgan out of Kentucky. 
In November, 1862, the regiment was assigned to Colonel Cochran's brigade 
and posted at Mount Sterling, Ky., with Colonel Atkins in command of the 
post, instructed to guard eastern Kentucky from guerrillas. While here many 
negroes flocked to his camp, and though requested to do so he refused to return 
them to their masters. He was indicted by several county grand juries and 
his arrest was ordered, but the officers were never able to carry the warrants 
into execution. On November 16, in passing to Nicholasville, he was frequently 
threatened by mobs of angry citizens, who were prevented from doing him an 
injury by the loaded guns of his soldiers. He drove the rear guard of Bragg's 
army out of Camp Dick Robinson, capturing a large amount of stores and a 
brass field piece, and finally took post at Danville. In January he was promoted 
to the command of the brigade, continuing thus until July, 1863, when the regi- 
ment was mounted and assigned to Wilder's famous brigade of mounted in- 
fantry. In the movement on Chattanooga he acted independently, reporting 
directly to General Rosecrans, and was the first to enter the city of Chattanooga 
after its evacuation by Bragg. On the first day at Chickamauga he captured 
the first prisoners of Longstreet's Corps. In that bloody battle his regiment 
did not retire until both wings had been flanked. Later he reported to General 
Wilder on the field, and was assigned to a position on the left of that command- 
er's brigade. In January, 1864, in the absence of General Wilder, he led the 
brigade through Athens, Ala., to Shoal Creek, to intercept a rebel raid, and 
drove a strong Confederate column across the Tennessee river. Advancing 
he encountered a second column, which he likewise repulsed. On his return 
to Athens he turned back a third column of Confederates, the various com- 
manders of the enemy intending to concentrate at that point. In the fall of 
1864, when General Kilpatrick reformed his division of cavalry, Colonel Atkins 
was placed in command of the Second Brigade, and continued thus until Savan- 
nah was reached. For his gallantry and splendid skill he was recommended 
for promotion by Generals Kilpatrick and Sherman, was appointed Brevet 
Brigadier-General and by the special order of President Lincoln was assigned 
to duty under his brevet commission. In the campaign of the Carolinas he 
commanded a brigade of cavalry and participated in the battles of Averysboro 
and Bentonville and operated against Johnson's Confederates until the close of 
the war. After his faithful and patriotic services he was commissioned Brevet 
Major-General of Volunteers. 

After his muster out he resumed the practice of law, but was soon ap- 
pointed postmaster at Freeport, and later assumed the editorship of the Free- 
port Journal. He is now the editor and principal owner of the Freeport Daily 
Journal; postmaster at Freeport; president of the Board of Directors of the 
Freeport Public Library, and has served as a member of the Freeport Board 
of Education. His first political speech was made in 1856 in support of Colonel 
Fremont for the Presidency. He has spoken in every presidential campaign 
for the Republican candidate since the organization of that party. He is chair- 
man of the Stephenson County Republican Central Committee, and has never 
been defeated, with one exception, for any office to which he has aspired. He 
is a thirty-second degree Mason, and has been Captain-General of Freeport 
Commandery and the Commander of John A. Davis Post, G. A. R. 



340 



CHARLES BECKER. 

Among those who left the Fatherland to identify themselves with American 
lives and institutions, who have pushed their way to the front and who are a 
credit alike to the land of their birth and that of their adoption, is Charles 
Becker, a descendant of sturdy German stock. A fact of which due recognition 
is not usually recorded in connection with the different enterprises of the State 
of Illinois is that to no foreign element is its presence due in so large a measure 
as to those who have had their nativity in or trace their lineage to the great 
Empire of Germany. Mr. Becker was born in Rockenhausen, Rhenish Ba- 
varia, Germany, June 24, 1840; son of Urban and Mary (Spross) Becker. The 
father was a man of unusual strength of mind, and as an architect and builder, 
a business he followed all his life, was possessed of unusual ability. To his 
marriage with Miss Spross were born twelve children, three of whom are now 
living. Believing that better facilities for advancement in his profession were 
offered in the New World, Mr. Becker, with his wife and children, came to the 
United States in 185 1 and located at Belleville, 111., where they passed the 
remainder of their days. They were people of prominence in that community 
and they contributed in no small measure to the progress and development of 
that section. The father died in 1874 and the mother in 1881. In the common 
schools of Belleville young Becker received his early educational training, and 
when fifteen years old entered the Harrison Machine Works of that village, for 
the purpose of learning the trade of molder. In this line of work he soon 
became expert, but devoted his entire time to it until twenty-one years old. 

When the tocsin of war sounded, all his patriotism for his adopted country 
was aroused, and he enlisted in the Federal Army as a member of Company "B," 
Twelfth Missouri Infantry. On the 8th of March, 1862, he received a dangerous 
wound in the right thigh, and this injury eventually necessitated the removal 
of his leg at a point above the knee. Thus crippled in the service of his country, 
there remained nothing further for him to do on the field of battle, and he 
returned to his home. Following this he attended school for some time and again 
accepted a position with the Harrison Machine Works, becoming a member of 
the office corps. For some time he held this position, but as his sterling worth 
and unusual capabilities became recognized he was placed in a more important 
trust. In 1866 he was elected Sheriff and Collector of Taxes of the county 
for a term of two years, and discharged the duties incumbent upon that position 
most ably. Afterward he was associated with Mr. Echardt in the brewing busi- 
ness, but sold his interest to the latter in 1872. The same year he was elected 
Circuit Clerk and Recorder of Deeds, being the only successful candidate on 
the Republican ticket at that election — a fact that certainly gave evidence as to 
his popularity with his fellow townsmen. In 1876 he was re-elected, when his 
party was defeated again. 

He has been a most earnest and effective worker in behalf of the Repub- 
lican party, and has held marked precedence in the councils of its leaders in 
the State, having been for six years the chairman of the Republican County 
Central Committee. In 1888 Mr. Becker was elected to the responsible posi- 
tion of State Treasurer, in which capacity he served with signal success and 
unusual ability, which reflected much to his credit. He is interested in all 
worthy enterprises, and has contributed largely of his means to the progress 
and upbuilding of the city in which he makes his home. He is president of the 
Pump and Skein Works, and the Belleville Stove Works, and has other financial 
interests of importance. 

January 23, 1864, he married Louisa Fleischbein, of Belleville, and they 
became the parents of six children, five of whom are living — Bertha, Casimir, 
Gustave, Arthur and Ray. For the past quarter of a century Mr. Becker has 
been a prominent member of the Philharmonic Society, and has identified him- 
self with several German social and musical societies, of which he is an honored 
member. A man of strong individuality and unswerving integrity, his influence 
has been exerted in the right direction, and he stands high in the opinion of all. 

341 



BENJAMIN FRANKLIN AYER. 

Benjamin F. Ayer is a native of New Hampshire ; he came to Chicago in 
^57 ', when thirty-two years of age. He was a lawyer of experience, and was 
at once admitted to practice in the courts of Illinois. He soon gained a foot- 
hold at the Chicago bar and was recognized as a man possessing the natural 
gifts and attainments essential to great success at the bar. In 1861 Mr. Ayer 
became Corporation Counsel for the city of Chicago ; held this position for four 
years, and performed the duties of the office with great credit to himself and 
of the old charter and the prospective needs of the city, Mr. Ayer drafted the 
entire satisfaction to the city government. In 1863, after a careful examination 
revised city charter of that year. After retiring from the office of Corporation 
Counsel he became a member of the firm of Beckwith, Ayer & Kales. This 
was one of the strongest law firms in the city of Chicago ; they had a large 
general practice, but were specially identified with corporation law. Mr. Ayer 
devoted a great deal of his attention to the law relating to railroads and other 
incorporated companies, and became especially prominent in this branch of the 
profession. In 1876 he accepted the position of General Solicitor for the Illinois 
Central Railroad Company, and was made a director of the company the follow- 
ing year. 

On January 1, 1890, he became the General Counsel of this great railroad 
corporation. There could be no higher endorsement of his attainments as a 
lawyer and the soundness of his judgment as a man than his retention as Gen- 
eral Counsel for so many years by a company of such large capital and such 
a multiplicity of legal interests. Mr. Ayer has now been practicing law in Chi- 
cago for forty-three years; he has devoted himself constantly to his profession. 
He now stands, and has for years stood, in the front rank of the Chicago bar. 
Mr. Ayer is a prominent member of the American Bar Association, also the 
Chicago Bar Association, of which he has been president. He is a member of 
the Chicago Club, the Chicago Literary Club, the Chicago Historical Society, 
and president of the Western Railroad Association. Mr. Ayer possesses a fine 
library, is fond of books, has an extensive knowledge of general literature, and 
keeps in touch with the progressive movement of the arts and sciences. 

Benjamin F. Ayer was born at Kingston, Rockingham county, N. H., April 
22, 1825. His father's ancestors emigrated from England in 1637, and settled 
at Haverhill, Mass. His father, Robert Ayer, was born at this place August 
14, 1791 ; his mother, Louise Sanborn, was a daughter of Benjamin Sanborn of 
Kingston, N. H. He was a descendant of John Sanborn, grandson of Stephen 
Batchelder, who came to America in 1632 from Hampshire, England; settled 
at Hampton, N. H., in 1638, and became the first minister of the church in that 
town. Daniel Webster was one of his descendants. After being prepared for 
college at the Albany Academy, Benjamin F. Ayer entered Dartmouth College, 
and was graduated in the class of 1846. During the next three years he took 
a course of study in the law department of Harvard University, and was ad- 
mitted to the New Hampshire bar in 1849, and immediately began the practice 
of his profession at Manchester. In 1853 Mr. Ayer was elected to the New 
Hampshire Legislature, and the following year he was appointed Prosecuting 
Attorney for Hillsborough county. During these years Mr. Ayer enlarged his 
knowledge of the law by study, and an extensive practice, and in 1857 sought 
a larger field of labor by coming to Chicago. 

Benjamin F. Ayer married Janet A. Hopkins in 1868. She is a daughter 
of Hon. James C. Hopkins of Madison, Wis., lately United States District Judge 
for the western district of Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Ayer have four children, 
namely — Walter, Mary Louisa, Janet and Margaret Helen. 

Mr. Ayer is a Republican in politics ; he has not held or sought any political 
office for himself, but believing that the mission of the Republican party is to 
advance the interests of the country, he stands ready always to "lend a hand" 
in securing the election of the Republican ticket. 

342 




n. > 




343 



HENRY R. BALDWIN. 

Henry R. Baldwin was born on a farm near the little hamlet of Greenwood 
in McHenry county, Illinois, May 24, 1858. His father, Sebrean C. T. Baldwin, 
married Lovina Stevens at Standing Stone, Bradford county, Penn., in 1833. 
They removed to Greenwood, 111., in 1839, where they resided continuously up 
to the time of her death in 1885. Both of them were the children of parents 
in humble circumstances, and were early accustomed to a life of toil, which life 
they followed throughout their whole married career. Neither of them had 
the advantage of any considerable early education, but both were great readers, 
and through their love of reading came into close contact with all questions of 
public affairs. There was born to them a large family of children (consisting 
of eight boys and four girls), of whom the subject of this sketch is the youngest. 
All the boys lived to maturity, but only one of the girls lived to grow up, namely, 
Lucy H. Baldwin, who is yet living and is the wife of William D. Lee, and 
resides at Hebron, in the old home county. Of the boys, two, namely, Norman 
and Seth, entered the war for the Union, and served respectively in the Ninety- 
fifth Illinois Volunteers, and in the One Hundred and Forty-first Illinois Volun- 
teers. Each of them died during the war in the service of his country. Another 
brother, Levi, died during the War of the Rebellion, while engaged in teaching 
public school in central Illinois. Another brother, Sebre D. Baldwin, died in 
1883, while serving as County Superintendent of Schools in McHenry county, 
Illinois. The remaining brothers — George F., Aristides E. and Jesse A. — are 
living and are hard workers ; George F. being a farmer in McHenry county ; 
Aristides E. a doctor of medicine in Chicago, practicing the specialty of den- 
tistry, and Jesse A., for many years a practicing attorney at law in Chicago, 
and is now the partner of the subject of our sketch. 

The education of Mr. Baldwin was acquired mainly in the public schools 
at Greenwood, although he attended the Northern Indiana Normal School at 
Valparaiso, Ind., for a time. During his boyhood and youth he had a great 
fondness for reading, and early engaged in the duties of a school teacher in the 
public schools of McHenry County, 111. All, save one. of the brothers and sis- 
ters who reached maturity, at some time during their lives taught for a time in 
the public schools. Mr. Baldwin early became convinced that the practice of 
law offered him a larger inducement than any other profession or occupation. 
After teaching for a series of years in the country districts, and later at Crystal 
Lake and at Hebron, in McHenry County, and holding the office in that county 
of County Superintendent of Schools, he located in the city of Chicago, where 
he has since lived and engaged in the practice of law. He studied law during 
a considerable time while engaged in teaching. In the practice of law, Mr, 
Baldwin has worked diligently and has been connected with much important lit- 
igation, although the best and most satisfactory part of his practice has been 
that of office consultations, preparation of legal papers, etc. 

Henry R. Baldwin has always been a Republican; his first vote was cast 
for the nominees of the Republican party, and since that time he has worked 
for the success of that party. He has never sought nor held any public office, 
excepting that of County Superintendent of Schools in McHenry county, Illi- 
nois. He believes that every man should give some attention to politics, and 
has acted in accordance with this belief. His father was an old-time Democrat, 
but cast his ballot for Lincoln in i860, and thereafter remained an ardent 
Republican. Mr. Baldwin's brothers are active Republican workers. He is a 
member of the Law Institute in Chicago, one of its directors, and chairman of 
the Committee on Legal Education; the Chicago and the Illinois State Bar 
Associations ; the Chicago Athletic Association, and the Hamilton Club, in which 
club he is at present one of the directors. He is a member also of the Royal 

344 





345 



League and of the Order of Columbian Knights. He has been connected with 
the Baptist Church since his youth. 

Mr. Baldwin was married March 6, 1883, to Nettie C. Borden of Crystal 
Lake, 111. One child was born to them, namely, Ralph W. Baldwin. Mr. Bald- 
win is six feet tall, strongly built, and a robust constitution. He is a very 
sociable man by nature, and has encouraged sociability to the extent of his 
powers ; as a consequence he and his family have a large circle of friends. 



HENRY C. BEG0LE. 

In all ages of the world, successful men, whether in politics, war or busi- 
ness, have attracted the attention of their contemporaries, and set them upon 
inquiry as to how such success was achieved. If we stop to analyze each case 
would have been 391 yeas, 338 nays, and the contesting delegates from Illinois 
of success in business, or otherwise, nine times out of ten we find in the person 
who has achieved it some good and substantial reason for the result. Thus it 
has been with Hon. Henry C. Begole, one of the prominent Republicans of 
Southern Illinois, who possesses integrity, industry and determination, essential 
qualities for success in any calling. Mr. Begole is a product of St. Clair county, 
111., born January 21, 1857; son of William R. and Elizabeth (Porter) Begole, 
also natives of St. Clair county. The father was a farmer by occupation. In 
politics he was a life-long Whig and Republican and a man of public spirit and 
enterprise. He was active in all enterprises for advancing the interests of his 
section and was an honorable and most worthy citizen. His death occurred in 
1887. His widow still resides on the old homestead. Ten children were the 
fruits of their union. Joshua A. Begole, grandfather of Henry C, was a 
native of the Empire State, born in Genesee county, and was a pioneer of St. 
Clair county, 111. His wife was Nancy Terry, a native of St. Clair county. The 
Begole family trace their ancestry back to the Huguenots who emigrated to 
America after the Edict of Nantes. 

Henry C. Begole attended the district school during youth and then entered 
Howe Institute, East St. Louis, where he secured a good, practical education. 
Returning to the farm, he was engaged in its arduous duties until 1891, when a 
desire for a change turned his mind into a different channel. He moved to 
Belleville, 111., and engaged in the livery and undertaking business, which he 
has continued up to the present time with an unusual degree of success. In 
January, 1887, he married Belle, daughter of Max and Leonora Weisenberger, 
of Collinsville, 111. They are the parents of one son, H. Clay. Mr. Begole is 
a Knight Templar Mason of the Consistory and Mystic Shrine and is also 
an Elk. 

He has always been an enthusiastic Republican and has taken a decided 
interest in the welfare of his party since his majority. In 1894 he was elected 
Treasurer of St. Clair county, and discharged the duties incumbent upon this 
position in so able and satisfactory a manner that in 1898 he was elected State 
Senator to represent the 49th District of Illinois. During the session of 1899 
he was Chairman of the Committee on Live Stock and Dairying and was on 
several other important committees. As a politician Mr. Begole has been 
closely in touch with the people of his county. He has been a member of the 
Republican County Committee for several years and Secretary of the Congres- 
sional Committee of the 21st District for four years. As a public officer he has 
a clean record and exercises a potential influence in the ranks of his party, not 
alone in St. Clair countv, but all over southern Illinois. 



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MYRON H. BEACH. 

Myron H. Beach of Chicago, 111., was born May 22, 1828, on his father's 
farm, one mile west of Cayuga Lake, Seneca county, N. Y. He traces his lin- 
eage back four generations, through his father, Elam Beach, to John Beach, a 
puritan, who came to America about 1639, and settled at Stratford, Conn., in 
which State the family lived for years. His great-grandfather, Israel Beach, 
served in the Colonial French and Indian Wars, and the powder horn carried by 
him is now preserved by his great-grandson. His grandfather, Israel Beach, 
was a soldier in the Revolutionary War ; fought at the battle of Bunker Hill 
and in siege of Boston. Elam Beach married Hannah Edwards and removed 
to western Xew York in 1818. Mrs. Beach was descended from Captain John 
Edwards, who came to America from Scotland, and settled near Black Rock 
Harbor, Conn., in the early history of the State. Abel Edwards, father of Mrs. 
Beach, served in the Continental Army during the whole of the war for inde- 
pendence. 

Myron H. Beach lived with his parents until 1850, and learned the occupa- 
tion of farming. He attended the district school until prepared for the acad- 
emy. At sixteen years of age he entered Seneca Falls Academy, and remained 
two years. It was his good fortune that Professor Oren Root, father of Elihu 
Root, the present Secretary of War, was principal of the academy. Mr. Root, 
who afterward became professor of mathematics in Hamilton College, possessed 
the rare faculty of so stimulating and encouraging his students as to arouse in 
them the greatest enthusiasm for obtaining an education ; the professor's en- 
couragement and advice decided young Beach to take a college course. After 
leaving the academy he taught the district school winters, working on the farm 
summers, continuing his own studies, and in 1850 entered the sophomore class 
of Hamilton College. He devoted himself earnestly to the study of mathemat- 
ics and the physical sciences, not neglecting Greek and Latin. He was gradu- 
ated in 1853. After graduation he taught mathematics one term in Brockport 
Collegiate Institute. In 1853 ne was elected principal of Seneca Falls Academy, 
in his native town, and filled for three years the position once occupied by 
Professor Root. V nile Mr. Beach was principal of the academy it attained its 
highest degree of prosperity ; in no educational institution in the State were 
higher mathematics or more advanced classes in Greek and Latin taught. Xever 
intending to make teaching his profession, Mr. Beach severed his connection 
with the academy in 1856, and soon located at Dubuque, Iowa, where he was 
admitted to the bar the same year. He established a large practice in Iowa, his 
business including many of the most important cases litigated in the State, 
involving questions concerning corporations, real estate, trusts, admiralty, pat- 
ents, trade marks, taxes, negligence, etc. 

Mr. Beach in politics was originally a Whig, joining the Republican party 
when it was organized. Was an active party worker, attending nearly all im- 
portant conventions, and contributed largely to the success of many prominent 
Republicans, but sought no office for himself. He was connected with the 
Board of Education of Dubuque for a number of years. His efforts mainly 
secured the establishment of the High School and the introduction of higher 
mathematics, Greek, Latin and chemistry; and inaugurated for all the schools 
a proper system of examinations for teachers. Mr. Beach was Lieutenant of 
Company "A," Forty-fourth Iowa Infantry Volunteers in the Civil War, and 
was in command of the company most of the time it was in service. 

In 1884 he removed his family to Chicago, and began the practice of law, 
gaining a large business. His practice embraces more especially insurance, 
corporation, trade mark and real estate cases, not only in Chicago, but the 
Northwestern States. A number of the cases he has fought and won in the 
Supreme Courts of the States and of the United States are leading authorities on 
the questions involved and determined in them. 

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Mr. Beach was a member of the Alpha Delta Phi Society in college. He 
belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic, is a Companion of the Illinois Com- 
mandery of the Loyal Legion, and a member of the Union League Club, Ameri- 
can Bar Association and American Historical Association. He is a member 
of the Second Presbyterian Church of Chicago ; was an elder in that church in 
Senaca Falls, N. Y., and Dubuque, Iowa. 

Myron H. Beach was married December 23, 1857, to Helen Mary Hoskins,, 
daughter of the leading merchant of Seneca Falls, N. Y. Her father's ancestors 
were Puritans, who settled in Connecticut. Her mother is a descendant of the 
Livingstons of New York, and a cousin of Commodore Melcanthon Taylor 
Woolsey. 

Mr. and Mrs. Beach's eldest son is Captain Lansing H. Beach, U. S. A. r 
a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, in the 
Engineer Corps, and is now Engineer Commissioner of the District of Colum- 
bia. The second son is Harry L. Beach, a prominent correspondent of the 
Associated Press, and one of its representatives in Cuba during the Spanish War. 



RICHARD FRANKLIN BENNETT. 

Upon a farm in the County of Shelby, Illinois, on the 26. of October, 1839,. 
the subject of this sketch was born. He is the eldest son of William B. and 
Lavinna Bennett, and was educated at the public schools of his county, finishing 
at Moultrie County Seminary. His education was not elaborate, but was con- 
fined to the simple branches first, and later to what may be called the vital or 
substantial branches. At the early age of seventeen years he began teaching 
school in his native county, to obtain means with which to still further advance 
his education and prepare himself for the active duties of life. As a pedagogue 
he proved successful, showing good executive ability and excellent capacity to- 
instruct, and so continued for the period of three years. For some time previous 
to this he had determined to study medicine, for which profession he had a 
special liking, and accordingly took up the study and pursued it diligently until 
1861, when he graduated at the Medical School in Cincinnati. In the same 
year he was united in marriage to Elizabeth J. Storm of Shelby county, and the 
following year came to Litchfield, 111., where he began the practice of his pro- 
fession. His skill and ability made him successful from the start, and he soon 
had a large and profitable practice. The Doctor has been a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church for many years. At present his family consists 
of his wife and two children, a son and a daughter. The son, Dr. Harry F.. 
Bennett, of Chicago, graduated from medicine in that city in 1894, and imme- 
diately thereafter began practicing in the same place. The daughter, Marie 
Bennett, graduated from the Northwestern University in June, 1899. 

It was not until 1871 that Dr. Richard F. Bennett began to be prominent 
in the politics of this State. He had from his earliest boyhood been a Repub- 
lican, and had taken, at all times, a profound interest in the success of his party. 
His first vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln. In the spring of 1871 he was 
nominated for Alderman of his ward and was elected with ease, although the 
ward was strongly Democratic. He was elected for a second term, and by this 
time his friends recognized in him a party man of great strength and a candidate 
whom the Democrats had reason to fear. He was therefore brought forward 
as a candidate for Mayor, was nominated and elected, and so great was his 
popularity, success and strength with the people that he was retained in the 
same office for a period of five terms. For the past twenty years he has been 
a member of the School Board almost continuously, and has done a vast amount 
for the cause of education. He has been president of the Oil City Building 
Association for the past ten years, and was one of the earliest and strongest 
promoters of such organizations in their infancy. He is identified with many 
of the secret societies and lodges of his home city, among them being Masons,. 
Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen. In 1888 he was 
selected by the Republicans of the old Thirty-Eighth Senatorial District to lead 

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351 



a forlorn hope as a candidate for the State Senate. He accepted in the interest 
of his party, made a brilliant campaign, and reduced the majority of his oppo- 
nent to less than half its normal size. A little later he was selected as State 
Committeeman from the Eighteenth Congressional District, which position he 
has occupied for the last four years. In 1897 he was appointed as a member 
of the Board of Trustees for the Asylum for the Incurable Insane, then in course 
of erection at Peoria. Later Governor Tanner appointed him to a position on 
the State Board of Health, which he still occupies. Personally he is extremely 
popular with the masses of people, owing to his affability, integrity and brilliant 
qualities of mind. He has a remarkable faculty for making and retaining friends. 
He has been twice urged to run for Congress, and no doubt could easily have 
been elected, but has preferred to practice his profession. 



E. RAYMOND BLISS. 

E. Raymond Bliss is a native of New Brunswick, New Jersey, where he was 
born September 3, 1846. He is a son of George Ripley Bliss, D. D., author, 
professor of theology in the Upland Seminary in Pennsylvania. His mother's 
name was Mary A. Raymond ; she was a daughter of Eliakin Raymond of New 
York. The Raymond family is one of the best-known families of New York 
State. They were old settlers in Brooklyn ; were people of prominence and high 
respectability, and promoters of all educational and other philanthropic move- 
ments. John H. Raymond, an uncle of Mr. Bliss, founded Vassar College, and 
hy his support and untiring labor made it one of the great educational institu- 
tions of the country. Mr. Bliss, after passing through the common schools, 
entered the University at Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, and studied there for a time. 
Coming to Chicago in 1863, he attended the old University of Chicago. In 1870 
he went to Washington, D. C, entered Columbia Law School, from which he 
.graduated in 1873, and was soon admitted to the bar. Returning to Chicago, 
he began the practice of law, in 1876, in the law office of Bentley & Quagg. 
Subsequently he opened a law office and continued the general practice until 
September 1, 1882, when he was appointed County Attorney to the Board of 
Commissioners of Cook county. He held this office from 1882 to 1884, and 
again from 1886 to 1889, a period of five years. He introduced many reforms 
in the conduct of the business of this office. Mr. Bliss familiarized himself with 
the conduct of public affairs of the county and suggested a number of changes. 
He was instrumental in the passage of the law establishing the purchasing agency 
for the county, a change which has resulted in a great saving to the county. 
The most important service rendered by him to the county was in aiding to place 
the finances of the county upon a stable basis in order to save the necessity of 
pledging the taxes for a year or two in advance of their collection. During 
Mr. Bliss' second term as County Attorney, upon his recommendation, new 
methods were adopted for the conduct of the business of the County Board, 
whereby a number of restrictions upon its power were introduced, to remove 
even the suspicion of fraudulent practices. Mr. Bliss introduced the present 
Fee Bill in connection with the Probate Clerk's office, from which is derived 
sufficient revenue to run the office. During Mr. Bliss' term the question of the 
validity of the law, permitting the annexation to Chicago of Hyde Park, Lake 
View and other towns, was settled. 

Mr. Bliss is a member of the State Bar Association. He belongs to and is 
a prominent member of the Masonic Fraternity, and has attained the thirty- 
third degree or Supreme Council. He was one of a committee of three Masons 
appointed to carry out the plan of erecting the Masonic Temple, and after the 
death of Norman T. Cassette, the prime mover in the enterprise, Mr. Bliss aided 
largely in securing funds for the completing of the building. This structure 
is recognized as one of the great landmarks of Chicago, and its erection reflects 
great credit upon those who were identified with it. Mr. Bliss is also a member 
•of the Union League Club, the Hamilton Club and the Hyde Park and Chicago 
Athletic Clubs. 



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353 



JAMES B. BRADWELL. 

The school of experience through which the subject of this sketch was 
destined to pass was calculated to give him that sterling character which has 
distinguished his subsequent life. The family left England when he was yet an 
infant and settled in Utica, Xew York, where they continued to reside until 1833, 
when they came to Jacksonville, 111., but the following year went to Wheeling, 
111., it requiring twenty-one days to make the latter journey. The parents were 
Thomas and Elizabeth (Gutridge) Bradwell, the father being a man of high 
character, keen wit and intelligence, and the mother a woman of singular beauty 
and refined tastes. It required a great deal of resolution for such people to 
leave the old, settled home in England for the wild prairie of the Western States. 
They did not fully realize what was before them, but when here did not shrink 
from the task. Indians were numerous and quite often hostile. In these pioneer 
days of danger and privation the family passed through many thrilling expe- 
riences, which made the boy self-reliant, resourceful and courageous. He led 
in all the hard work of the farm — breaking prairie, splitting rails, sowing the 
seed, mowing and cradling in the old-fashioned way, and attending the rude 
country school in the winter months. He thus acquired a vigorous constitution 
and a character of noble tendencies and resolutions. Later he attended Wil- 
son's Academy in Chicago, and completed his education in Knox College, Gales- 
burg. To the little red brick school house near his home came a young lady 
teacher, whose acquaintance he made, and whom he afterward married. This 
was Miss Myra Colby, who has had so much to do in making his after life 
successful and happy, and who is so well known to Chicagoans. In May, 1852, 
they were married, and went to Memphis, Tenn., where opposite their home was 
a slave mart, which intensified their hatred of slavery and stimulated their activity 
for the cause of abolitionism. They returned to Chicago in 1854, when subject 
was admitted to the bar and soon had a large practice. In 1861 he was elected 
County Judge, and in 1865 was re-elected, thus serving eight years. It is well 
known that during his term of service he instituted greater reforms and prac- 
tical benefits than had ever before been carried into execution on the bench of 
Chicago. 

He was noted for his sterling integrity and fearlessness. The orphan and 
the widow found in him a zealous friend, carefully guarding their property and 
interests; the poor a sympathetic judge, studying how to save them costs; but 
the evil-doer, who had designs on the property of his charges, found him stern 
and unrelenting. 

He was the first judge to hold that a marriage contract made during slavery 
was valid, or, in other words, that the civil rights of slaves, being suspended 
during slavery, revived upon emancipation. He wrote: "Were there a thou- 
sand of these decisions (precedents) made under this influence in favor of slavery 
and against the conclusions I have come to in this case, I would brush them 
aside as I would a spider's web, and decide this case upon what I consider to 
be the first principles of law, justice and humanity." This decision met, subse- 
quently, with wide approval. He has ever been a valiant champion of the col- 
ored race. He was for four years an influential member of the Illinois Legis- 
lature. Holding the most advanced views as to the rights of women, he has, 
throughout his long and useful life, bent every energy and labored in season and 
out of season, in whatever position he might occupy, to do all in his power to 
advance this interest. 

His varied career in many fields of activity may be appreciated by briefly 
recounting the many positions he has filled. On the 30th of July, 1848, he was 
commissioned by Governor French as Second Lieutenant in the One Hundred 
and Ninth Regiment Illinois Militia ; he took part in the organization of the 
American Woman Suffrage Association ; was chairman of the Arms and Trophy 
Department of the Northwestern Sanitary Commission and Soldiers' Home 
Fair of 1865, which made nearly half a million for the needy soldiers ; president 
of the Soldiers' Home Board ; one of the founders of the Union League Club 
and president of its first board of directors ; president of the Chicago Rifle Club ; 

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president of the Chicago Photographic Society and chairman of the Committee 
on Photography of the World's Congress Auxiliary. He is a thirty-third degree 
Mason, and has held many Masonic offices : was president of the Chicago Press 
Club ; president and one of the three honorary members of the Chicago Bar 
Association, and president and for many years historian of the Illinois State Bar 
Association. After the death of his dearly beloved wife, in 1894. he became the 
editor of the Chicago Legal News, which Myra Bradwell founded. In the lone- 
liness of his declining years he finds deep solace in the companionship of the little 
grandchild.. Myra Bradwell Helmer, who was named after the sainted grand- 
mother. 

FRED A. BANGS. 

Fred A. Bangs of Chicago, 111.., was born April 3, 1865. at Lacon, Marshall 
county. 111. He is a son of Honorable Mark Bangs, whose wife was Harriet 
Cornelia Pomeroy. both of whom were descendants of old Puritan Revolutionary 
stock. Honorable Mark Bangs is a gentleman of high character and standing, 
recognized as an able lawyer, who for a number of years was United States Dis- 
trict Attorney for the northern district of Illinois, and who is now a citizen of 
Chicago, and is the senior in the well-known firm of Bangs, Wood & Bang- :: 
which the subject of this sketch is the junior partner. 

In 1875 Fred A. Bangs came with his father's family to Chicago, where he 
now resides, and which is the scene of his life work. Mr. Bangs was afforded 
every opportunity by his father to receive an education, and he availed himself 
of that opportunity with enthusiasm. He received his education in Chicago, 
both academic and professional. He was a student of the Union College of 
Law. of the class of 1884. and was graduated from that institution and admitted 
to the bar of Illinois in the summer of i88'5. and was soon admitted as a partner 
with his father in the practice of his profession under the style of Bangs & Bangs. 
This firm was soon enlarged by the admission of Mr. Wood. It may be said 
that Mr. Bangs took to the law by natural selection: he practically grew up in 
his father's law office, and became familiar with the proceedings and practice 
long before he was admitted to the bar. His rise in the profession was rapid, 
and he was soon recognized as a competent office lawyer and a painstaking and 
successful trial lawyer. 

Fred A. Bangs is a clear and logical speaker, and is invariably convincing 
and effective whether as a pleader addressing a jury, or in analysis of an intricate 
legal position before the court. He possesses to a marked degree what may 
properly be termed a legal temperament, and which enables him to see promptly 
and with no uncertainty into the abstruseness of perplexing points that 
present themselves in the disposition of his cases. This is a great and un- 
usual talent, and one that is always present in the make-up of eminent lawyers. 
To it more than to any other one cause may be described the rapid and remark- 
able success already achieved by Mr. Bangs in both the State and Federal 
Courts. 

In politics he is an earnest and uncompromising Republican. He believes 
in thorough organization and active political work as an indispensable means of 
attaining success. He is a popular and peculiarly forceful public speaker, and is 
always in demand at Republican meetings. On such occasions he never fails to 
hold the attention of his audiences by his sharp and incisive manner, and wins 
converts to his views by presenting his ultimate points in a simple and convinc- 
ing style that everyone can understand. For several years he was an influential 
member of the Hamilton Club, and in recognition of his able and faithful services 
was elected to its presidency. This position he now fills with honor and credit 
to both himself and the club. His favorite motto has always been: "Be prompt 
to discharge with fidelity every accepted trust." Mr. Bangs is of the younger 
generation of men who have come up since the Civil War, and upon whom the 
future political destiny of the country must devolve. Those who have known 
him. or heard him speak, have no fear but that he will respond to the call of his 
country with the earnestness of purpose, power of expression and singleness of 
intention that has always characterized his attitude toward public duty. 

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357 



In October, 1893, he was married to Ruth Tileston of Evansville, Ind., a lady 
of charming personality and great popularity. Their home in the 12th ward of 
Chicago is the centre of the artistic and literary activity of a wide circle of 
friends. 



EPHRAIM BANNING. 

This eminent and distinguished member of the Chicago bar may be said to 
inherit his legal tendency and capacity. His mother, who was a Kentuckian by 
birth, was a sister of the late Judge Pinkney H. Walker of the Supreme Court 
of Illinois ; her father was Gilmer Walker, a lawyer of great eminence and with 
a large practice, and her uncle was Cyrus Walker, who likewise distinguished 
himself in the practice of law. The latter removed to Illinois and became one 
of the foremost lawyers of the State, ranking with such men as Lincoln, Douglas, 
S. T. Logan and others. The father of subject was a man of more than 
ordinary capacity; he was a Virginian by birth and removed to the West at an 
early day and took an active and honorable part in the political and social prob- 
lems of Illinois and Kansas. From boyhood onward he had turned his back 
upon slavery and lost no opportunity to throw his influence and efforts against 
that institution. After living in Illinois for a number of years he removed to 
Kansas and there still further improved his reputation as an uncompromising 
foe of slavery. All this effort and activity on his part had not a little to do in 
establishing in the heart of our subject the strongest sentiments of civil and 
religious liberty. From Kansas the family moved to Missouri, where they re- 
sided during the Civil War. Two brothers older than subject promptly en- 
listed in the Federal cause, while the latter, then twxlve years of age, remained 
to assist his father on the farm. One brother lost his life in the service and 
the other served until the close of the war. Ephraim Banning was born in 
McDonough county, Illinois, July 21, 1849. His early life was passed without 
noteworthy incident, and upon attaining his seventeenth year had learned all 
the schools of the neighborhood could teach him. He then attended the Brook- 
field (Missouri) Academy, and there studied the classics and other branches of 
a liberal education. Later he became a law student in the office of Hon. Samuel 
P. Huston of Brookfield. There lie received the elements of a legal education 
which has since ripened into broad and comprehensive knowledge not only of 
law but of all that will assist in making law dignified and successful. In 1871 he 
came to Chicago, then so full of possibilities for the young and ambitious stu- 
dent. He acted as clerk in the office of Rosenthal & Pence, in the meantime 
continuing diligently his studies, and was finally admitted to the bar in June, 
1872. The following October he opened an office for himself, and soon had a 
living practice, which rapidly increased. He was a hard and indefatigable stu- 
dent, and fought his cases with a tenacity, vigor and intelligence that soon won 
for him an enviable reputation. Judge Blodgett afterward said of him at this 
time : "He had a large and varied practice" in his court, and that "he showed 
himself a good admiralty lawyer, was well equipped on all questions arising under 
the bankrupt law and in commercial cases generally, as well as in real estate 
law." One of his early associates, Frank J. Loesch, in writing of him said : "His 
preliminary training for admission to the bar was solid, his industry both then 
and since has been nothing less than wonderful, and while he has in later years 
confined himself and obtained eminent success as a patent lawyer, his career 
as a general practitioner during the first ten or twelve years of his practice was 
beyond the most sanguine expectations of any of our lawyers. He has fulfilled 
the promise of his youth in being not only a sterling man, but a lawyer who 
has lived up to the highest ideals of the profession, whose integrity has never 
been questioned, whose faithfulness to his clients' interests attained that measure 
of success which it deserved, and whose ability as a lawyer none can dispute." 

After about ten years he began making a specialty of patent cases. In 1877 
he was joined by his brother, Thomas A., and in 1888 by George S. Payson, and 
in 1894 by Thomas F. Sheridan, who succeeded Mr. Payson as a member of the 
firm. Their briefs are familiar in all the leading courts of the country. In 1896 
he served as a McKinley elector, in 1897 was appointed a member of the State 

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Board of Charities., and in 1899 was supported by an immense following for 
United States District Judge, but failed to get the appointment. He is a member 
of the Union League, Lincoln and Illinois Clubs, the American,. State and Chi- 
cago Bar Associations, serving on the most important committees of the latter. 
He is a Presbyterian. He has been twice married — to Lucretia T. Lindsley, 
who died in 1887, leaving three sons, and second to Emelie B. Jenne. 



•JOHN JOSEPH BROWN. 

Hon. John Joseph Brown of Yandalia. 111., was born in the city of Xew York, 
November 15. 1852, his parents being James and Mary Brown, natives of Dublin, 
Ireland. Both of his parents died when he was still of tender years, and he was 
thrown upon the mercies of friends, and at the age of seven years was sent to 
the Xew York Juvenile Asylum. He remained at the reception house of the 
Asylum ten days, and at the Asylum proper fourteen days, making twenty-four 
days in all. At that time there was being organized at the Asylum a company 
of twenty-seven boys to be sent West to such homes as they could find among 
the farmers and others. The subject of this sketch was not among this company 
of boys selected, as he was too young to be of service to farmers : but his brother 
William Brown was chosen, and as soon as it was learned by the Board of 
Directors that William Brown had a younger brother in the institution, they 
deemed it wise that John should accompany him, and accordingly he joined the 
others. Upon his arrival in Illinois he was indentured to William Henninger 
of Hagarstown, a prosperous farmer of that community. In a short time the 
young boy became attached to his surroundings, and became interested in the 
affairs of the farm. The hard work to which he was introduced developed a 
remarkably rugged physique and excellent health, which has ever since been 
enjoyed by him. Possessing a strong mind, healthy body, a fluent tongue and 
sparkling and ready wit, he became popular in the entire neighborhood. He was 
found, at an early age, to possess exceptional social qualities, which in recent 
years have been the means of attracting to him a wide circle of sincere friends. 
He was permitted to see many pleasures during his boyhood, and was given 
fairly good educational advantages. Still later, when at the age of sixteen years, 
he was permitted, through the kindness of Mr. Henninger, to enter the Wes- 
leyan University at Bloomington, where he spent five years of earnest, diligent 
study. Upon his return to Fayette county he spent six years in teaching school, 
a portion of the time being principal of the Yandalia High Schools. His quali- 
ties fitted him excellently for the legal profession. He was a ready speaker, was 
skilled in debate, witty and eloquent in language, logical in thought, and with 
these qualities he made up his mind to study law. He began the study, and in 
due time was admitted to practice. In 1881 he formed a partnership with Judge 
W. M. Farmer, afterward taking into the firm George T. Turner, who is now 
County Judge. After the elevation of Judge Farmer to the Circuit Bench, and 
Judge Turner to the County Bench, Mr. Brown formed a partnership with James 
M. Albert, under the firm name of Brown & Albert. This firm is by far the 
ablest and most successful of the law firms of the city. As a lawyer Mr. Brown 
is exceedingly popular and successful, and as a pleader has few equals before 
the jury. Y nether at the bar or on the platform he is equally at home, and by 
his brilliant oratory and close analysis of subjects wins verdicts as well as ap- 
plause. His qualities led him into politics. 

In 1884 he was nominated by the Republicans of his district for Congress, 
but the district being overwhelmingly Democratic, he was defeated bv fudge 
Lane of Hillsboro. Later he was nominated for County Judge, and though 
the county had 500 Democratic majority, he lacked only 43 votes of being elected. 
In the fall of 1886 he was nominated for Representative of the Thirty-fifth Gen- 
eral Assembly, and was easily elected. In February. 1889. he was appointed bv 
Governor Fifer one of the Commissioners of the Chester Penitentiarv, and 
served until the election of John P. Altgeld, when he resigned to give place to a. 
Democrat. In 1894 his friends urged him to make the race for Congress against 
Judge Lane, but he generously yielded that honor to his friend, Hon. Frederick 

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Remann, and by his. able support contributed much to the success of that gentle- 
man. Since his resignation as commissioner he has devoted himself to the prac- 
tice of his profession. Few lawyers in the State sustain a more honorable and 
successful relation to the bar than he does. He has lost none of his vigor, 
interest and activity in politics, and is ever ready to employ his high talents and 
greatest energies for the good of his party. He was chairman of the Committee 
on Resolutions at the State Republican Convention in 1898, of which duty one 
writer states : "It was a delicate position that required a cool head, quick judg- 
ment and a rare political finesse." These difficult requirements were ably and 
successfully met by this distinguished man, who many years ago, as a poor 
orphan boy, came west to grow up with the country, and become a useful citizen. 
The same writer states of him: "It was this homeless, orphan boy, the school 
teacher, the lawyer, the legislator and man of business competency, the vigorous, 
genial man who electrified the Republican State Convention and drove the storm 
clouds from that body." 

Mr. Brown was married to Nellie G. Blackwell, daughter of Robert Black- 
well, one of the pioneer newspaper men of the State, who represented his dis- 
trict in the Legislature when the capital was located at Yandalia. His family 
consists of his wife and an accomplished daughter, just reaching young woman- 
hood. Mr. Brown belongs to the Masonic, Odd Fellows and Pythian Orders, 
and served as Grand Chancellor of the Knights of Pythias in 1896, and is noAv 
one of the supreme representatives of that order. He is a Methodist and an 
enthusiastic Sunday-school worker. He has been repeatedly urged to make the 
race for Governor, and is well fitted in every way to grace that honorable 
position. 

HENRY FRANCIS BADER. 

The parents of the subject of this sketch were John G. and Margaret Bader, 
the father being a contractor and builder of considerable prominence in the 
vicinity where he lived. After a usefui life he died in 1876; his widow is yet 
living. Henry Francis Bader was born June 1, 1858, in East St. Louis, 111. 
He was educated at the public schools of East St. Louis and St. Louis, taking 
great interest in his studies and coming out of school well prepared for the 
active duties of life. In 1872, having made up his mind the occupation he 
wished to pursue through life, he entered the St. Louis College of Pharmacy 
with the class of 1878-9, and taking the full course was duly graduated, and in 
1881, having secured the necessary means, he embarked in business on his own 
account. He has thus continued until the present time, steadily expanding his 
business until he now owns and conducts two of the most elegant drug stores 
in East St. Louis. His business success has been due to his activity, intelli- 
gence and general capacity for the management of intricate industrial enter- 
prises. 

Back as far as he can recollect his views have been identical with those of 
the Republican party. He began to take an active interest in politics in 1889, 
at which time he became a candidate for membership on the Board of School 
Trustees of his district, to which position he was elected. In 1895, so strong 
was his influence among politicians, he was brought forward by his party as a 
candidate for Mayor of East St. Louis, and was elected and served for two vears, 
refusing to become a candidate for re-election. He has been a member of the 
St. Clair County Republican Central Committee for many years, and is the 
present chairman of the City Central Committee of East St. Louis. In March, 
1899, ne was appointed by Governor Tanner a Commissioner to the Southern 
Illinois Penitentiary, in recognition of distinguished services. Aside from his 
drug business he also became interested in various other industries. In 1890 
he was one of the incorporators of the East St. Louis Electric Railway, of which 
organization he was elected first vice-president. He is a member of the Ma- 
sonic Fraternity, a Knight Templar and a Shriner, and has reached the thirty- 
second degree. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Fra- 
ternal Mystic Circle. He was united in marriage to Louise M. Spannagel, Sep- 
tember 22, 1 881, and by her had five children, four of whom are now living. 

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HORATIO CHAPIN BURCHARD. 

Horatio Chapin Burchard was born at Marshall, Oneida county, N. Y., 
September 22. 1825. His father, Deacon Horatio Burchard. was born at West 
Springfield. Mass.. September 14. 1792. and was the son of Jonathan and Beulah 
Ely Burchard. Jonathan Burchard was a Revolutionary soldier and a descend- 
ant of Thomas Burchard. who was born at Roxbury, England, and emigrated 
to Boston in 1635. Horatio Burchard, Sr., was married at West Springfield, 
to Frances Chapin, a refined and accomplished young lady who had been edu- 
cated at the Hartford Ladies' Seminary. 

In 1S38. Mr. Burchard, Sr.. removed with his family to Aurora, X. Y., 
and two vears later to Beloit, Wis. For two years young Burchard attended 
school at the Aurora Academy, and afterward at Beloit, during the winters, 
working on his father's farm in the summer. In the winter of 1846-7 he taught 
school, and early in 1847 entered Hamilton College at Clinton, X. Y.. where 
he was graduated in 1850. He there decided to take up the law as a profession, 
and began in the law class of the senior year, studying the legal text books 
written bv American authors, and after graduation continued his studies, in 
the meantime supporting himself by teaching school. After being admitted to 
practice in the Wisconsin courts he formed a partnership with J. W. Stewart. 
His health failing on account of office confinement, he decided to abandon 
temporarilv the law business, and accepted employment as assistant engineer in 
surveying for a railroad between Janesville and the Mississippi river. In 1853 
he came to Freeport, 111. : had charge of its schools for one year, and in 1855 
formed a partnership with Hon. Thomas J. Turner and later with Judge Edward 
P. Barton and Henry M. Barnum for the practice of law in that city, where he 
has since continued to reside. 

Mr. Burchard, by heredity as well as conviction, became an earnest Repub- 
lican. His father was an early and out-spoken Abolitionist and one of the seven 
who organized the Liberty party in 1844. "Sir. Burchard's first vote for Presi- 
dent was cast in 1848 for the Free Soil candidate. Martin Van Buren, but in 
1852 he voted with the Whig party, and in 1856 he entered heartily in the 
Freemont campaign in the interest of the Republican ticket. In 1858 he was 
a delegate to the Republican State convention at Springfield, and in 1862 he 
was elected to the Legislature, where he took an active part in opposing the 
disloyal measures which the Democratic majority had introduced. In 1864 
Mr. Burchard was re-elected ; during this term he introduced a number of bills 
and succeeded in having them enacted into law ; among them were the following : 
Giving towns and counties power to grant bounties to soldiers enlisting in the 
Union Army : authorizing the votes of L'nion soldiers absent from the State 
to be taken, transmitted and counted ; providing for the registry of voters ; and 
a bill repealing the so-called Black Laws. In 1868 he was a delegate to the 
State convention and took an active part in the campaign of that year. 

In 1869 Mr. Burchard was elected to Congress from the Galena District 
to fill the unexpired term of Hon. E. B. Washburne, who resigned. He was 
afterward re-elected for the four succeeding terms. He served during this 
time two years on the Banking and Currency and eight years on the Wavs and 
Means Committees, and materially assisted in framing and perfecting the im- 
portant measures then being considered. At the close of his fifth term in 
Congress he was appointed Director of the Mint, and held this position until 
after the inauguration of Cleveland in 1885. For his statistical work while 
Director of the Mint he was elected member of the International Statistical 
Institute. He then returned to his home at Freeport and resumed the practice 
of law. Mr. Burchard was a member of the commission appointed bv Governor 
Oglesby to revise the revenue laws of the State, and since the completion of 
this duty his time has been occupied with professional and private business at 
Freeport. except in 1893. when he had the supervision of the Bureau of Awards 
in the Mines and Mining Departments at the World's Fair, and in 1900 was 
Supervisor of the Census for the Third District of Illinois. 

On May 15. 1861. Mr. Burchard was married to Jane Lawver of Lena, 111. 
Mrs. Burchard was educated in the Freeport schools and for a short time at 

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the Rockford Ladies' Seminary, and later at the celebrated Ladies' Seminary 
at Troy, N. Y. She was an accomplished lady and a devoted wife and mother. 
During the sixteen years her husband was a member of Congress and Director 
of the Mint, she was with him at Washington, and accompanied him on his 
travels there and to other places. She died at Freeport, November 17, 1892. 
Their only child, Edward Lawver Burchard, was born June 5, 1867. He was 
graduated at Beloit College in 1891, and in July of that year was appointed by 
Director General Davis stenographer and clerk, and afterward chief clerk, for 
the department of Mines and Mining in the World's Columbian Exposition, 
which position he held until its close, when he became Librarian and Recorder 
for the Field Columbian Museum. In 1897, upon competitive examination, 
taken by about eighty applicants in the principal cities of the United States, he, 
standing the highest, was appointed and now is chief of the division of Archives 
and Library in the Coast and Geodetic Survey at Washington. 



CHARLES MILAN BARRICKMAN. 

Charles Milan Barrickman of Pontiac, 111., was born December 28, 1862, at 
Newton, Livingston county, 111. His father, Benjamin Barrickman, came, with 
his wife, Mary A. Barrickman, to Livingston county in 1832, and pursued the 
occupation of a farmer. Their son Charles was afforded every opportunity for 
securing an education. After passing through the schools of his neighborhood 
he entered the Illinois Wesleyan University at Bloomington, where he completed 
his education. After leaving the university, he taught school for two years, 
studied law, and after an examination before the Supreme Court of the State 
was admitted to the bar in 1889. He at once entered upon the practice of law 
at Pontiac, where he soon established a fine reputation as a lawyer, secured a 
good practice and made many friends. In 1894 Mr. Barrickman was elected to 
the office of County Judge, was re-elected in 1898, and holds that position at the 
date of this writing. 

Judge Barrickman has, by extensive study, fitted himself for the most impor- 
tant public positions of the State. He is keenly alive to all the great movements 
of the day, keeps well posted, not only in regard to his profession, but in the 
great march of public events ; he is an untiring worker and is undoubtedly one of 
the rising men of the State. The Judge is peculiarly gifted by nature for making 
friends — affable, agreeable, assuring in his address, unpretentious, but always 
thoroughly in earnest. He rarely ever meets a man but what they part as 
friends. These points of character, supplemented with zeal and industry in the 
prosecution of just ends, fit Judge Barrickman for a successful career. 

As a judicial officer Judge Barrickman has given the bar and the public 
entire satisfaction. He is clear in his perceptions and logical and incisive in his 
deductions. On the bench he is at once dignified and unostentatious. His pres- 
ence inspires confidence and respect. In the conduct of business he is strictly 
impartial, but sympathetic to both suitors and their counsel. Judge Barrickman 
politically has always been a Republican ; he is a thorough believer in the princi- 
ples of the party, and never fails to perform his part in the political campaigns 
of the State, exerting at all times a most powerful influence for the success of 
his party. The Judge is a member of the Masonic Fraternity and of the Knights 
of Pythias. He is also a member of the Hamilton Club of Chicago. 

Charles Milan Barrickman is an eminent exemplar of that high citizenship 
that cannot be restrained to the limitations of any single state, but rather looks 
out and beyond as is concerned with the fortunes and destiny of the whole land. 
As both judge and layman, he has followed the loftiest ideals and directed his 
influence toward the furtherance of those principles that make for the happiness 
and uplifting of the people. On June 16, 1890, he married Miss Rena M. Ten 
Eick, an estimable lady of Bloomington, 111. Their hospitable home at Pontiac 
is a model of domestic felicity, and an admirable expression of that high idealism 
that sustains and inspires them both. To the literary and social elite of that 
community this home has become a veritable Mecca, and its occupants the 
objects of profound and affectionate regard. 

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CHARLES BOGARDUS. 

The history of such a man as Colonel Charles Bogardus increases the respect 
shown to all those who have been the architects of their own fortunes and who 
have risen to prominence in whatever work they have undertaken. His life is 
but another example of what may be accomplished when a determined spirit is 
at the helm. 

Colonel Bogardus has been identified with the political affairs of Illinois 
as one of the Republican leaders for years, and is one of the oldest members 
of the Senate in point of consecutive service. He is a product of the Empire 
State, born in Cayuga county. March 28, 1841, and when but six years old was 
left an orphan. He obtatined a fair common school education in a "catch-as- 
catch-can ' way, and began working in a city store at the age of twelve ; remained 
nearly four years, when he went with an uncle, a merchant in western New York, 
as clerk, until his enlistment. On his return at the close of the war he became 
a partner and conducted the business until his failing health, resulting from his 
army wounds, caused him to sell out a very successful business. He practiced 
industry and economy, and thus accumulated considerable means, a good stock 
of experience and a fair share of knowledge from school books. 

Prompted by a spirit of patriotism, he enlisted as a private in the One Hun- 
dred and Fifty-first New York Infantry in 1862 and was elected First Lieutenant 
of his company. He was promoted to a captaincy the same year, a position he 
filled in a manner that reflected great credit upon himself, and later he was 
made Lieutenant-Colonel of his regiment, and was the youngest field officer 
commanding in his brigade or division of the Sixth Army Corps. Following 
this he was brevetted to a Colonelcy "for gallant and meritorious service before 
Petersburg, Va." He was twice wounded, once very severely, and captured by 
the enemy. Colonel Bogardus participated in some of the fiercest and bloodiest 
battles of the war, among which may be named Mine Run, the Wilderness, 
Spcttsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Sailor's Creek and Appomattox. In 
1872 he came to the Prairie State and settled in Ford county, where he has 
since made his home, and where he has the unbounded confidence and respect 
of all. In 1885 he was appointed Colonel and Aide-de-Camp by Governor 
Oglesby, and was reappointed in 1889 by Governor Fifer. Colonel Bogardus is 
a practical farmer and stock raiser and has dealt extensively in farm lands as 
buyer and seller. He owns and operates many magnificent farms in the fertile 
prairies of eastern, central and northern Illinois. The Colonel was married to 
Hannah W. Pells of Orleans county, New York, in 1862. They have but one 
child living. 

Colonel Bogardus has a long and honorable record in Illinois politics, 
beginning with his first session in the Illinois House in 1885, an experience 
that tried every member as with fire. It was the famous session when General 
Logan and Colonel Morrison so long fought for election as Linked States Sen- 
ator, and the Legislature was evenly divided politically. Senator Bogardus 
demonstrated his ability as a leader, and was rewarded with a return to the 
House in 1887. The same year he was selected chairman of the Republican 
caucus. In 1888 he was advanced to the Senate, and in the sessions of 1889, 
1893 and 1897 was chairman of the committee to make up the Senate committees 
for the Republicans. In 1892 he was re-elected to the Senate, and in 1895 was 
chosen president pro-tem by acclamation in the Republican caucus — the highest 
place in the gift of the Senate. In 1895, in the absence of the Governor and 
Lieutenant-Governor, he was Constitutional Governor for some time. Mr. 
Bogardus is one of those clear-headed, constructive and able men whose per- 
sistent industry, comprehensive grasp of details and power to marshal them for 
practical results, made him invaluable in committee, where legislation is per- 
fected and all important measures are prepared. During the late war with Spain 
he organized a regiment of splendid men, finely officered, but was unable to get 
them to the front. 

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ELMER E. BARRETT. 

Elmer E. Barrett of Chicago, 111., was born in Kalamazoo, Mich., June 2, 
1863. Mr. Barrett is descended from Irish stock on his father's side, and from 
Welsh ancestry through his mother. His paternal ancestors settled in this 
country before the Revolution, and participated in that great struggle for inde- 
pendence. The Barrett family was represented in the War of 181 2 also, and 
in the late Civil War as well. They are a race of patriotic people, ever ready to 
risk their lives for their country in the defense for the right. Mr. Barrett's 
father was James Henry Barrett, and his mother, before her marriage, was Sarah 
Hopkins. 

Elmer E. Barrett was afforded every opportunity for acquiring a good edu- 
cation. He studied law and was admitted to the bar of the State of Illinois in 
1889, and began the practice of his profession in Chicago, where he soon estab- 
lished a lucrative practice. He became a member of the firm of Shope, Mathis, 
Barrett & Rogers, composed of Honorable Simeon P. Shope, Justice of the 
Supreme Court of the State of Illinois ; John C. Mathis, Esq. ; Mr. Barrett and 
R. M. Rogers, Esq. This firm was, from the start, recognized as one of the 
ablest law firms of the city. Mr. Barrett took an active interest in professional 
education and was one of the founders of the Chicago College of Law, this 
being the law department of the Lake Forest University. He has been one of 
its chief executive officers since its organization, and is now secretary thereof. 
This institution is one of the four largest law schools in the United States. 
Honorable Joseph M. Baily. one of Chicago's most distinguished judges, was 
its first dean. He held this position until his death, and was succeeded as dean 
by Honorable Thomas Moran. Mr. Barrett has added to his reputation as a 
lawyer by his great success as a teacher. He has been largely instrumental in 
establishing the lines of instruction of this institution : its curriculum is broad 
and thorough ; it is not bound down to one method, but has adopted the most 
useful features of all the systems in vogue. 

Mr. Barrett aims to teach the fundamental principles of law upon which 
the American system of jurisprudence rests, and to teach the theory and practice 
of law making, and the principles of construction, so that a student, passing 
through this institution, will be qualified to make his way in the courts. The 
Chicago College of Law, under the influence of Mr. Barrett, advanced the 
requirements of study to three years instead of two as the basis for granting the 
degree of Bachelor of Law. He is president of the Law Journal Print, pub- 
lishers of the Chicago Law Journal, one of the best and best-known legal publi- 
cations of the country. He is a member of the Union League, the Marquette 
and the Press Clubs and the Chicago Athletic Club. He is also a governing 
member of the Art Institute of Chicago. 

Elmer E. Barrett was married in 1883 to Helen Marie Walters. Their 
home is at Western Springs, a convenient suburb of Chicago. 



REUBEN MOORE BENJAMIN. 

In common with other States carved out of the Xorthwest Territory, Illi- 
nois, in her infancy and youth, received as emigrants many sons of Xew York 
State who, thoroughly uniting their own fortunes to hers, gave to their adopted 
State loyal and intelligent service, and in their turn waxed strong with her 
growth and prospered with her prosperity. From 1820 to i860 Illinois received 
from the Empire State many engaged in the learned professions, and particu- 
larly that of law. Among those who thus sought upon the fertile prairies of 
the West a more inviting field for the practice of law than was afforded in their 
native State, was Reuben M. Benjamin, who has achieved in his new home 
an unusual degree of sucess as lawyer and judge. He was born at Chatham 
Center, Columbia county, N. Y., June 29, 1833; the youngest son of Darius 
and Martha (Rogers) Benjamin. ITis ancestors on both sides lived in Con- 
necticut in colonial times and he comes of good old Revolutionary stock, his 

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grandfather. Ebenezer Benjamin, being a captain in the Revolutionary army. 
Then, too. his father was a soldier in the War of 1812. His father and his 
maternal grandfather. Timothy Rogers, were of English, while his maternal 
grandmother. Sarah 1 Moore) Rogers, was of Welsh extraction. 

Reuben M. Benjamin was fitted for college at Kinderhook Academy, Xew 

York, and in 1853 was graduated with honors at Amherst College. Massachu- 

5. He was principal of Hopkins Academy at Hadley. Massachusetts, from 

: '54. a student in Harvard Law School from '54 to '5?. and a tutor in 

Amherst College from '55 to '=,6. In April of the last named year he went to 

mington, 111., and in the following September, upon the examination cer- 
tificate of Abraham Lincoln, was licensed to practice law. Soon after this he 
became a partner with General A. Gridley and Colonel J. H. Wickizer, with 
whom he remained as long as they practiced law. In 1863 he formed a part- 
nership with Thomas F. Tipton, afterwards circuit judge and member of Con- 
gress; and since then, at different times, he has been associated as partner 
with Jonathan H. Rowell, member of Congress for several terms : Lawrence 
Weldon, one of the judges of the Lnited States Court of Claims, and John J. 
Morrissey. In 1869 he was elected a delegate to the convention that framed the' 
State Constitution of 1870. and two years later he was one of the counsel for 
the people in the celebrated Lexington case (by 111. Rep. 11). a case involving 
the question as to the right of railroad corporations arbitrarily to fix their 
charges. He was subsequently employed as special counsel for the State Board 
of Railroad and Warehouse Commissioners and assisted the Attorney General 
in the prosecution of the warehouse case (69 111. Rep. 80), which was taken 
to the Supreme Court of the Cnited States and there being affirmed, estab- 
lished the constitutional power of the Legislature to regulate railroad and 
warehouse charges and thereby protect the public against imposition. The 
Western Jurist says : "It is probable that the people of the State are indebted 
for the results of this agitation to Hon. R. M. Benjamin, of Bloomington. in a 
greater degree than to any other single individual." As member of the Con- 
stitutional Convention, and as counsel in these cases, he made most convincing 
arguments in favor of the rights of the people. 

In 1873 ^ r - Benjamin was elected without opposition to the office of County 
Judge of McLean county: was re-elected in 1877 and in 1882. He preferred not 
to be a candidate again for the office, and accordingly retired from the bench 
at the close of his third term, in December. 1886. Judge Benjamin has ever 
been a student of his profession, and his knowledge of legal principles and of 
precedents is comprehensive and accurate. His reasoning is sound, his deduc- 
tions logical, and he is remarkable among lawyers for the wide research and 
provident care with which he prepares his cases. Lpon the organization of the 
law department of the Illinois Wesleyan L~niversity in 1874, Judge Benjamin 

appointed dean of the faculty. He is still connected with the school. He 
has published the following works : "Student's Guide to Elementarv Law," 
"Principles of the Law of Contracts." and "Principles of the Law of Sales" — 
which are used in several of the leading law schools of the country. In 1880 
the degree of LL. D. was conferred on him by the Illinois Wesleyan Lniversitv. 
Judge Benjamin was married at Chatham, Xew York. September 15, 1856, to 
Laura, daughter of David G. Woodin. who for many years was County Superin- 
tendent of Schools of Columbia county. Xew York. 



EDWARD J. BRUNDAGE. 

Honorable Edward J. Brundage of Chicago, 111., is a native of Xew York 
State. He was born May 13, 1869. in the town of Campbell. The Brundage 
family are old settlers of the western portion of Xew York, chiefly in Steuben 
county. His father, Victor Brundage. married Maria L. Armstrong, who was 
also a native of Xew York. In 1880 they removed with their family to the city 
of Detroit. Mich. Young Brundage attended the public schools of Detroit until 
the death of his father in 1883 when he left school and sought employment, to 

51 in the support of the family. He was employed in a railroad office, where 

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he gave entire satisfaction, so that, in 1885. when the company removed its gen- 
eral offices to Chicago. Mr. Brnndage being then sixteen years of age, came to 
Chicago and remained in the employment oi the company until 1898. 

Never neglecting the business of his employer, the railroad company, he 
devoted all his leisure to hard study, to perfect his education, that he might be 
enabled to carry out his plan of becoming a lawyer. He took up the study of 
law and was admitted to the bar in October. 1892. He then entered the Chicago 
College of Law and graduated with honor from this institution in 1893. 

Mr. Brundage became identified with the Republican party during his early 
manhood, and has been an active political worker, particularly during the cam- 
paign of 1896. which ended in the triumphant election of President McKinley. 
Mr. Brundage has made a wide circle of friends in Chicago, especially in the 
district in which he resides. In 1898 he was nominated by the Republican party 
of the Sixth Senatorial District, as a candidate for the General Assembly, and 
was elected. The ability of Mr. Brundage for public duties was immediately 
recognized by his ass and in the distribution of committees of the house 

he was made chairman of the Committee on Engrossed Bills, and was also a 
member of the committees on Corporations, Insurance, Parks and Boulevards 
and Congressional Apportionment. Mr. Brundage performed the duties of rep- 
resentative so well that his constituents have nominated him to the office of 
Senator, and he is now. at this writing, a candidate in the Sixth Senatorial Dis- 
trict. 

Mr. Brundage has been appointed by Governor Tanner as vice-president 
of the Pan-American Exposition to take place at Buffalo. Xew York, in 1901. 
It is expected that this exposition will be a great success in every respect. Gov- 
ernor Tanner selected Mr. Brundage for the position of vice-president, believing 
that he would have the ability and push to interest the people of Illinois in this 
great undertaking. 

He is a member of the Marquette Club of Chicago : also a member of the 
Royal League, the National Union, the Order of Columbian Knights. Knights 
oi Pythias and of the Masonic Fraternity. He is now an officer in the Lincoln 
Park Commandery of Knights Templar. Mr. Brundage has been an active 
member of all these associations and is a popular man with his associates. L'p 
to this time Mr. Brundage has remained unmarried. 



WILLIAM NICHOLS BUTLER. 

Hon. William X. Butler oi Cairo, 111., was born August l( . [85 . in Berlin, 
n Lake county. Wis. His father was Comfort Edgar Butler : his mother's 
name before marriage was Celestia A. Carter. In 1859 ^ r - Butler rem 
with his family to Pennsylvania, where he resided until the outbreak of the Civil 
War ; he then enlisted in a Pennsylvania regiment for the defense of the country. 
In due course he enlisted the second time in another Pennsylvania regiment and 
served during the war. During the absence of Mr. Butler in the army his family 
removed to Xew York State and made their home among their relatives in 
Canandaigua. In January, 1809. Mr. Butler went to the State of Texas, where 
xpected to make his home. He removed to Illinois, settling at the town of 
Anna. Lnion county: here William X". Butler grew to manhood. After attend- 
ing the local schools at home he entered the University of Illinois at Champaign, 
from which institution he graduated June 7. 1879. In referring to this early 
part of his life Mr. Butler is always pleased to recount the fact that he worked 
at various employment during his university term to earn money to pay his 
way : he worked as a carpenter, a printer, a clerk in a store and as a teacher : 
never, however, neglecting the requirements of the university course. Mr. But- 
ler decided to study law : he had the acquantance and friendship of Judge Monroe 
C. Crawford of Jonesboro : under his instruction he began his studies. In the 
fall of 1881 he entered the Union College of Law of Chicago: it happened that 
he was a classmate and seatmate of Hon. W. J. Bryan. In 1882 Mr. Butler 
entered the senior class of the Albany 1 Xew York) Law School, and upon gradu- 
ating in 1883 I the degree of Bachelor of Law. 




jjte^&M**. 



375 



In August, 1883, he settled at Cairo, 111., and was employed as a clerk in the 
Internal Revenue Service under Gen. C. W. Pavey, collector; he remained in 
this position until the fall of 1884, when he was nominated by the Republican 
party of Alexander county for the office of State's Attorney and was elected. 
Mr. Butler now entered upon the professional career he had labored so hard to 
fit himself for, and which had for years been his ambition. He at once took 
rank among the ablest men at the bar ; the fact that he was thrice re-elected, and 
filled this important office for sixteen years to the satisfaction of the people, is 
conclusive evidence of his ability and popularity. Mr. Butler was Corporation 
Counsel for the city of Cairo for two years from 1895, and has also been a mem- 
ber of the Board of Education for six years. He has been closely identified with 
the official management of the affairs of the Republican party of his county and 
district. He was chairman of the Republican Central Committee of Alexander 
county for six years ; chairman of the Republican Committees of the Supreme 
Court District and of the Republican Judicial Committee of the First Circuit 
for 1889. In 1888 he was an alternate delegate to the National Republican 
Convention of that year. Mr. Butler has also been identified with the Illinois 
National Guard; he was Captain and Adjutant of the old Ninth Regiment. He 
belongs to three fraternal societies — the Masons, Odd Fellows and the Knights 
of Pythias. Probably the most highly appreciated honor conferred upon him 
was the presidency of the Alumni Association of the University of Illinois, which 
he held during 1888 and 1889, and again in 1899-1900. 

Mr. Butler, although not a member, is a regular attendant upon the serv- 
ices of the Presbyterian Church, and is a trustee of the church at Cairo. He 
was married to Mary Mattoon, October 28, 1885, at Fairbury, 111. Mr. and Mrs. 
Butler have an interesting family of six children, namely — Comfort Straght, born 
in 1887; William Glenn, 1890; Franklin Mattoon, 1892; Mary, 1894; Helen, 
1897, and John Bruce, i< 



WILLIAM J. CALHOUN. 

William J. Calhoun of Chicago, 111., was born October 5, 1848, in Pittsburg, 
Penn. He is of Scotch-Irish descent. His father, Robert Calhoun, was born 
in County Tyrone, Ireland. He was a descendant of the Scotch clan known 
as the Colquohus. He emigrated to the United States when a young man, and 
first located in Pittsburg, Pa., where he married Sarah A. Knox. Her father 
was also of Scotch descent, the family tree extending back and including the 
celebrated John Knox of Scotland. Her father, prior to his emigration to the 
United States, was an officer in the British Army ; her grandfather was Captain 
John Knox, who wrote and published what is called "Knox's Diary," a history 
of the French and English wars in Canada, in which he participated. Parkman 
in his histories frequently refers thereto. His mother died in 1858. Robert 
Calhoun was engaged in mercantile pursuits until he lost his health, when in 
i860 he retired to a farm in Mahoning county, Ohio, where he died in 1866. 

William J. Calhoun was educated in the common schools and took a three 
year course of study at Poland Union Seminary, Poland, Ohio. He came to 
Illinois in 1869, settling at Areola, Douglas county, where he lived some two 
years ; he taught country schools, worked on a farm and commenced the study 
of law. He removed to Danville, 111. ; was admitted to the bar in 1875, an d tne 
same year formed a law partnership with Hon. J. B. Mann of Danville. The 
firm had a large practice. Mr. Calhoun rose rapidly in the profession, made 
many friends, and was popular with his political associates. 

In 1882 he received the Republican nomination for the Legislature and 
was elected ; he served one term and declined re-election. His legislative career 1 
gave entire satisfaction to his constituents. In 1884 he was elected State's 
Attorney of Vermillion county, and held that office for one term. The partner- 
ship with Mr. Mann was dissolved during this period, and Mr. Calhoun, now 
well established in his profession, took rank as one of the leading lawyers 
practicing at the bar. In 1892 Mr. Calhoun was appointed General Attorney 
of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad Company, and remained in the service 
of that corporation until March, 1898. While at all times earnestly devoted to 

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his profession, and always reluctant to be drawn away from the regular practice 
of the law by the acceptance of office, he has been an earnest and active Repub- 
lican, working for the success of the party in the interest of good government. 
In 1896 Mr. Calhoun was a delegate from Vermillion county to the Republican 
State convention, and took the leading part in that exciting convention in sup- 
port of a resolution instructing the delegates at large to the Republican National 
convention to support William McKinley for the Presidential nomination. Mr. 
Calhoun exhibited great tact and judgment in his management of this question; 
he separated it absolutely from the contests over the State nominations ; no one 
supporting his resolution became complicated thereby in respect to any other 
question. His resolution was adopted. 

The success of the campaign brought Mr. Calhoun prominently forward 
as a Republican leader in the State, and his close friendship with President 
McKinley added nationally to his influence and power. Mr. Calhoun was one 
of the leading stump orators in Illinois during the campaign of 1896, and sus- 
tained himself admirably before the people as an eloquent and forceful speaker. 
When William McKinley became President he was anxious to have Mr. Calhoun 
identified with his administration. He had great confidence in his ability, his 
judgment and his loyalty, and believed that such a man would be of great service 
to the country. The President tendered Mr. Calhoun the appointment of Comp- 
troller of the Treasury, which he declined ; he felt that he would not be justified 
in giving up his law practice ; but in May, 1897, Mr. Calhoun accepted the 
appointment of the American Counsel to the Joint Commission of Spain and 
the United States to investigate the circumstances attending the death in Cuba 
of Dr. Ruiz, an alleged American citizen. The action of Mr. Calhoun in this 
case brought to light and emphasized the terrible barbarity of Spanish rule in 
Cuba. In March, 1898, Mr. Calhoun was appointed Interstate Commerce Com- 
missioner to succeed Hon. William R. Morrison. He accepted that position, 
but resigned it in October. 1899, to re-enter the practice of law. He is now a 
member of the law firm of Pam, Calhoun & Glennon, with offices in the Rookery 
in Chicago. 

Mr. Calhoun married Alice Harmon, December 30, 1875, at Danville, 111. 
Miss Harmon was born in Mumford, Monroe county, N. Y. Mrs. Calhoun died 
August 17, 1898, leaving surviving her two daughters, Marian and Corinne 
Calhoun. 



CHARLES C CARNAHAN. 

Charles C. Carnahan of Chicago is a self-made man. He is of that type of 
strenuous young men who, by their own native ability, energy and upright 
character, carve for themselves successful and honorable public careers and 
elevate official life. He has risen from the humble walks of life to success in 
the legal profession and to bright prospects for his future political career. 

He was born at Cochran's Mills, a small village in western Pennsylvania, 
on the 3d day of April, 1868. He received his early education in the village 
schools. At the age of seventeen he taught school in his home village for ten 
months. He received his collegiate education at Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, 
Mich. In the spring of 1890 he passed the preliminary law examination in Kit- 
tanning, the county seat of his home county, and was then registered as a law 
clerk and read law in the office of J. W. King, a prominent attornev there, until 
the fall of 1891, at which time he came to Chicago and entered the Chicago 
College of Law, a branch of the Lake Forest University, and was admitted to 
the bar by the Supreme Court of Illinois in 1892. He received the degree of 
LL.B. from the Lake Forest University in the spring of 1893. 

Immediately upon his admission to the bar he opened an office in the Cham- 
ber of Commerce building, Chicago, and on the 1st of Januarv, 1893, formed 
a partnership with James Heckman under the firm name of Heckman & Carna- 
han. which partnership continued for four years and was then dissolved, and 
the firm of Heath, Carnahan & Stoll was entered into in the spring of 1897, 
which continued until the spring of 1899. and was then dissolved on account of 
Mr. Heath, the senior member of the firm, going East to act as counsel for a 

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large corporation. The present firm of Carnahan, Slusser & Hawkes was 
shortly thereafter formed. Mr. Slusser of said firm is the present State's Attor- 
ney of Du Page county, and the firm has a large and lucrative civil practice in 
Chicago. In recent years Mr. Carnahan has been connected with some of the 
largest litigation in Cook county. He for years has been a member of the 
Chicago Bar Association and the Chicago Law Institute, is a member of the 
political action committee of the Lincoln Club of Chicago and identified with 
a number of societies. He was married in 1894 to Katherine A. Hawkes, and 
they resided for a time in the suburb of Downers Grove, in DuPage county, in 
which county, at the time of Mr. Carnahan's removal to the city, he was a 
member of the Republican County Central Committee. In 1900 he was the 
Republican nominee for Congress in the Fifth Congressional District. 

Mr. Carnahan spent his early days, while not attending school, practically 
from bovhood and until he entered upon his collegiate course, clerking in his 
father's general store in his home village, and in the harvest season he assisted 
in taking the harvest from his father's farm located near the village. He springs 
from good old American stock, some of his people dating back to the Revolu- 
tion, his maternal great-grandfather having received at the hands of the govern- 
ment a large tract of land, on which the village of Worthington now stands in 
western Pennsylvania, for services rendered the government during the Revo- 
lution. The family names of his grandparents are respectively. Carnahan and 
Funk, McKee and Henry. His parents, William H. and Maria L. Carnahan, 
now reside at Apollo, Pa., and are among the oldest and most highly respected 
citizens in the countv. 



HENRY H. CARR. 

Henry H. Carr, of Chicago, was born June 20. 1844. in Xorthville, LaSalle 
county, 111. His parents returned to Xew York, their native state, when he was 
a child, but when he was about nine years old they again came to Illinois, and 
settled in LaSalle county. The father was a man of fine business sense and 
great enterprise. He founded the city of Sandwich. 111., and successfully en- 
gaged in the general merchandise and grain business. 

Henry LI. Carr grew up amid the busy life in which his father was engaged, 
and was taught the rudiments of a successful business career. He attended the 
best schools of his neighborhood, was a studious boy. and at the age of fifteen 
entered a commercial college at Chicago, and studied during the winter of 1859- 
1860. Completing his course, he returned home and went to work in his father's 
store. W Tien eighteen years of age. with the consent of his parents, he enlisted in 
Companv H, One Hundred and Fifth Regiment Illinois Volunteers, for three 
years. His regiment was chiefly engaged in the campaigns of the Army of the 
Cumberland, and during his three years' service it took part in nearly all the 
battles of the Atlanta campaign, marched with Sherman to the sea. up the 
coast, and participated in the grand review of the Federal armies at Washington 
at the close of the war. He was mustered out at Chicago in June, 1865. 

After leaving the army Mr. Carr decided to go west : he secured a position 
with a large western supply firm at Leavenworth, Kan., a shipping point which 
then bid fair to grow into permanent importance. The completion of the LTiion 
Pacific railroad changed all this, and Mr. Carr returned to Chicago and took a 
position in Martin O'Brien's Art Emporium. In 1867 he moved to Ouincy. 
HI., where he remained three years with the wholesale and retail house of W. IT. 
Johnson & Co. In 1869 he returned to Chicago and engaged with Field, Leiter 
*& Co. There he remained but a short time. An opening occurred in the Board 
of Trade firm of E. F. Pulsifer & Co., and he secured an interest therein, and 
was connected with that commission house for six years. In the spring of 1877 
his health became impaired, and he was obliged to seek a respite from business 
cares. Mr. Carr then made several trips to the Black Hills, combining business 
with pleasure. In the fall of 1878 he engaged in sheep raising in Texas, but in 
the following spring returned to Chicago. Xow perfectly restored in health, 
he sought a new connection in the grain trade, and as a result was soon asso- 
ciated with Xorman B. Ream. In 1884 Mr. Ream withdrew from active interest 

380 





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in the concern, when the firm of H. H. Carr & Co. was established, with N. B. 
Ream as special partner. These relations continued for two years, when Mr. 
Ream withdrew. Thereupon Mr. Carr departed from the old-fashioned methods 
of trade and originated the system of direct consignments among the farmers. 
The movement, slow at first, soon acquired momentum, until to-day the firm of 
which he is at the head stands unrivaled among its class. When he began to 
advocate his shipping reform he encountered all sorts of opposition. The coun- 
try buyers, seeing in his success the downfall of their business, fought him bit- 
terly at every point. He was sneered at and ridiculed as "The Farmer's Friend." 

Mr. Carr is a Republican of the old school. He has persistently refused 
to become a candidate for office, yet he is always found to be working for the' 
success of the Republican party and the advancement of good, sound Republican 
principles. He is a public-spirited man and has done much to promote business 
interests of Chicago. He is a life member of the Young Men's Christian Asso- 
ciation, and belongs to a number of social and business clubs. He is also a 
member of several fraternal societies. For several years he was secretary of 
the Grain Receivers' Association and did much to assist in improving the ter- 
minal facilities of the railroads entering Chicago. 

Henry H. Carr was married March I, 1877. to Alary Jane Hobbs of Chicago. 
Thev have two children, Maude and Mabelle B. Carr. 



THEODORE G. CASE. 

Among the noted lawyers of the State is the subject of this sketch. He is 
a native of Xew York, his birth occurring in Castleton, July 13, 1853, where 
he received an academic education. In early manhood he engaged for a time 
in railroading in Texas and elsewhere, but soon returned to Xew York and 
devoted himself assiduously to the study of law. He first read in the office of 
Linn & Babbitt of Jersey City, but later in that of the famous William M. Evarts, 
from which two sources he acquired the foundation of a splendid legal education. 
Succeeding his work in these two offices he took a full course in the Law School 
of the University of Xew York, finally graduating with distinguished honors. 
He soon began practicing at Green Bay, Wis., and at once took a front rank 
among western practitioners. He became one of the solicitors of the Farmers' 
Loan and Trust Company, and was assigned to conduct the foreclosure of that 
company's first and second mortgages on the Green Bay & Minnesota rail- 
road's property and appurtenances in Wisconsin. Opposing him were some of 
the brightest lawyers in the State, but Mr. Case succeeded in securing for his 
client a decree for $6,300,000. Many other important cases came under his 
management. He was engaged on one side or the other in nearly all the greatest 
cases which came before the local court. One of the most important was Jen- 
nings vs. Green Bay & Minnesota railway, in which the Supreme Court of the 
State sustained Mr. Case's claim that mandamus would lie against a municipality 
to enforce issuance of bonds voted to aid in building a railroad. This point was 
then new, but has now come into general practice, both in State and in Federal 
courts. In 1885 he resigned his position as general counsel for the Green Bay, 
Winona & St. Paul Railroad Company, the purchasers of the property of the 
Green Bay & Minnesota Railroad Company, and moved to St. Louis, Mo., 
where he represented the trustees and bondholders of and secured a decree 
against the St. Louis, Hannibal & Keokuk Railroad Company for over $1,250,- 
000. While at St. Louis Mr. Case won some of his most notable victories 
against such eminent men as John B. Henderson, B. Gratz Brown, Patrick Dyer 
and ex-Governor Reynolds. Xone but a lawyer of the highest ability, the most 
consummate sagacity, and the widest range of learning, could have held his own 
against the odds that Mr. Case was compelled to face. That he successfully did 
so and that he surpassed many of them as an adroit lawyer of great versatility 
prove him to be one of the most successful, and therefore one of the best, 
lawyers in the West. The results of his excellent work are to be seen in many 
volumes of State and Federal reports. On pages 36, 471 and 769 of Volume 22 
of the Federal Reporter may be read some of his remarkable successes. The 

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383 



one on page 471 where Justice Brewer reversed Judge Treat in the United 
States Circuit Court in favor of all the contentions of Mr. Case in the case of 
Blair, Trustee, vs. St. Louis, Hannibal & Keokuk railroad, is a marked evidence 
of the correctness of Mr. Case's legal acumen and judgment. 

In 1886 Mr. Case came to Chicago and began active work in the local courts. 
Though his practice has been general, he has to some extent made criminal and 
personal injury cases his specialty. One of the notable cases conducted by him 
here was that of Holdom, etc., vs. Ancient Order of United Workmen. In 1889 
he secured a ruling in the Cook County Criminal Court that has since been in 
constant practice. He scored another important victory in the case of Bowman 
vs. Bowman, 24 111. App. 165. His work in the Schwartz, Painter, Sutter and 
Ryan murder cases would alone make any lawyer famous. His great cases are 
too numerous to specify here. Many of his personal injury cases are the most 
notable in the history of the bar of the West. In one instance he obtained a 
verdict for $50,000, the largest ever secured in the West. Through his instru- 
mentality the Short Cause Calendar Law became a reality. It is not too much 
to say that Mr. Case is one of the most eminent lawyers in the country. 



ETHELBERT CALLAHAN. 

Ethelbert Callahan of Robinson, Crawford county, 111., was born December 
17, 1829, in Jersey, Licking county, Ohio. John Callahan, his father, was born 
in Union county, Pa., and was of Scotch-Irish descent. His mother, Margaret 
Brown, was born at Bowling Green, Ky., August 25, 1805, and was of English 
descent. Mr. and Mrs. Callahan, the father and mother of Ethelbert, had re- 
ceived the common school educations of that period, were people of respecta- 
bility, honest and industrious, and were members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. They sent their son to the common schools of Ohio, and were deeply 
interested in giving him the best possible education. He soon acquired a love 
of books, and was especially devoted to the study of history, ancient and modern. 

When Ethelbert Callahan was fifteen years of age a circumstance occurred 
which no doubt gave direction to his whole life. He happened to be at Newark, 
Ohio, during a term of the Circuit Court, when a trial came off, in which Henry 
Stansbery and Thomas Ewing, two of the greatest lawyers of the State, were 
opposing counsel. This contest of these intellectual legal athletes aroused in- 
terest in young Ethelbert, and he began to think of making himself a lawyer. 
Being ambitious of self-support, and unwilling to depend on his father, who had 
met with some financial reverses, at twenty years of age he went from his home 
in Ohio to Crawford county, 111., reaching there in March, 1849. He obtained 
employment as a school teacher during the winter months, and worked upon a 
farm during summer for two years. He then secured employment in a retail 
store and continued in this business for two years. During these years he had 
not neglected his education, he had extended his knowledge as a school man, 
and had devoted much of his time to standard literature. In 1853 he took up 
newspaper work and published the "Wabash Sentinel," at Hutsonville. In 1854 
he edited the "Marshall Telegraph," published at Marshall, Clark county, 111., 
and took an active part in the political discussions growing out of the "Know 
Nothing" campaign of that year. In 1857 Mr. Callahan was elected Justice of 
the Peace. This position gave him the opportunity and the time which he had 
long been looking forward to. He began the study of law, and devoted himself 
assiduously to the task. He was admitted to the bar and licensed by the 
Supreme Court of Illinois in 1859. ^ n Ju ne > 1861, Mr. Callahan removed to 
Robinson and began the practice of law. In the same year he was appointed 
Master in Chancery of Crawford county. 

Mr. Callahan's career as a lawyer has been successful. In every court 
where he appears he is recognized as a lawyer of unquestioned ability. Like 
most lawyers practicing in the smaller cities, Mr. Callahan practices all branches 
of the profession. The Chancery Docket, the Civil Docket and the Criminal 
Docket will have his name entered opposite many cases. He is untiring in his 
efforts to serve his clients. He has been the leading counsel for the defence in 

384 




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some of the most important murder cases that have come to trial in his portion 
of the State. In the trial of such cases, in the preparation of the instructions 
to the court, and in forensic efforts before the jury he has shown himself to be 
a man of ability. 

Mr. Callahan became interested in political questions early in life. His 
attitude in politics was such that he naturally allied himself with the Anti- 
Xebraska movement in 1854. He was full of the political opinions upon which 
the Republican party was established, and was one of the organizers of the 
party in his county. In July, 1856, he made the first Republican speech in Craw- 
ford county, in a Quaker church on "Quaker Lane." He ardently espoused 
the cause of Freemont, Bissell and the whole Republican ticket, and with George 
W. Peck and James H. Steele, made a school house canvass of Crawford county. 
Mr. Callahan also made a number of speeches that year in other counties in 
the State. He was appointed by Governor Oglesby a member of the first State 
Board of Equalization. Mr. Callahan has been four times elected to the Illinois 
Legislature, namely : To the Twenty-ninth, Thirty-sixth, Thirty-seventh and 
Thirty-eighth General Assemblies. He took an active part in all the important 
legislation of those sessions. He has been a delegate to a number of the State 
Republican conventions ; twice chosen as a Presidential Elector for his Con- 
gressional District, and was twice elected to that position, in 1880 and in 1888. 
Mr. Callahan has shown himself to be a public-spirited man, having advocated 
and assisted all public improvements in his section of the State. He was one 
of the projectors of the Paris & Danville Railroad, and was a member of the' 
construction company that built the road from Danville to Lawrenceville, 111. 

Mr. Callahan joined the Methodist Episcopal Church when twelve years 
of age, and has continued his membership with that church. He was a delegate 
to the General Conference of the church at Brooklyn, X. Y., in 1872, and was 
an Alternate Delegate to the General Conference at Chicago in 1900. Having 
been raised on a farm he has never lost his love for the fields and growing crops, 
and as a result Air. Callahan has invested most of his savings in farm land. He 
is above the average size, being six feet one inch in height, and possesses a 
powerful frame, and, although weighing 240 pounds, is a man of activity and 
easy carriage. 

Ethelbert Callahan married Airs. Alary B. Jones, June 2.7, 1854. Airs. 
Callahan's maiden name was Barlow. She is a native of Crawford county ; her 
parents were raised in Kentucky, and were related to the Alarshall family. His 
daughter Alary Callahan was a member of the Ladies' Auxiliary to the World's 
Fair in 1893 from Illinois. 

DONALD M. CARTER. 

Donald AI. Carter of Chicago, was born September 10, 1868, at Collins- 
ville, Aladison County, 111. His father, Henry T. Carter, was born in Mary- 
land, and came to Illinois in his youth. He married Alariam Smith, the mother 
of the subject of this sketch. Henry T. Carter died in 1876, leaving his son, 
then eight years years of age, to be reared and educated by his mother. Mrs. 
Carter was a woman of discretion and good judgment, and was very anxious 
that her children should have every possible facility for receiving an education, 
that she could afford them. 

The common schools in Aladison County were of a high class, and in these 
Donald AI. Carter laid a solid foundation for an education. He then entered the 
high school and graduated with honor. For a time he attended a commercial 
college in St. Louis, but was not especially attracted by this line of education and 
soon gave it up. He entered the Iowa State college at Ames, 
Iowa, taking the course in mechanical engineering, giving special 
attention to electrical work. He graduated from this institution 
in 1 89 1 with the degree of B. AI. E. He at once obtained employment as an 
engineer and continued in this service until 1893. He had now attained his 
twenty-fifth year, had associated with many prominent, educated men. and de- 
cided that his true field was that of the law. He entered the law office of Francis 
W. Parker, of Chicago, and began the study of law. He attended the night law 

386 




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387 



school of the Chicago College of Law and finished a course in that institution in 
J 895, when, upon the usual examination, he was admitted to the bar and licensed 
by the Supreme Court of the state of Illinois. Not content with this preparation, 
Mr. Carter took a post graduate course in the Law department in Lake Forest 
University, graduating from that institution in 1896 with the degree of L. L. B. 
He now felt qualified to undertake the important duties of a law office in Chicago, 
and soon found an opportunity for taking an active hand in the practice of his 
profession. Mr. Parker was called to Europe on important business in 1897, 
and Mr. Carter was given charge of his office and practice. L^pon the return 
of Mr. Parker from Europe, he was so well satisfied with the services rendered 
during his absence that he invited Mr. Carter to a partnership in his business, and 
the firm of Parker & Carter was established, where they now have offices, at Xo. 
1410 Marquette Building, Chicago. 

Mr. Carter deservedly stands high with his professional brethren at the 
Chicago bar. He looks back upon the days when he was acquiring an education 
and feels a profound pleasure and gratitude at the encouragement received from 
his mother and her persistent efforts for securing him an education. Mrs. 
Carter, his mother, is still living at this writing and has great pride in the honor- 
able career and success of her son. It is proper to state that while Mr. Carter 
was studying at the Iowa State college, he took a four years' course in military 
drill, and became so proficient in military affairs that he was commissioned cap- 
tain in the Iowa militia. Since coming to Chicago, Mr. Carter has become a 
member of the Union League Club, the Hamilton Club and the Royal Arcanum. 
In politics, Mr. Carter is a Republican. This, of course, will be readily under- 
stood from the fact that he is a member of the Hamilton Club of Chicago, an 
institution organized particularly in the interests of the Republican party, and 
conducted in the most liberal, intelligent and energetic manner for promoting 
the success of that great party. Mr. Carter is thoroughly^ familiar with the 
principles of the party, is proud of its record, and takes an active interest in its 
success at the polls. 



EUGENE CARY. 

Judge Eugene Cary was born in Boston, Erie County, X. Y., February 20, 
1835. He is descended from some of the first settlers of the Plymouth Colony, 
who came to this country early in the seventeenth century. His ancestors all 
bore an honorable and loyal part in their country's service and history. The 
first sixteen years of his life were passed on his father's farm, and the education 
he received during this time was such as the country district school afforded; 
he was an apt student and readily mastered the rudiments, thus laying the 
foundation for a substantial education. At the age of sixteen he started out on 
his own resources. He taught school several terms, employing his leisure 
hours in studying law. He then entered the law office of Judge David Taylor 
at Sheboygan, Wis., and later that of Judge James Sheldon and Judge X^athan 
K. Hall at Buffalo. He began the practice of law at Sheboygan when twenty- 
one years old. He was soon elected City Attorney, and in 1857, when twenty- 
two years old, was made County Judge of Sheboygan County. 

Upon the outbreak of the Civil War he at once enlisted and served as 
Captain of the First Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and later as Judge Advocate 
on the staff of the General Commanding the first division of the Fourteenth 
Army Corps, the Army of the Cumberland. Soon after the close of the war, 
Judge Cary settled in Xashville, Tenn., and served one term in the State Senate 
and one term as Judge of the Circuit Court. The Judge had two brothers 
serving in the Union Army during the war, both surgeons, one of whom died 
in the service; an uncle was a soldier in the American War of 1812 and was 
killed in battle, and his Grandfather Cary served in the Revolutionary Army ; 
thus it is seen that Judge Cary belongs to a patriotic family, a fact of which he 
may be justly proud. 

In 1857, while practicing law in Sheboygan, Judge Cary was also local 
agent for the Aetna and the Hartford Insurance Companies. After the war, 

388 





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when living at Nashville, he became Tennessee State Agent for the Aetna- In 
October, 1871, he came to Chicago, where he organized and managed the West- 
ern Department of the Imperial Insurance Company. Two years later he 
accepted the management of the Western Department, at Chicago, of the 
German American Insurance Company, which position he has successfully held 
for twenty-seven years. Judge Cary is a cautious and conservative underwriter, 
and the success of the company under his charge is ample testimony of the 
value and efficiency of his methods. He stands high in the esteem of under- 
writers in the United States, and is always called upon to serve on important 
committees of the various underwriting organizations, having been twice elected 
to the Presidency of the Western Union, the most powerful for good of all the 
organizations of fire insurance men. 

Judge Eugene Cary is an ardent Republican, takes a deep interest in all 
that pertains to the welfare of his country, and has always been found ready to 
do his whole duty as a citizen, either as a lawyer, a judge, a legislator, or a busi- 
ness man. He was solicited in 1883 to accept the nomination for Mayor of 
the city of Chicago on the Republican ticket. He made an aggressive cam- 
paign, and although he failed to secure the office, it was generally conceded 
that he received a large majority of the legal votes cast, but was defeated by 
the peculiar "counting out'' method then in vogue in Chicago. 

Judge Eugene Cary is held in high esteem by his friends in the various 
social organizations and clubs of which he is a member. He served one term 
as Commander of the Illinois Commandery of the Loyal Legion, one term as 
President of the Commercial Club of Chicago, the leading business club of the 
West, and in January, 1900, was elected President of the Union League Club, 
the foremost social and political club of Chicago. 



FREDERICK E. COYNE. 

Mr. Coyne was born in East Orange, N. J., in i860. In early life he at- 
tended the public schools, but upon reaching the age of twelve years was obliged 
to go to work. He was one of a large family, and through the misfortune and ill 
health of his father found himself, thus early in life, thrown to a large extent 
upon his own resources. His early life was uneventful, but was characterized by 
his efforts to secure an education, and by the hard work necessary to sustain him- 
self. One of his first occupations was to sell newspapers, T5ut he soon secured a 
position as clerk in a store, and in 1879, when but nineteen years of age, he con- 
cluded that the west would afford him better opportunities than the east, and 
accordingly went to Kansas City, but not meeting the favorable opening antici- 
pated, he returned for a while to New Jersey. In 1883 he came to Chicago, and 
ere long began a system of furnishing quick popular lunches in the business 
center of the city. This business grew rapidly until the name of Coyne was 
synonymous with superior bakery products and lunches. His present business 
may be said to be wholesale bakery, but he is also proprietor of two large 
lunch rooms, located respectively at 179 Lake street and 164 Madison street. 

He has been a Republican since he was old enough to know the nature of 
political policies. His political principles may be said to have been inherited 
from his father, who was an unswerving Republican. Mr. Coyne has never 
sought public office, but his services during the National Campaign of 1896 were 
so eminent and effective that President McKinley, in recognition thereof, ap- 
pointed him Collector of Internal Revenue, First District of Illinois, which posi- 
tion he yet holds. The receipts from this office for the last fiscal year were $14,- 
748,000 as against $5,700,000 the preceding year. Mr. Coyne is a member of the 
Union League, Hamilton, Marquette, and Menoken Clubs. 

He was married in 1886 to Pauline Neihaus of Chicago, a native of Indiana. 
They have four children, two boys and two girls, ranging in age from two and 
one-half years to twelve years, and their home at 795 Warren avenue is a very 
happy one to which Mr. Coyne is very much devoted. 

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WILLIAM G. COCHRAN. 

The present Circuit Judge in the Sixth Judicial Circuit of Illinois is William 
G. Cochran, who has distinguished himself in the judicial affairs of the State. 
He was born in Ross county, Ohio, November 13, 1844, and is now a resident 
of Sullivan, Moultrie county, 111. His father, Andrew Cochran, followed the 
occupation of farming, and was an upright and respected citizen of their com- 
munity. The father was Justice of the Peace for many years, which fact had 
much to do in turning the mind of the subject of this sketch in the direction 
of the legal profession. In fact, it may be stated that the son, while under the 
jurisdiction of the father, formed his determination to become a lawyer. He 
attended the district schools for about twelve months in all, and as he expressed 
it, "that was the extent of my school education." As a boy he was strong and 
active, did not fear hard work, and enjoyed fun as well as any boy in the State, 
worked hard on the farm, feeding many head of cattle and in general conducting 
the laborious task of routine farming, continuing thus through his boyhood. 
He says of himself that "I could eat anything set before me, and was never 
troubled about the kind of food, but always wanted quantity." As a boy and 
as a young man he was not addicted to drink. 

At the age of sixteen he enlisted in the Union army and served three years, 
at the expiration of which time he was honorably mustered out. He paticipated 
in many arduous campaigns and bloody battles, and did not receive a scratch 
during the whole war. He came to Illinois as early as 1849 in a wagon, and 
settled on a farm two miles north of Lovington, Moultrie county, and there his 
parents lived until their respective deaths. After his return from the war in 
1865 he began farming again. In September, 1866, he was united in marriage 
to Charlotte A. Keyes, of Pickaway county, Ohio, and moved on a farm south 
of Lovington, where he resided until January 1, 1873, when he moved into Lov- 
ington and engaged in mercantile business. He continued thus for about three 
years, when he began the study of law alone. He was admitted to the bar on 
May 23, 1879. He practiced in Moultrie and adjoining counties until June 
7, 1897, when he was elected Circuit Judge as above stated. Previous to this, 
in 1888, he was brought forward by the Republicans of his county as a candidate 
for the House of Representatives, made the canvass and was elected. He took 
his seat on January 17, 1889, and served two years to the satisfaction of his 
constituents. At a special session held in 1890, so prominent was he in the 
Legislature, he was elected Speaker of the House, and was re-elected in 1894 
and 1895. In 1896 he was again elected to the Legislature, but resigned in June, 
1897, to accept the position of Circuit Judge. 

He has the reputation of being one of the soundest lawyers and ablest 
judges in the State. His decisions are well known for the strength of the posi- 
tions taken by him. In May, 1896, he was elected Commander of the G. A. R. 
for Illinois and served one year. In 1897 Governor Tanner appointed him 
Trustee of the Soldier's Orphan's Home at Normal. He was elected President 
of the Board of Trustees of that institution, which position he now holds. While 
in the Legislature he was placed upon some of the most important committees, 
such as the Judiciary, Judicial Department and Internal Revenue, Civil Service, 
etc. He served as chairman of several of these committees. From his earliest 
boyhood he was opposed to slavery, and has been a Republican since he en- 
tered the army. He is a member of the Masonic, Odd Fellows, and G. A. R. 
Societies. He is a Methodist and was a lay delegate to the general conference 
which met in Chicago, May, 1900. He is very fond of his family and home, 
and takes great pleasure in talking with his old comrades in arms. In several 
important campaigns of the Republican party he has taken the stump, and has 
proved a powerful and convincing speaker. 

Mrs. Cochran died December 14, 1899, leaving five children surviving her, 
three sons and two daughters. The death of Mrs. Cochran was a great blow 
to the family, especially to her husband. Mrs. Cochran was a woman of fine 
sense and judgment, was a most faithful wife and mother, and Judge Cochran 
feels, and is frank to say, that his success in life has been largely due to the faith 
that she had in him, and the encouragement and support she gave him in 

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every laudable effort he made to rise in his profession and in political life. The 
Judge is now striving to give his children a better opportunity tor obtaining 



education and knowledge than he had himself. 



JAMES H. CLARK. 

In the midst of the failures and disasters of life it is a pleasure to review the 
career of Tames H. Clark and to recognize tlie push and determination which 
have brought to bear to yield such good returns. The record of his life is one 
of interest, for it shows what can be accomplished when one possesses the deter- 
mination to forge ahead and has the wisdom to make the most of opportunities 
which present themselves. Mr. Clark is a native of Indiana, born in Putnam 
county. February 20. 1830. and now has a pleasant home at Mattoon, 111. His 
father. John Clark, was born in Washington county, Ky.. August 13. 1805. and 
died at Indianapolis, Ind.. July 19. 1899. His mother, whose maiden name was 
Elizabeth Newman, was born in Virginia. September 26, 1808. and died at Mat- 
toon. III. January 14. 1885. When but four years old she moved with her parents 
from the Old Dominion to Washington county. Ky. ; grew to womanhood and 
was there married to John Clark in 1820. While a resident of Putnam county. 
John Clark became one of the founders oi the Indiana Asbury University, now 
the famous DePauw University of Greencastle. Ind.. and contributed one of the 
lirst 8100 toward its establishment. Agricultural pursuits was his chosen calling 
in life. At the breaking out of the Rebellion in 18(31 Mr. Clark, with his four 
sons, was an ardent Union man. Four of the sons entered the Union Army. 
One died ten days after his time was out while marching with Sherman to At- 
lanta, but the others served until the close of the war. receiving honorable dis- 
charges. 

The vigorous climate of his native county and the frugal and sturdy habits 
and occupations of his parents gave to James H. Clark a sound constitution, 
which has had much to do with his success in life. He was educated in the pub- 
lic schools, made good use of the opportunities afforded him. and then entered 
the Indiana Asbury University, where he took the scientific course for two years. 
Like many other prominent men. Mr. Clark's desire, as a means to an end. was 
to teach, and he wielded the birch for some time. Later he gave this up and 
engaged in mercantile pursuits, but soon sold out and went to Mattoon, 111.. 
where he engaged in the same occupation, meeting with unusual success. This 
was in 1861, when excitement was at its height. The Democracy of Coles and 
adjoining counties were so opposed to the war that it became necessary for 
all union men to organize for defense of both city and property. This was done 
through the Union League, which organization Mr. Clark was most active in 
sustaining-. In this way he was brought into politics and received the appoint- 
ment of postmaster from President Grant in 1869, and re-appointment to the 
same position in 1873. President Hayes and President Garfield gave him the 
same position during their administrations, and he only retired in 1885. when 
President Cleveland came into power, making sixteen consecutive years. 

His first vote was cast for President Lincoln in 1804. and since then he has 
been an active supporter of the Republican party. In 1872 he was first made 
a member of the Republican State Central Committee, which position he held 
until i8gj. when he was made chairman of the committee, retiring in 1804. when 
his time was out. In 1800 he was appointed by President Harrison as Bank 
Fxaminer for Kentucky, a position he held for two vears, resigning on account 
of sickness of his wife. With others he organized the Mattoon State Savings 
Bank. May jj. 1893, ail( l xvas mac l e president, a position he still holds. Socially 
Mr. Clark is a Knight Templar in the Masonic Fraternity. He is also an active 
and earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. On the 8th of Sep- 
tember. 1804. Mr. Clark married Samantha Tyler, daughter of Amos and Eliza- 
beth iLawtoni Tyler. She died May 17, 1892, at Mattoon, III. On the 30th of 
August. 1893, Mr. Clark married Xellie G. Tuttle. daughter of Theodore and 
.\bigail Tuttle. She was born and educated in Watertown. X. Y. They are 
the parents of three children — James Holbert, Gladys Elizabeth and Arthur Tut- 
tle Clark. 

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HOPE REED CODY. 

Hope Reed Cody was born in Xaperville, 111., April 14. 1870, the youngest 
son of Hiram H. and P. E. (Sedgwick) Cody. His father was one of the 
pioneers of Du Page county., served as its County Clerk, County Judge, and 
afterwards was for many years Circuit Judge of the Twelfth Judicial District, 
which comprises the counties adjacent and contiguous to Cook county; Judge 
Cody was also a member of the Illinois Constitutional Convention in 1870. 
Hope Reed Cody obtained his early education as a student at the Northwestern 
College of Xaperville, from which institution he graduated in 1888, obtaining 
the degree of Bachelor of Science. He was the youngest student who, up to 
that time, had ever graduated from that college and was president of his class. 
For a brief period after his graduation he worked as a reporter upon the staff 
of the Chicago Times, resigning that position to enter the Union College of 
Law (the law department of Northwestern University), graduating in 1890, 
but was. on account of his youth, compelled to wait until April, 1891, before 
he could obtain his license from the Supreme Court to practice law. In 1891 he 
became an active member of the well known law firm of Hiram H. Cody & 
Sons, composed of former Judge Hiram H. Cody, Arthur B. Cody and Hope 
Reed Cody. In his practice he met with more than usual success and was a 
studious lawyer and ready speaker. 

Although coining from Democratic stock, upon reaching years of discretion 
Mr. Codv became a pronounced Republican and took an active part in the 
Republican politics of Cook county. In March, 1898, he was elected President 
of the Hamilton Club, the leading Republican club of the West, and under his 
administration the club not only tripled its membership, but paid off a debt 
of more than $7,000, in addition to contributing liberally from its treasury 
towards the Republican campaigns of the fall of 1898 and the spring of 1899. 
His record in this organization constituted a signal triumph, and evidenced the 
power of intellect and heart which would have made possible a brilliant career 
in the higher places of political preferment. As president of the club he under- 
took many enterprises never before attempted and each was a pronounced 
success owing for the most part to his industry, tact and the ability to com- 
mand the co-operation of others. In all that he did he took high but prac- 
tical ground, and commanded not alone admiration without envy, but the most 
unselfish devotion. In December, 1898*, Mr. Cody was appointed by Judge 
Orrin X. Carter a member of the Board of Election Commissioners of the City 
o\ Chicago and Town of Cicero, and was immediately elected chairman of that 
board, which position he occupied until his death. \\ nile a partisan, his rulings 
as chairman of the board were so clear and equitable that neither Democrats 
nor Republicans found any room for adverse criticism. 

Mr. Cody was a Mason, and a member of the Knights of Pythias, Xational 
Union, Royal Arcanum, the Royal League and the Phi Delta Phi Fraternity. 
In 1897 he was elected regent of the Garden City Council, Xo. 202, Royal Ar- 
canum, being the largest council west of Xew York, numbering over thirteen 
hundred members, and in the history of that council covering a period of seven- 
teen years he was the only regent who was ever honored by re-election. He 
was also prominent in club and social life, being a member of the L^nion League 
Club, Chicago Athletic Association, Hamilton, Marquette and Law Clubs. 

In religion Mr. Cody was a Congregationalist and a member of Plymouth 
Church. In 1893 he was married to Alta A'irginia Houston, of Cincinnati, O., 
one of the leaders in the select musical circles of that city. At the time of their 
marriage Mrs. Cody was the contralto soloist at the Union Park Congrega- 
tionalist Church, of Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Cody had one child, Arthur 
Huston Cody, now nearly five years of age. 

Mr. Cody's death occurred at the Chicago Hospital, near his residence, 
340 Oakwoocl Boulevard, Chicago, on the 7th of November, 1899, after an 
operation for appendicitis, following an illness of about two weeks. Funeral 

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services were held at Plymouth Church. Chicago, Xovember 9. at which ad- 
dresses were made by Rev. F. W. Gunsaulus, D. D.. Judge Orriu X. Carter 
and Hon. James R. Mann. Xo young man ever passed away in Chicago to 
receive such marked respect for his memory as was shown at these services. 
The remains were interred at Xaperville. 111. Mr. Cody's death was a great 
shock and surprise to the public. Extended newspaper notices, both biographical 
and editorial, were given him. A memorial meeting was held by the Hamilton 
Club, at which numerous addresses by its prominent members attested the 
unusual affection they had for him. and acceded the wonderful hold he had 
upon the minds and hearts of the members. Resolutions were adopted by 
various societies to which he belonged and the general expression of sorrow 
showed how wide was his acquaintance with the public and what heartfelt grief 
was felt at his death. Few men at the age of twenty-nine have reached the 
prominent place in public life attained by Mr. Cody. 



WILLIAM F.CALHOUN. 

Hon. William F. Calhoun, of Dcatur. 111., was born in Perry County. Penn., 
Xovember 21. 1844. on bis father's farm. His parents were John M. Calhoun 
and Catherine Calhoun. His father died in 1S57. and his mother is still living 
and resides in Geneseo. 111. The ancestors of the Calhoun family emigrated to 
Pennsylvania from the north of Ireland before the Revolutionary War. Wil- 
liam F. Calhoun was taught to work on the farm and assisted in the support 
of the family after his father's death. He acquired his education in the public 
schools and academies of his native county, and soon became a teacher. 

In June. 1862. before Mr. Calhoun was eighteen years of age. he enlisted 
in Company H. 133d Penn. Vols., and served with his regiment in the Army of 
the Potomac until the expiration of its term of service, and was mustered out 
in June, 1863. He soon after enlisted in Company K. 20th Penn. Cavalry. This 
regiment was assigned to the middle military division and served under Gen- 
erals Siegel, Hunter and Sheridan. Mr. Calhoun as orderly sergeant of his 
company participated with his regiment in Sheridan's great movement in April, 
1865. without the loss of a day from sickness during the whole of his service, 
and was at Appomattox. April 9, 1865. when Lee surrendered. After his dis- 
charge from the army Mr. Calhoun removed to Illinois, in October, 1865, locat- 
ing in La Salle County, where he studied dentistry and practiced his profession 
until 1869. 

Mr. Calhoun has always been a firm believer in the principles of the Repub- 
lican party, and a constant supporter of its candidates. He identified himself 
with the party immediately upon reaching Illinois, and cast his first vote in the 
election of 1866 when the ticket was headed by John A. Logan for congressman 
at large. In 1870 Mr. Calhoun removed to De Witt County. In 1882 he was 
nominated by the Republican party for the legislature in the 30th senatorial dis- 
trict composed of Champaign. Piatt and DeWitt Counties, and was elected. He 
was re-elected in 1884 and 1886: he took an active part in all the immediate legis- 
lation of the state, and became a conspicuous figure in the halls of legislation. In 
1887 he reached the highest honor of a member of the legislature of Illinois, that 
of being elected speaker of the House of Representatives. Mr. Calhoun was a 
member of the legislature at the time of the great Logan contest for the senator- 
ship, and was one of the managers of that campaign, which resulted in his elec- 
tion in 1885. Mr. Calhoun became so deeply interested in the politics of the 
state that in 1889 he abandoned the profession of dentistry, and removed to 
Decatur, Illinois, and embarked in the newspaper business. He is now the polit- 
ical editor of the '"Decatur Herald." and is a large stockholder in the Company. 
This is one of the most influential papers in central Illinois. 

Mr. Calhoun is now postmaster of Decatur. He was appointed to that 
office in 1897 by President McKinley. William F. Calhoun was married in 1879 
to Miss Blanche Derthick. Mr. and Mrs. Calhoun are popular people at 
Decatur. Illinois, and have a wide circle of friends. 

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IRA CLIFTON COPLEY. 

Ira C. Copley of Aurora. 111., was born October 25, 1864. on a farm near 
Altona. Knox county. 111. His father. Ira B. Copley, was born on a farm in the 
western end of the Catskill Mountains in the State of Xew York. He received 
his education there, and when twenty-four years of age came to Illinois, settling 
in what afterwards became Copley Township in Knox county. Mr. Copley 
married Ellen Whiting in 1853. Mrs. Copley was born in West Hartford,, Conn. 
She was educated in the common schools, and at Miss Porter's School for Girls 
at Farmington, Conn. When sixteen years of age she came to Illinois with her 
fathers' family. Mr. and Mrs. Copley were descended from good Xew England 
stock. They settled at Aurora. Illinois, in 1867. where they had a wide circle of 
acquaintances and friends, and where they raised their family of three daughters 
and one son. Air. Copley was a man of great enterprise and industry, and at the 
time of his death was operating the gas works in the city of Aurora. 

Ira C. Copley was afforded every opportunity for receiving an education. 
He hrst attended the public and high schools at Aurora, graduating from the 
high school in 1881. He took a preparatory course for college in the Jennings 
Seminary at Aurora, and graduated from that institution in 1883. He then en- 
tered Yale University, and was graduated there in 1887. He then entered the 
Union College of Law. Chicago, in October, 1887, actively pursuing his studies 
at that College until February. 1889. when it became necessary for him to with- 
draw from the school to take the management of the Aurora Gas Light Com- 
pany. Before entering the Law School. Air. Copley was in the law office of 
Messrs. Barnum. Rubens & Aims, Chicago, 111., where he began the study of 
law. "Although Air. Copley had a taste for the law, and had thoroughly laid his 
plans for entering that profession, he reluctantly turned aside from this profes- 
sion to enter upon the management of a valuable property in which his family 
was largely interested. In a business way. Air. Copley has devoted his entire 
time to the gas and electric lighting business, since February. 1889. Through 
his management the two gas companies and the two electric lighting companies 
in the city of Aurora were consolidated under one management, of which com- 
pany he now has charge. In 1897 Air. Copley bought an interest in the Joliet 
Gas Light Company of Joliet, 111., and became the general manager of that cor- 
poration, a position which he still holds. Air. Copley has secured a franchise in 
the village of La Grange. 111., for the erection of a gas lighting plant, which is 
now being built. 

In politics Air. Copley is a Republican, his father and mother at an early 
date were Whigs. When the Republican party was organized they embraced 
its principles, and Air. Copley always voted the Republican ticket. His children 
were raised in the Republican faith, and as soon as Ira C. Copley arrived at man- 
hood, he identified himself with the Republican organization. He has never held 
a civil office, either elective or appointive : his identification with politics was that 
of a citizen anxious to promote good government. He represented his Con- 
gressional District on the Republican State Central Committee from 1894 to 
5 3 and was a member of the Executive Committee, and was for two years 
Chairman oi the Finance Committee. In 1896 Air. Copley was elected President 
of the Illinois League of Republican Clubs at its Peoria Convention. He held 
this position for two years and declined re-election. 

Air. Copley identified himself with the Illinois National Guard. He was a 
private of Company " - B" 3rd Regiment, for three years, from 1880; Captain of 

T' in 1893 ; Lieutenant Colonel, and Inspector of Rifle Practice, on the Staff 
of Brig. General Andrew Welch ; Commanding 3rd Brigade I. X. G. from 1894 
to 1899. Col. Copley retired from the service upon the resignation of Gen. 
Welch. He is a prominent member of the Board of the Aurora Public 
Library, and has been for the past ten years. He was an alumni member of the 
Board of Trustees of Jennings Seminary, 1892 to 1897. Air. Copley has been 

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a member of the Masonic Fraternity since 1889. Is a Sir Knight, and a member 
of the Shrine. He has been a Knight of Pythias since 1890, but has never held 
office in either of these organizations. Mr. Copley has traveled extensively in 
his native country, and has made one tour through foreign lands. 

Ira C. Copley was married in March, 1892, to Edith Strohm of Los Angeles, 
Cal. Her father, who was of German extraction, was born in Canada, her 
mother was born in Sweden. Mrs. Copley is a lady of splendid education, and is 
in every way suited to be the wife of so energetic and enterprising a man. The 
career of Col. Ira C. Copley from the time he entered college to the present hour 
has been one of unbroken success. In every field of endeavor he has shown him- 
self capable. He now takes rank with men of the greatest business experience 
and sagacity. 



CHARLES SYDNEY CUTTING. 

Charles Sydney Cutting of Chicago, 111., was born March 1, 1854, at High- 
gate Springs, Vt. His father, Charles A. Cutting, and mother, Laura E. Averill, 
were both born in New England; they are descended from early English emi- 
grants who came to America for conscience sake, the AveriU's being members of 
the Society of Friends commonly called "Quakers." Mr. and Airs. Cutting re- 
moved to Oregon and settled at Salem, the capital, where their son, Charles S. 
Cutting, received his education at Wilamette University, in the classical course. 

At seventeen years of age, Mr. Cutting removed to Cedar Rapids, la., where 
he was employed as editor of the Cedar Rapids Times. Fie continued in this 
position for some time, but at the age of twenty he found himself principal of the 
high school at Palatine, Cook county, 111. He held this position for a period of 
six years. He began the study of law in the office of the late Judge Knicker- 
bocker, and after taking the usual examination was admitted to the bar in 1880. 
His first law partnership was with Judge Williamson. Like most men who have 
ever performed editorial work, he retained his fondness for literary pursuits, and 
has from time to time engaged in newspaper work. Mr. Cutting resided in Pal- 
atine, 111., from 1874 to 1895, and has practiced the profession of law since 1881, 
and is now at the head of the well known firm of Cutting, Castle & Williams. He 
was appointed Master in Chancery in Cook county, and held that important posi- 
tion from 1887 until 1890. He was a member of the Cook County Board of Edu- 
cation for nine years, was President of the Board for three years, and only retired 
when the Board was discontinued. He was also President of the Palatine Board 
of Education for three years. Removing to Austin, in the town of Cicero, in 
1895, he was soon elected Town Attorney, and held that position for two years. 
He is one of the best known men at the Chicago bar. He has a fine, well bal- 
anced, judicial mind, and is by natural gift and careful stud}' well fitted either for 
the practice of the law or its administration on the bench. He has had a large 
and lucrative practice. 

Mr. Cutting is a popular man with many friends. His nomination as a 
candidate for Probate Judge in 1900 came to him without solicitation or effort 
on his part, in fact, he was out of the country when nominated. This fact shows 
the hold he has upon the people and the Republican party. It was strictly a case 
of the office seeking the man. Air. Cutting is a forceful speaker ; clear and logi- 
cal in his propositions, he impresses his audience with his sincerity, and carries 
conviction by his earnest eloquence. Air. Cutting united with the Republican 
party in his youth ; has given it his earnest support ever since. He cast his first 
vote for Hayes for President in 1876. Air. Cutting is a member of the Hamilton 
Club, has united with the Alasonic Fraternity ; he is a Past Alaster and has at- 
tained the 32nd degree ; he is a Knight Templar, and is also a member of the In- 
dependent Order of Odd Fellows. He attends the Presbyterian church. 

Charles Sydney Cutting was married June 27, 1876, to Annie E. Lytle. They 
have one son, Robert AI. Cutting, eighteen years of age, now a student of the 
University of Alichigan. Air. and Airs. Cutting are members of the Oaks Social 
Club of Austin. They have a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, and have 
a delightful home which is the center of an agreeable society. 

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WINFIELD S- COY. 

Winfield S. Coy was born July 8, 1842, on a farm near the village of Pitcher, 
Chenango county, N. Y. His father, John Coy, was a descendant of Samuel Coy, 
who emigrated to this country in 1630. His mother, Almira Pierce, was a cousin 
of President Franklin Pierce' and a descendant of Thomas Pierce, who came to 
this country from England in 1633. In 1856 John Coy removed to Illinois and 
settled at Kaneville, Kane county, where Mr. and Mrs. Coy both died. Win- 
field S. Coy received his education in New \ork State. He attended public and 
private schools, entered Homer Academy, and graduated with honor at Union 
College. He entered the Albany Law School, where he pursued the course of 
law and graduated from that institution. In 1863 he was admitted to the prac- 
tice of law by the Supreme Courts of New York and Illinois. Being now fully 
prepared for'the practice of his chosen profession, he settled at Yorkville, Ken- 
dall county, 111. 

Mr. Coy had early identified himself with the Republican party, and in 1863 
was elected County Commissioner of Schools in Kendall county, when he was 
little more than twenty-one years old. In 1865 he was elected County Superin- 
tendent of Schools; this brought him prominently forward, and in 1867, at the 
state convention of county superintendents of schools, he was elected president. 
In December, 1868, he was made President of the Illinois State Teachers' Con- 
vention, and in January, 1869, he was appointed, by Governor Palmer, a member 
of the State Board of Education. Mr. Coy was an earnest and intelligent worker 
for the advancement of education in the state. Although engaged actively in 
school work, Mr. Coy did not neglect his law practice, which grew upon him 
and became large and important. Seeking a larger field for his legal practice, 
in the fall of 1869 Mr. Coy removed to Bloomington, McLean county, 111., and 
was on one side or the other of a large part of the important litigation that was 
carried on during his residence there. In 1881, he was employed by several 
private corporations in Chicago to take charge of their legal business, and he re- 
moved to that city where he has since resided. 

Since removing to Chicago, he has tried law suits in all of the counties of 
Illinois except two. He has a large practice in the state of Indiana, has tried 
cases in the Supreme Courts of Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri and 
Kansas and also in the United States Courts in most of those states. Mr. Coy 
assisted in the formation of the Bar Association of Illinois, and is a member of the 
Chicago Bar Association. It was his good fortune to become a guest at the 
Fox River House, in the city of Ottawa, Illinois, in the fall of 1857, and after 
supper, the kind landlady, Mrs. Buel, told him that Judge Scates, Mr. Lincoln 
and other gentlemen were in the parlor, and invited him to go in. He went into 
the parlor and was introduced by her, to Mr. Lincoln, Judge Scates,- Judge Dick- 
ey, A. W. Caverly, Burton C. Cook, O. W. Browning, R .S. Blackwell and some 
others. These gentlemen treated him with great kindness, and advised him to 
become a lawyer. He left that parlor with a strong determination to fit himself 
for the learned profession to which those estimable gentlemen belonged. As a 
result of that meeting, Mr. Coy became an ardent admirer of Mr. Lincoln, and it 
caused him to come from an eastern state, where he was attending college, to 
Illinois, to hear the joint debate between Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Douglas at Otta- 
wa, in the fall of 1858. During the campaign of i860, Mr. Coy, though only 
eighteen years of age, belonged to a company of "Wide Awakes," and made sev- 
eral campaign speeches. During his residence in Yorkville, he was a member of 
the Republican County CentralCommittee and a delegate to all County and State 
conventions. He was chairman of the Republican County Convention of Mc- 
Lean county in 1871, and was repeatedly sent as a delegate to the County, State 
and National Conventions while a resident of that county. In Chicago, Mr. 
Coy has been a resident of the 18th Ward, and an officer of the 18th Ward 
Republican Club. His counsel is always sought when any question of import- 
ance arises, and his time and money are freely given when opportunity offers to 
advance the interests of the Republican party. He usually represents his ward, 
as a delegate, in the County, City and State Conventions of the party. 

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Mr. Coy has been a director of the Veteran Union League, which has been 
an influential Republican organization in Chicago. In March, 1897, he was 
unanimously elected President of the Lincoln Club of Chicago, and unanimously 
re-elected in March, 1898. Under his management, the Lincoln Club became the 
largest, most popular, and most influential Republican club in the city. Mr. 
Coy is now president of the Republican Legion of the 5th congressional district. 
He has never been a candidate for office since he has resided in the city of 
Chicago : he has frequently been solicited to become a candidate for Congress, 
and for judicial positions, but has declined. 

Mr. Coy has always been distinguished for his kindness to young people, 
and probably no citizen of Chicago is visited by so many young people who are 
seeking advice and assistance. He is president of the West Side Bureau of As- 
sociated Charities. 



ISAAC CLEMENTS. 

The ancestor of the Clements family in America came from England with 
Lord Baltimore and had a "King's Patent" to locate '"sixteen square miles of 
land anywhere in Lord Baltimore's dominion." He selected a tract on the 
eastern shore of Chesapeake Bay, whence the family spread west and south. 
The father of Captain Isaac was also Isaac, and the mother was Nancy Burt. 
Both parents were born in 1790 in Maryland. The grandfather served in the 
Revolutionary War, and the father served in the War of 1812. and soon after- 
ward moved to near Lebanon. Ohio, and a little later to Franklin county, Ind., 
where he spent the remainder of his days. 

Captain Isaac Clements, now residing at Danville. 111., was born in Franklin 
county, Ind., March 31, 1837. His early education was meager, but when four- 
teen years old attended a private school, where he sawed wood and swept out 
the schoolroom to pay his tuition. At the age of sixteen he began teaching 
to get means to attend college. He entered Asbury (now DePauw) University 
in September. 1854. and was graduated in 1859, delivering the Latin oration 
of his class. During vacations he taught school to pay his way through college. 
While thus engaged he studied law. He came to Illinois in 1859, anc ^ tne 
following winter taught at Thebes. Alexander county, to obtain means to buy 
law books. In the spring of 1S60 lie openecl a law office at Carbondale. and in 
the presidential campaign of that year took an active part as a "Douglas man." 
In the troublous times succeeding Lincoln's election and inauguration he was 
a pronounced "Union man." After the fall of Fort Sumter a strong secession 
sentiment was manifested in southern Illinois. Captain Clements strongly corn- 
batted this, taking part in many "Union" meetings, one of the first being in 
Carbondale, April 22, 1861. followed with similar meetings in the neighboring 
country schoolhouses. The result was to strengthen the L nion sentiment vastly 
in that vicinity. 

In May he began raising a company to meet the expected call for volunteers 
and soon had the number necessary. He was mustered in at Cairo, 111., July 
2j, 1 861, as Second Lieutenant of Company G, Ninth Illinois Infantry. He 
served the term of enlistment — three years — and was in many bloody engage- 
ments. At Fort Donelson his regiment lost 200 killed and wounded, and at 
Shilofa it lost 366 killed and wounded, the heaviest loss suffered by any regiment 
in the Federal service in any battle of the war. Capt. Clements was wounded 
twice in this battle. He participated in the battle of Corinth. October 3 and 4, 
1862. where he also received a wound. He continued to serve with his regi- 
ment, taking part in the advance on Atlanta. He was mustered out at Spring- 
field, 111., August 2^. 1864. having served over three years and having received 
three wounds. 

He now found himself identified with the "Union men," and accordinglv 
supported Lincoln for President instead of McClellan in 1864. Since that date 
lie has affiliated with the Republican party. In 1872 he was elected to Congress 
from the Eighteenth district and served one term. In 1877 he was appointed 
by Governor Cullom one of the commissioners to locate, erect and operate the 

them Illinois Penitentiary, and in this capacity labored for twelve years, 

406 



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407 



under Governors Cullom, Oglesby and Fifer. He resigned in the spring of 
1890 to accept the position of agent for the payment of United States Pensions 
at Chicago, under the appointment of President Harrison. He lost the position 
in 1893 under President Cleveland. In December, 1898, he was tendered the 
position of Governor of the Danville Branch of the National Home for Dis- 
abled Veteran Soldiers, which offer he accepted January 6, 1899, and as such 
he is now officiating. In November, 1864, he married Josie Nutt, only daughter 
of Rev. Cvrus Nutt, D. D., LL. D., president of the Indiana State University. 



EDWARD C. CURTIS. 

Hon. Edward C. Curtis of Grant Park, Kankakee County, Illinois, was born on a 
farm in Kankakee County, August 12, 1865. His father, Alonzo Curtis, was 
born in New York State, and a descendant of an old family of that name, who 
who were among the early settlers at the head of Lake Champlain. The Battle 
of Bennington was fought on the old Curtis homestead. Alonzo Curtis married 
Elizabeth Campbell. Mr. Curtis removed to Illinois in 1852 and engaged in 
farming, but in 1870 he engaged in the mercantile business at Grant Park. Eel- 
ward C. Curtis, after passing through the village school, entered De Pauw Uni- 
versity at Greencastle, Indiana, spending several years there ; he afterwards 
graduated from the Northwestern University at Evanston. During vacations he 
returned to his father's home at Grant Park, and clerked in his father's store. 
Upon leaving college he took charge of the mercantile branch of his father's busi- 
ness. In a short time a banking department was added, and the Grant Park 
Bank was organized, Mr. Curtis being the cashier. The business of this bank 
grew, and it became an important financial institution, so that in 1898 it was or- 
ganized under the laws of the United States as a national bank, Mr. Curtis con- 
tinuing as cashier. Mr. Curtis is a thorough business man and enjoys the trust 
and confidence of all those with Avhom he deals in business. 

Edward C. Curtis from his early manhood has been a Republican in politics. 
He is a close student of all political subjects, is thoroughly up on the principles, 
achievements, and history of the Republican party, and has been active in pro- 
moting its success. In 1894 Mr. Curtis received the nomination of the Republi- 
can party for the legislature and was elected from the 16th senatorial district. 
Upon entering the legislature he was at once accorded a leading position by his 
Republican colleagues. He took a firm stand in favor of economy in public 
expenditures. Mr. Curtis at once established a character which lifted him above 
even the suspicion of legislative corruption. In 1896 he was again nominated 
for the legislature in his district, and was elected by an increased majority. When 
the legislature met in January, 1897, the friends of Mr. Curtis brought him for- 
ward for speaker, and his hold w T as so firm upon his party friends, that he re- 
ceived the caucus nomination for speaker by acclamation, all other candidates 
having withdrawn in his favor. In 1898 he was nominated for the third time, 
atlhough he met with bitter personal opposition. At the session of the legis- 
lature in 1899, Mr. Curtis was appointed Chairman of the Committee on Appro- 
priations. As Speaker of the House during the session of 1897, he was con- 
fronted with formidable opposition by his political opponents, who, for the pur- 
pose of preventing legislation upon measures which they did not approve, 
adopted the dilatory tactics of refusing to vote, although being present in the 
House. Mr. Curtis, without hesitation, declined to allow the business of lesris- 

- o 

lation to be thus interfered with, and, like Hon. Thomas B. Reed, late Speaker 
of the National House of Representatives. Speaker Curtis counted the sufficient 
number of members present, who had refused to vote to constitute a quorum, 
and had their names entered on the journal. This action, of course, excited in- 
tense opposition on the part of the Democratic minority, but Speaker Curtis 
firmly enforced the rule. 

Edward C. Curtis was married in 1897, to Miss M. Etha Griffin. They have 
one son. Mr. and Mrs. Curtis live at Grant Park, 111. Mrs. Curtis is an experi- 
enced and delightful home keeper, and they have a wide circle of appreciating 
friends. 

408 




409 



JOSEPH O. CUNNINGHAM. 

Joseph O. Cunningham was born December 12, 1830, in Lancaster. Erie 
County, X. Y. His ancestors were old settlers in the state of Xew York. His 
father's name was Hiram W. Cunningham, and his mother's maiden name was 
Eunice Brown. His great-grandfather was Thomas Cunningham who married 
Lucy Hutchinson. They lived and died in Milford, Otsego County, New York. 
Hiram \Y. Cunningham removed with his family to the state_of Ohio. He sent 
his son, Joseph, to the schools of the neighborhood in which he lived, and his 
preliminary education was gained in a little log school house. The teachers of 
that day devoted themselves assiduously to teaching the children spelling, read- 
ing, writing, arithmetic, grammar, geography and history. Young Cunning- 
ham learned all this, and was also taught algebra. He studied in Baldwin 
Academy at Bera. O.. and completed a literary course in Oberlin College. He 
had taken time during the progress of his education to engage in teaching, and 
after leaving college he went to Vermillion County, Ind., where he was employed 
for a time as a teacher, devoting his leisure hours to the study of law. Mr. Cun- 
ningham removed to Urbana, 111., June 18th, 1853, and purchased the "Lrbana 
Union." an independent newspaper. It was the first paper published in Cham- 
paign County. 

Mr. Cunningham identified himself with the great anti-Xebraska movement 
in politics in 1856, and the "Lrbana Union" became a Republican paper, and at 
that time was the only Republican newspaper published between Kankakee and 
Cairo. Mr. Cunningham made the "Union" a paper of influence and power, al- 
though at that time the advocacy of Republican principles was in some portion 
of the state very unpopular. In 1856 Mr. Cunningham was admitted to the bar 
and decided to devote himself entirely to the practice of his profession. He 
therefore severed his connection with the "Urbana Union" and sold out his in- 
terest in it. To fit himself more fully for the practice of law, he attended the law 
school at Cleveland. O., and on the 1st day of May, 1859. opened an office at 
Lrbana, Illinois, at which place he has been in the active practice of his profes- 
sion down to the present time. He was elected County Judge of Champaign 
County and served in that office from 1861 to 1865. Judge Cunningham per- 
formed the duties of this important position with entire satisfaction to the pub- 
lic, and greatly increased his reputation and standing as a lawyer. He is an 
active and able practitioner at the bar, and is now a member of the leading law 
firm of Cunningham & Boggs. Judge Cunningham aided in the organization of 
the Republican party of Illinois. He was a delegate to the first Republican con- 
vention at Bloomington, May 29th, 1856. and was present at a meeting at Bloom- 
ington. May 29. 1900. being the 44th anniversary of the first Republican con- 
vention. His portrait with that of Governor Palmer taken at the time will be 
found in this book. 

Jooseph O. Cunningham was married October 13, 1853, to Miss Mary Mc- 
Conoughey of Bainbridge. Ohio. Judge Cunningham is president of the Histori- 
cal Society of Champaign County, and a member of the state Historical Society, 
and has taken great interest in historical subjects. He is also a member of 
the Clarksfield. Ohio. Memorial Society before which he has delivered a number 
of addresses. Judge Cunningham became a member of Iris Lodge P. & A. M. 
at Cleveland, is now a member of the Urbana Lodge of which he has been master 
for six years, and has been its representative to the Grand Lodge. Judge Cun- 
ningham was a member of the first Board of Trustees of the University of Illi- 
nois, appointed by Governor Oglesby and re-appointed by Governor Palmer. 

The Judge has a pleasant home at Urbana, Illinois, and a wide circle of 
friends. 



410 




411 



LORIN C. COLLINS, Jr. 

Tracing his ancestry in this country back to the Mayflower, Judge Lorin 
C. Collins possesses all those characteristics which made that little band of 
determined men and women cross the ocean and brave the terrors of an un- 
known and almost unexplored region. Gifted with ability of a superior order 
and with a positive purpose in life, Judge Collins is now recognized as one of 
the foremost legal lights of this country. He is a native of Windsor, Connec- 
ticut, born August, 1848, and the son of Lorin C. Collins and Mary (Bemis) 
Collins. The parents were also of American descent and for many years the 
father was a prominent and influential minister of the Gospel, espousing the 
faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which he remained in harmony 
until a disbelief in the question of eternal punishment on his part led him to 
withdraw. This was while he was a leading member of the Minnesota Con- 
ference, and the independence and self-reliance thus manifested in the char- 
acter of the father was in a striking degree transmitted to the son, who is dis- 
posed to reach independent conclusions by independent investigation, and to 
reinforce his convictions by the appropriate conduct regardless of what the 
results to himself may be. In the year 1852 the parents removed to St. Paul 
and would doubtless have traveled still farther towards the setting sun had 
that city not then been considered the end of the world in that direction. 

When twenty years old Judge Collins came to Chicago, attended North- 
western University at Evanston, from which he graduated in 1872, and having 
previously had a thorough preparatory training in the Ohio Wesleyan Uni- 
evrsity, he entered the law office of the then influential firm of Clarkson & Van 
Schaack, of Chicago, with which he remained until admitted to the bar in 
1874. Directly afterward he became a prominent figure in the public mind and 
ranked among the foremost as an effective organizer, a deep thinker and an 
eloquent advocate. Politics claimed a fair share of his attention and Judge 
Collins speedily achieved distinction as a legislator. He was first elected to 
the Legislature in 1878, and re-elected twice in succession. His remarkable 
command of language, power of discrimination and prompt decision has won 
him an enviable position in the legal fraternity and has made him a coadjutor 
to be desired and an antagonist to be feared. In 1883 he was chosen Speaker 
of the Illinois House of Representatives, being but thirty-five years old at that 
time, and he discharged the exacting and onerous duties of that position in a 
manner that reflected credit to himself and the general public. In 1884 he 
was made Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County by appointment, and so 
worthily did he discharge the duties incumbent upon this position that upon 
the expiration of the unexpired term for which he was appointed the people 
cordially endorsed his work and elected him for the succeeding term. At the 
end of this term he was re-elected to a position to which it had long been rec- 
ognized he occupied to adorn and dignify. As a politician his services had been 
repeatedly recognized by preferment and he reflects much credit upon his party. 
His public acts have been characterized by the same sterling qualities of mind 
and heart that give tone and direction to his private life and the confidence 
placed in him by the public has not been misplaced. His marriage to Miss 
Nellie Robb occurred in 1873, and they are the parents of three interesting 
children. 

The Judge has shown his appreciation of secret organizations by becom- 
ing a member of the Masonic Fraternity and has advanced to the high degree 
of Knight Templar in that ancient and honorable body. He is also a distin- 
guished and active member of the Union League Club, the American Wheel- 
men, Llamilton, Washington Park, Chicago, and the American Yacht Clubs, 
in all of which he takes great delight and finds an honored and an influential 
place. He enjoys their social features and contributes to render them enjoy- 
able to all. 



412 





(EL<3- 




413 



SETH FLOYD CREWS. 

This well known representative of the Chicago bar and eminent citizen and 
Republican was born March 29, 1847, m Wayne county, 111., on a farm, but while 
vet a lad was taken by his parents from the farm and placed in school. He had 
had the misfortune to lose his right leg, and had no alternative but attempt a 
professional career, and therefore chose the law. His parents had previously 
lived in Kentucky, but finally emigrated to Southern Illinois, where the subject 
of this sketch grew up and was educated. Having completed his literary educa- 
tion, and having had some preliminary instruction therein, he began regularly 
the study of law and after the usual course took the examination and was duly 
admitted to the bar. He began the practice in his native county of Fairfield in 
the month of March, 1870, and from the start had a fair clientage. 

In June, 1873, ne removed to Mt. Vernon, Jefferson county, where he re- 
sumed the practice and where he steadily expanded his profits from his profession 
and his popularity as a speaker and his activities in the ranks of the Republican 
party. He soon became the strongest and most successful practitioner in that 
part of the State, and desiring to increase his practice and widen his fields of use- 
fulness and the sphere of his activities he came to Chicago in June, 1883, and con- 
tinued earnestly, actively and successfully to practice his profession. He has 
been engaged on many of the most important cases ever adjudicated in this city 
and has displayed the most signal capacity for the intricate and perplexing ques- 
tions falling to the lot of the lawyer to untangle. Xot being permitted by his 
misfortune to take part in many of the pursuits to which others may aspire, he 
has applied himself with extraordinary devotion and fidelity to his profession and 
has mastered many phases of professional skill unknown to many of his pro- 
fessional brethren. One important case in which he displayed the most consum- 
mate ability was that of Gehr vs. the Mexican Central Railway Company. Air. 
Crews represented the plaintiff who sued for damages for false imprisonment in 
the Republic of Mexico. The case was an important one and attracted wide at- 
tention and interest in both countries, as many questions of international im- 
portance were involved. As a matter of fact the case required in the contending 
lawyers a complete and absolute knowledge and mastery of the law of both coun- 
tries and of international rights. After a long and stubborn fight in which great 
ability and learning were displayed on both sides Mr. Gehr was awarded a verdict 
of $40,000. Another great case in which Air. Crews was engaged was the trial 
of Airs. Aleckie L. Rawson, the banker's wife, for shooting her husband's lawyer 
in a court room in Chicago. Air. Crews appeared for the defendant and dis- 
played great skill and excellent judgment in the various steps of the adroit de- 
fense. His power with a jury is very great, owing to his rare conversational 
gifts, his persuasive oratory and his apt and telling illustrations and stories. 

It is doubtful if Chicago has at the present time a more capable trial lawyer 
judged from all standards than Air. Crews. His arguments are extremely logi- 
cal and convincing, and are always so artfully interwoven with wit and pathos that 
few in the city can make any headway against him before a jury. While at 
Mount Vernon, in the fall of 1876, he was elected State's attorney of Jefferson 
county and in that position began to show that adroitness which has distinguished 
his subsequent professional career. At the end of one term he declined a re- 
nomination. In the fall of 1882 he was elected to the Illinois Legislature and 
served with distinction one term. In politics he has ever been a strict Republi- 
can and in many campaigns has rendered valuable services to his party. His 
profession has, however, engrossed the greater part of his attention and energies. 
He was married in 1870 to Aliss Helena R. Slocumb. They have three boys and 
two girls. 



414 





415 



EDWARD MARSHALL CRAIG. 

Edward Marshall Craig was born in Philadelphia, Pa., February ist, i860. 
His parents were natives of Ireland, of Scottish descent, and emigrated to Amer- 
ica in 1842; they settled in Philadelphia. Benjamin Craig, the father, was a 
dyer by trade, and conducted a large establishment of that kind in Philadelphia. 
He was very active in the old Volunteer Fire Department and took a prominent 
part in politics, being a staunch Republican. He died in 1876. His wife who 
had a family of seven children — five boys and two girls — died in 1865, thus the 
subject of this sketch was left an orphan at an early age. 

He attended the public schools of Philadelphia and laid the foundation of a 
good English education, but the death of his father made it necessary for him 
to leave school and enter upon the active duties of life. He obtained a position 
with John Sparhakk, a prominent attorney of Philadelphia, and remained with 
him for three years. By this time he was a rugged young man full of life and 
energy, and ambitious to make his way in the world. He worked for a time in 
a wheel and spoke factory ; a woolen mill ; a stone yard ; in a flour and feed store 
and in the livery business. When nineteen years of age he decided to learn a 
trade, and he became a steamfitter. He worked at this trade, gaining the confi- 
dence of his employers and fellow workmen until he became president of the 
Steam Fitters Union of Philadelphia. James P. Wood & Co., with whom he 
learned the trade, recognizing his ability, gave him charge of the work in some 
of the largest buildings in Philadelphia and all parts of the country. During all 
these years Mr. Craig did not neglect the improvement of his mind, and it was 
because of his rapid acquisition of knowledge that he became a leader amongst 
those with whom he associated. 

Upon reaching his majority he became identified with the Republican party. 
In 1884 he took a leading part in the political canvas in Philadelphia for Blaine 
and Logan; he was a member of his ward committee. Two years later he or- 
ganized the West End Republican Club of the 18th ward. — three hundred strong, 
— and was its president for four years. In 1888 Mr. Craig was elected a mem- 
ber of the Pennsylvania Legislature from the 16th district of Philadelphia. A 
district in which the extensive ship building interests of that city are located, and 
which is commonly known in Philadelphia as Fishtown, on account of the large 
number of population being fishermen ; during his service in the Legislature 
several obnoxious fishing bills were introduced, which he strongly opposed and 
succeeded in defeating. 

In March, 1890, Mr. Craig came to Chicago as the Western agent of the 
Pierce, Butler & Pierce, Manufacturing Co., of Syracuse, N. Y. He continued 
with this firm until it was consolidated with the American Boiler Co., of which 
he took charge, and which was the strongest concern of its kind in the United 
States. In 1897 Mr. Craig resigned his position to establish a business of his 
own. In 1898 he was elected general manager of the Master Steam Fitters' As- 
sociation of Chicago, and was re-elected in 1899 an< ^ 1900. He is also secretary of 
the Western League of Master Steam Fitters. During the great strike of 1900 
in Chicago, Mr. Craig took an active part in the settlement of the controversy, 
being a member of the Madden Committee. 

Mr. Craig identified himself with the Republican organization as soon as he 
became a citizen of Chicago. He has been a member of the campaign commit- 
tee of the 10th ward and is always active in promoting the success of his partv. 
Mr. Craig aided in organizing the Cook County Republican Marching Club in 
1894, and was elected financial secretary, declining to accept any compensation 
for services. In 1897 he was unanimously elected president, and is now serving 
his fourth term, being re-elected each year to succeed himself. Mr. Craig be- 
longs to the Masonic Fraternity and the Knights of Pythias. He is also a mem- 
ber of the strong eastern orders. Knights of the Golden Eagle, Knights of the 
Mystic Chain, and Knights of Friendship. 

416 




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417 



Edward Marshall Craig was married December 9, 1878, to Tillie M. Stengel 
of Philadelphia. They have two children William H., and B. Clarence Craig. 
It was through Mr. Craig's efforts that the Dolliver boom was sprung upon the 
country, just prior to the national Republican convention of 1900, at the head of 
the marching club that organized 300 strong, went to Philadelphia and would 
have succeeded in nominating Dolliver had Gov. Roosevelt declined to accept the 
nomination for Vice-President. 



SAMUEL J. DREW. 

This distinguished citizen, who resides at Joliet, III., is a native of England, 
having been born at Tipton, Staffordshire, April 22, 1864. His parents are 
Joseph and Sarah Drew, who came to America early in 1882, and with limited 
opportunities made many sacrifices in support of their faith thaf their son Samuel 
J. would make an able, honest and useful citizen. His education was limited 
to what schooling he could obtain previous to his thirteenth year, at which time 
he was obliged to commence work, his first place being in a coal mine. Blessed 
by nature with a keen and discriminating mind and possessing a passion for 
study, it is not to be wondered at that he took up a system 01 study in the even- 
ings after his day's work was done, and in this manner managed to widely inform 
himself not only on the contents of the "books, but on many miscellaneous 
branches of information that have proved of great value to him in subsequent 
years. This course of study was continued notwithstanding the fact that he 
worked from eight to fourteen hours a day in the mines. He even carried the 
books into the mines to read during a lull in the work. He says that he had 
his share of sport, but made it a rule to study or do his duty first and play after- 
ward. 

In March, 1882, he came to the United States';* locating at Braidwood, Will 
County, Illinois. He worked in the coal mines until August, 1886, by which 
time he managed to save a small sum of money, and this, together with what 
his parents furnished, enabled him to take a business course at the Northern 
Indiana Normal School, Valparaiso, Ind., graduating in August, 1887. His 
money was exhausted, but he managed to become an expert stenographer and 
typewriter, and as such acted as Court Reporter, and later as chief clerk of the 
Illinois Steel Co. He is now practicing law at Joliet and has a large clientage. 

The foundation of his belief in the righteousness of labor was laid in the 
coal mines where he did his first independent labor, and where his observation 
and study indicated the necessity of reform in labor customs and legislation. 
Since that day the miners have been his warm and outspoken friends, and he 
has made a profound study of their trials, needs and home requirements. Upon 
coming of age he found that he had become an intense American. The Stars 
and Stripes became the symbol of his nationality. He had learned to love 
America, as he says, because it enabled him to move higher and gives the poor 
man an equal chance. His position as stenographer probably led him to the 
study of law, and he was admitted to the bar. Coming to the United States 
under the age of eighteen years, he became a citizen upon reaching his majority. 
He is proud of this fact. From the start to the present he has been an unswerv- 
ing and enthusiastic Republican and a persistent and undaunted friend of labor. 
From the first he took an active part in politics, believing it to be his duty. He 
was elected Town Clerk of Joliet and served from 1896 to 1898 inclusive. In 
the latter year so prominent had he become that he was nominated for repre- 
sentative of the Twenty-fifth district. He rose from the ranks of labor and was 
chosen to represent that element in the Legislature. He was elected by a large 
majority and became one of the most useful members of the house. He was 
appointed chairman of the Committee on Labor and Industrial Affairs, and 
was second on Mines and Mining ; as such*" he had practical control of labor 
legislation. He was largely instrumental in securing the passage of bills on 
Revision of Mining Laws, Arbitration, Union Labels, Free Employment Bu- 
reaus, and Forbidding Importation of Labor. The latter bill was an extremely 

418 




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419 



important piece of legislation, and a radical departure in labor laws. For years 
it had been the custom, and on the slightest pretext, to bring men under guard, 
from another State to take the place of the regular workmen employed in Illi- 
nois. Then on frivolous grounds the employer would call for the State Militia, 
who were used, presumably, to protect life and property, but actually operated 
as a means to overawe and subdue the workingmen. The lowest class of men 
and guards were imported into this State to take the place of respectable citizens. 
Mr. Drew had had actual experience in being driven from home under such 
circumstances, and determined that his chief care in the Legislature should be 
a law forbidding this. His bill, commonly known as the "Drew Bill," strikes 
at this evil, and he claims it effectually stops this infamous practice. All kinds 
of trouble greeted the advent of this measure, but labor's friends, headed by 
Mr. Drew, stood to their guns and the passage of this measure was demanded 
as a right belonging to labor. Mr. Drew, during an exciting debate, defended 
this measure and it finally passed the House by a large majority. It then went 
to the Senate and opposition greeted its appearance. Mr. Drew followed the 
bill and never rested until it finally passed the Senate and became a law. It is 
the first law of the land ever enacted in the United States and Mr. Drew is 
proud of the fact that the Republican party by the passage of this measure, 
demonstrated that it was labor's true friend. He is proud of the labor laws 
passed, and says the proudest moments of his life were when this and other 
labor laws finally passed both House and Senate. 

Mr. Drew is highly respected and trusted by the community in which he 
lives. He is a Methodist, a Mason, Knight of Pythias and a member oFother 
secret societies. His wife was formerly Miss Lizzie B. Parsons, of "Braidwood. 
They have one child, a girl, whose name is Alberta L. 



JOHN C. CORBUS. 

Dr. John C. Corbus of Mendota, 111., was born in Millersburgh, O., Septem- 
ber 30, 1833. His father was a native of Ohio. His mother was born in Vir- 
ginia, the families of each coming to this country prior to the Revolution, and 
were participants in the same. Dr. Corbus received an academic education, de- 
voting himself earnestly to scientific studies, graduating in the medical depart- 
ment of the Western Reserve L T niversity, Cleveland, O. Was married to Miner- 
va C. McFarland of Wayne county, O., by whom he had four children, Frank G. 
Corbus, John Corbus, Jr., and Robert C. Corbus, and Ella M. Corbus. Minerva 
Corbus died December, 1891. In February, 1893, Dr. Corbus married Helen E. 
Ruggles. 

Removing to Illinois in 1856 he settled at Melugin's Grove, Lee county, 
where he engaged in the practice of his profession until the breaking out of the 
Rebellion when he entered the service as First Assistant Surgeon of the 75th 
Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Prior to this he was one of the surgeons selected 
by Governor Yates to go to the battlefield of Shiloh to render medical and surgi- 
cal aid to Illinois troops. Dr. Corbus was promoted to the rank of surgeon, but 
was compelled to resign on account of ill-health. On his return from the army 
he settled in Mendota, where he practiced medicine for thirty-five years. 

Dr. Corbus has been identified with the Republican party since its organiza- 
tion, and has given it his earnest support ; he voted for Abraham Lincoln for 
President in i860. Wedded to the medical profession, and devoting his constant 
thought to that science, he had left to others the active management of party 
affairs, but has always performed the duty of a citizen in attending the elections 
and frequently attending County and State Conventions of his party. He is a 
member of the Illinois Medical Society; the North Central Medical Illinois Soci- 
ety; the Grand Army of the Republic, and a Companion of the Loyal Legion. 
He has been a member of the State Board of Charities for twenty-three years, 
acting as President of the Board a portion of the time. 

At present Dr. Corbus is Superintendent of the Illinois Eastern Hospital 
for the Insane, located at Hospital, Kankakee county, 111. 

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421 



AQUILLA J. DAUGHERTY. 

The subject of this sketch was born on a farm near Hamilton, O., December 
6, 1842 and is now residing in Peoria, 111. His father was James Daugherty, 
and his mother formerly Elizabeth Doty. The father was a cooper by trade and 
a farmer. He became prominent in the affairs of the county (having removed to 
Hamilton), and later became Mayor of that city and finally Auditor of the county. 
James Daugherty was born in 1814, and his father, John Daugherty, served in the 
war of 1812-14. The wife of the latter was formerly Esther Ward. The family 
originally came over with Lord Baltimore, the name then being spelled Dough- 
erty. Elizabeth Doty was descended from Edward Doty, who came over in the 
Mayflower in 1620. Her father was Zina Doty who was the son of John Doty, 
the descendants of whom took a prominent part in the settlement of the Miami 
Valley. The father of John was Joseph and of the latter was Samuel, and of the 
latter was Edward who came over in the Mayflower. 

Aquilla J. Daugherty was educated at Hamilton, and at Miami University, 
Oxford, O. His ambition was to study and practice law, but his father's failure 
in business compelled him to seek employment for support, and for some time 
he suffered many discouragements and hardships. He began work with the 
Ohio State Journal at Columbus, and later with the ''Cincinnati Commercial." 
He soon after secured a position as war correspondent under Geo. D. Prentice 
of the "Louisville Journal" and represented at different times until the close of 
the war, the Cincinnati Enquirer, the Louisville Journal and the Cincinnati Ga- 
zette. He wrote under the nom-de-plume of "Quill." While he was at Mur- 
freesboro a bitter criticism of Gen. Rosecrans appeared in the Louisville Journal 
over the signature of "Quill" and the subject was arrested as the author, but Mr, 
Prentice of the Journal procured his release from arrest, by showing that a cer- 
tain colonel was the writer. The latter was cashiered and driven from the 
army, and subject was given special privileges previously denied him. On 
another occasion Gen. Logan ordered his arrest for excoriating certain officials 
for dishonorable practices. When Gen. Grant took command at Chattanooga 
he sent for Mr. Daugherty and asked many questions concerning his observa- 
tions and experiences, complimented him and finally gave him a pass which read 
"Pass the bearer, A. J. Daugherty, correspondent of the Louisville Journal, with- 
in and through the lines of all the armies, free of charge for himself and horse, on 
all railroads and steamboats under military control, " This was prized very 
highly, as it was the most liberal pass ever granted to a newspaper correspond- 
ent in that department. Mr. Daugherty showed this pass to Gen. Logan when 
the latter had him arrested, and requested that the General would investigate his 
charges before excluding him from the army. This was done, and Mr. Daugh- 
erty was completely exonerated. Gen. Logan invited him to make his home at 
his headquarters which invitation was accepted and Mr. Daugherty remained' 
with Gen. Logan until the close of the war. Later he was permitted to supply 
the soldiers with papers at five cents each in the armies ol Generals Logan, Sheri- 
dan, Thomas and Sherman, to overturn a pernicious system previously existing 
whereunder the soldiers were charged ten cents a copy. He was with Rose- 
crans at the battle of Chickamauga, and witnessed the struggle of Gen. Thomas 
to hold the enemy in check. He went with Gen. Grant from Chattanooga to 
Atlanta, reporting all the battles and movements. He then came back to Nash- 
ville and witnessed Thomas crush Hood. He was then with Sherman in Georgia 
and the Carolinas and later in the grand review at Washington. 

After the war he was connected with the Indianapolis Journal, taught school 
five years in Hancock County, served on the Board of Supervisors, ran for 
County Sheriff far ahead of his ticket, and in 1875 became stenographer for the 
T. P. & W. Ry. From 1875 to 1890 he held many positions in the railway and 
fast freight line service. He became interested in politics and was appointed 
United States Consul at Callao, Peru. In 1893 he engaged in the grain business 

422 









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at Peoria. He was a candidate for Congress in 1894. and later was elected to 
the Illinois assembly and re-elected in 1896. In 1898 he secured his present po- 
sition as Collector of Internal Revenue in the 5th Illinois district. He is prom- 
inent in social affairs, and is a wide and thoughtful reader on all current subjects. 
In 1876 he married Margaret E. Crawford, and one daughter. Willa C, was 
born to this union, but died in infancy. His wife dying in 1881. he was married 
ten years later to Miss Jennie Loosely Plahn of Beardstown. A son. Hale 
Plahn. was born to this union at the Consulate in Peru. September 15, 1892. 



GEORGE PERRIN DAVIS. 

George P. Davis of Bloomington, 111., was born June 3, 1842. at Blooming- 
ton. Mr. Davis is the son of Judge David Davis, late of the Supreme bench of 
the United States, and one of the most distinguished citizens of Illinois. Judge 
Davis was a native of Maryland, but was mainly educated in Massachusetts. 
where in 1838 he married Sarah W. Walker, daughter of Judge Walker of Len- 
nox, Mass. She accompanied her husband to his home at Bloomington, 111. 
She was a woman in even,- way worthy to be the wife of so able and distinguished 
a man as was her husband. She was the mother of the subject of this sketch. 
Judge Davis anxious to afford his son. George, the best possible opportunity for 
gaining an education, placed him at Deacon A. Hikie's school at Lee. Mass.. 
where he remained for some time. He prepared for college at Beloit. YYis.. and 
was in college at that place for two years. He then entered Williams College, 
Mass.. and graduated therefrom in 1864. He then entered the Law School of 
the University of Michigan, and graduated in iS ~ 

After returning to Bloomington. Mr. Davis formed a partnership for the 
practice of law with William H. Hanna. Mr. Davis had chosen the law as his 
profession, and had devoted much time and labor in preparing himself for that 
profession, but he soon became fully satisfied that it was to his interest and to the 
interest of his father that he should give up the profession of law, and devote 
himself solely to the management of his father's landed estates. At an early 
day Judge Dans began the purchase of lands in [McLean County, and in the 
course of a few years he had acquired large bo lies : rich land. It was to the 
care and development of this property that George P. Davis, upon the advice of 
his :?.ther. decided to devote his time and attention. McLean County, as is well 
known, is agriculturally the richest county m the State of Illinois. The produc- 
tion of grain and the feeding of cattle have been conducted upon a very 
large scale, and Mr. Davis is known to have been one of the largest cattle feeders 
in the counts-. In this business he has been identified with Lyman W. Betts. 
and later with E. H. Hyneman and others. These business operations have been 
large, and in conducting them Mr. Davis has exhibited a high degree of execu- 
tive and financial ability. Mr. Davis has never been a seeker after office. He 

however, elected a member of the Board of Supervisors of McLean County. 
from Bloomington Township, and has occupied that position for some twenty 
years. He has brought to the conduct of the public affairs of the County the 
same bu- iracity and judgment that he applies to his own affairs, and has 

consequently been able to perform the duties of the office to the entire satisfac- 
tion of the public. 

Mr. Davis has been a member of the McLean Historical Society for a num- 
ber of years, and upon the death of Judge J. M. Scott he was elected President 
of the Society. The McLean County Historical Society was organized March 
19, 1892, with Hon. John M. Scott as President: J. B. Orendorff. Vice President ; 
George Pen-in Davis. Treasurer, and Ezra M. Prince. Secretary. Mr. Davis 
bore an honorable part in the labors of this Society, and in 1899 the first volume 
.as published, being the War record of McLean County with other 
papers. It is a book of some 600 pages, well illustrated by the portraits of promi- 
nent citizens : the county, g full and interesting history of the military 
affairs of McLean County, and numerous sketches of its early settlers. The 
work is highly creditable to the McLean County Historical Society. 

424 







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George P. Davis married Ella Hanna of Attica. Indiana, in the year 1869. 
They have three children, namely : Mrs. Alice D. Andrews, wife of Dr. E. Wyllys 
Andrews, of Chicago, 111.; and David Davis and Mercer Davis. Mr. and Mrs. 
Davis have a wide circle of friends ; they have a pleasant home, and dispense a 
generous hospitality. 

Mr. Davis in politics is a Republican. He believes in the principles of the 
party, is proud of its achievements and of its history, and gives an earnest sup- 
port to its Candida: rs 



ORRIS BISSELL DODGE. 

Orris Bissell Dodge of Dixon. 111., was born at Twinsburg, O.. December 8,. 
1838. His ancestors were English and Welch, who came to America before the 
Revolution. His great-grandfather was killed at the Battle of Bunker Hill. His 
grandfather, a posthumous child, was born during the Revolution, and his father,. 
John Weeks Dodge, who married Susan Bissell, was a pioneer settler in Ohio. 
He became a successful merchant and afterward removed to Illinois in 1854^ 
where, at the age of 87, he died in 1895. His mother iied at the age of 67. They 
were of sturdy Xew England type, of high moral Worth and left a deep impres- 
sion upon the communities in which they lived. 

Orris B. Dodge is one of a family of five children, three of whom are dead. 
His sister, Mrs. Augusta Dodge Beard, now resides at Rantoul. 111. Mr. Dodge 

educated at Bissell Seminar}-. Twinsburg. Ohio, and Shaw Seminary, East 
Cleveland. He was a good student. When not in school he was actively 
engaged with his father in the store and in the buying and selling of horses, of 
which he was fond, and of cattle and other stock. At the age of 16 he accom- 
panied his father to Champaign County-, where he spent four years in assisting- 
to establish a new prairie farm, engaging in all kinds of necessary work for the 
accomplishment of that end. At the age of twenty he engaged in general mer- 
chandise at Rantoul, first with a partner and afterward alone. For eight years 
he was the leading merchant of that place. In 1867 he remove'd to Dixon and 
successfully engaged in the dry-goods business for seven years. He established^ 
the one-price cash system. In 1874 he became interested in the Grand Detour 
Plow Company, which was established in 1837. six miles above Dixon on Rock 
River, but was removed to Dixon in 1869. The company was incorporated in 
1879. and Mr. Dodge was made its secretary- and treasurer, holding that position 
for twenty-five years. He is now the president of the company. This is one of 
the most successful enterprises of the city- of Dixon. 

In i860 Mr. Dodge cast his first vote for Stephen A. Douglas for president. 
When the Civil war broke out, he followed that great leader in support of the 
Union cause, and like the great mass of the war Democrats of Illinois, he sup- 
ported Abraham Lincoln for re-election in 1864. and has been a supporter of 
the Republican party ever since. 'Sir. Dodge has not been a seeker after office,, 
but fully comprehending the principles of the Republican party, he has supported 
its measures and its candidates with a view of giving the country- good govern- 
ment. Mr. Dodge served four years in the City- Council of Dixon, and was 
chairman of the committee which had charge of putting in the water works. He 
has been president of the Business Men's Association, an active member of the 
Lee County Lecture Association, the Shakespeare, Chautauqua and other liter- 
ary- clubs. He assisted in the establishment of the Public Library- at Dixon in 
1895. and is president of the Board of Directors 

Mr. Dodge is a most public-spirited man. He is now erecting a new library- 
building at a cost of over S20.000. and when completed will deed the lot and 
building to the city on condition only that it shall be maintained bv them as a 
public library- forever. He has traveled largely in his own country, and has made 
two trips to Europe, visiting England. Scotland. Ireland. Germany, Switzerland,. 
Holland, Belgium and France. While Mr. Dodge was reared a Congre^a- 

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tionalist by his parents, after moving to Dixon he united with St. Luke's Epis- 
copal, of which he is now a senior warden, and for thirty years has been a 
member of the vestry. He was a member of the building committee which 
erected the beautiful stone church which they now occupy. He has also donated 
a lot for the erection of a rectory. 

Orris B. Dodge was married June 27, 1872, to Annie More of Polo, 111., 
who descended from a large and noted Scotch family. They have two children, 
Annie Louise Dodge, now a student in the University of Chicago, and John 
Orris Dodge, now in the mechanical engineering department of Cornell Uni- 
versity. Air. Dodge is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, was initiated by 
his father, and has taken the Chapter and Templar degrees. He was past- 
master, high priest and eminent commander of these bodies. Airs. Dodge is 
a woman of education, and takes great interest in public and educational subjects. 
She has been an enthusiastic supporter of the Republican party from her youth, 
and has aided her husband in every good work. She is president of the Phidian 
Art Club of Dixon. 



M. LESTER COFFEEN. 

M. Lester Coffeen is a native of the Empire State, having been born at 
Antwerp, Jefferson county, December 20, 1850, and since 1869 has been a 
resident of Chicago. His ancestors were early settlers of Xew England, and 
class among the foremost citizens of force, energy, influence and ability of the 
early periods of our history. His great grandfather — Capt. John Coffeen. the 
first settler of Cavendish, Vt. — was a Revolutionary soldier, a member of Ver- 
mont's first constitutional convention and many times a member of its legisla- 
tive gatherings. William Coffeen. grandfather, a soldier of the War of 1812. 
and William L. G. Coffeen, his father, were both prominent and respected citi- 
zens of the State of Xew York. William L. G. Coffeen came to Illinois in i860 
and died a few years afterward at Libertyville. The mother of the subject of 
this sketch, whose maiden name was Helen Lester, originated the establishment 
of fresh-air homes in the vicinity of Chicago for poor working women and 
children, and the last few years of her life were spent in the support of this 
worthy charity. She died at Hinsdale, 111., 1898. 

M. Lester Coffeen attended the Xormal School, at Xormal, McLean 
county, 111., and afterwards entered the law department of the old Chicago 
University, from which he graduated with the class of 1871. His law studies 
were continued in the office of Van Arman & Yallette for a time, afterwards 
acquiring a thorough practical knowledge of practice by serving as a clerk in 
the Superior Court Clerk's office. He was for a short time associated with 
the late Emery A. Storrs, and in 1887 became a member of the law firm with 
which he has ever since been connected, Tenney. McConnell, Coffeen & Hard- 
ing. This is one of the best known and most successful law firms of Chicago. 
with an extensive practice in both the State and Federal Courts. 

In politics Air. Coffeen has always been a Republican. He ardently adheres 
to the principles of the party, and is proud of its history and its achievements, 
and although performing his individual duty as a citizen at the polls, he has 
not been active in party work. Air. Coffeen took an active part in the organiza- 
tion of the Hamilton Club, and was its first vice-president, and is a member 
of the Chicago Club. He was married in December, 1877, to Martha Martin. 
They have three children, two daughters and a son, Henry Martin Coffeen, who 
is now a student of Yale L niversity, of the graduating class of 1902. He occu- 
pies with his family a fine residence on Calumet Avenue, Chicago, and has at 
Kenilworth, 111., a handsome country place. 



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ARTHUR DIXON. 

Arthur Dixon is one of the best known citizens of Chicago. He has been 
prominently connected with the city government and the business interests of the 
city for many years, and has established a reputation for integrity, public spirit 
and enterprise, which has made his name a household word with the people. Mr. 
Dixon came to Chicago in 1861, when he was twenty-four years of age. He first 
engaged in the business of a grocer, and continued that for some time, but he 
soon appreciated the fact that there was a great opening in Chicago for a large 
transfer and general teaming business. He established himself at 299 Fifth 
Avenue, and the business proved to be a success from the start. Mr. Dixon has 
devoted much time to the interests of the city, to the politics of the State and 
nation, and to social affairs, but he has never for a moment neglected his express 
.and transfer business. That has been pushed with energy year by year until it 
has grown to be the largest business of the kind west of Xew York City. The 
Arthur Dixon Transfer Co. has a capital of S250.000, they have a large array of 
wagons and horses, and their stables are arranged to accommodate over five hun- 
dred horses. They also have extensive facilities for the storage of merchandise. 
The company handles the bulk of the railroad transfer business of Chicago, and 
do a large warehousing and forwarding business. The main office of this com- 
pany has never been removed from 299 Fifth Avenue. This transfer company 
is notably a Dixon institution. Arthur Dixon is the President, while his two 
sons. George W. Dixon, and T. J. Dixon are respectively Secretary and Treas- 
urer, and General Manager. 

In 1867 Mr. Dixon was elected Alderman from the 2nd Ward on the same 
ticket with Mayor Rice. He performed the duties of the office of Alderman so 
well that at the ensuing election he was re-elected, and for twenty-four years by 
the voice and vote of his fellow citizens he held the office of Alderman of the city 
of Chicago. In 1874 Mr. Dixon was chosen President of the City Council, was 
re-elected from time to time and filled that responsible post for six years. He 
also served at various times as Chairman of the Finance and other important 
Committees. When Congress decided that the World's Columbian Exposition 
should be held at Chicago, Mr. Dixon was appointed by the Mayor as a member 
of the Executive Committee of Arrangements for the Exposition. He was on 
the Committee and took an active part in framing and passing the Ordinance au- 
thorizing a loan of S5. 000. 000 to the city for promoting the Exposition. In 
April. 1892. Mr. Dixon was selected as a Director in the Board of the World's 
Columbian Directory. He performed the duties of these important positions 
with zeal and intelligence, and contributed his full share to the success of the 
Exposition. 

Mr. Dixon is a Republican in politics, and in politics, like in everything else, 
he has been an active member. It has never been his practice to remain at his 
office or at his home when political work was to be done, and leave some one 
else to perform his part of that work. He has always felt that as the public 
affairs of this country must necessarily be conducted through the instrumental- 
ity of political parties, and by party organization, that it was the duty of every 
voter to take part in these proceedings, and not leave to others the performance 
of that duty. Mr. Dixon has been a delegate to and participated in the delibera- 
tions of Republican Conventions of Cook County, and also of State and Na- 
tional Conventions. For twenty years he was a member of the County Central 
Committee and two years its chairman. In the long to be remembered National 
Convention of 1880 when General Garfield was nominated to the Presidency, 
Arthur Dixon was an Alternate from the first Congressional District. In 1870 
Mr. Dixon was elected as a representative from the 96th District to the 27th 
General Assembly of Illinois. He was a hard working and efficient member, and 
represented his ETistrict to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. It is an in- 

430 





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teresting episode in the life of Mr. Dixon that when, in 1891, after a service of 
twenty-four years as an Alderman he voluntarily declined re-election, and re- 
tired from that service he was presented by the city of Chicago a series of reso- 
lutions commending and endorsing his long and efficient services to the city. 
These resolutions were beautifully engraved and handsomely bound. This was 
a mark of public approval rarely ever conferred upon a man retiring from public 
life, and was tendered to Mr. Dixon not as a partisan act, but as a free will offer- 
ing of the city as a recognition for his long and valuable services to the city. 

Arthur Dixon was married to Ann Carson of Pittsburg, Penn., in 1862. 
They have a family of seven sons and seven daughters. The home life of this 
large and interesting famliy is the best evidence of the good qualities of head 
and heart of Mr. and Mrs. Dixon. In addition to his great transfer business, Mr. 
Dixon is interested in other important matters of business. He is a director of 
the Chicago & Grand Trunk R. R. Co., the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Co., of 
the Metropolitan National Bank, and of the Consolidated Stone Co. In a social 
way he has identified himself with the Union League Club, the Sheridan Club, 
the Hamilton Club, of which he has been president, the Calumet Club and the 
Historical Society. He has been a trustee of the old Methodist Church in Chi- 
cago for over twenty-seven years. During this time the church has assisted in 
building over twenty Methodist churches. 



GEORGE W. DIXON. 

George W. Dixon of Chicago, Illinois, was born in Chicago. He attended 
the common school, and won the medal prize for scholarship. In 1885 he grad- 
uated from the West Division High School, then entered the Northwestern Uni- 
versity, from which institution he was graduated in 1889. He entered the law 
department of the same institution, and completed the course in the class of 1892. 
He was elected President of the graduating class, and represented it before the 
Supreme Court of Illinois, where he was granted a license to practice law. Mr. 
Dixon is a man of fine business qualifications, of sound judgment, and a high 
sense of business honor. Intellectually he has the highest standing; he makes 
staunch friends of all those with whom he comes in contact, his business success 
and popularity has, therefore, a substantial foundation. Mr. Dixon is Secre- 
tary and Treasurer of the Dixon Transfer Company, at 299 Fifth Avenue. The 
business of this company is large and constantly increasing. Some idea may be 
gained of the business of this company when it is known that the capital stock 
of the company once $25,000 has been increased to $250,000. This company 
handles the bulk of the railroad transfer business of Chicago, besides doing a 
very large forwarding and warehouse business. Although Mr. Dixon is con- 
stantly occupied and at times overwhelmed with his great business, he does not 
neglect those important duties every citizen owes to society in general and to 
himself in particular. 

In politics Mr. Dixon is a Republican. He identified himself with that great 
party in his early manhood, and is a thorough believer in the principles of the 
party, its policies of government, and has an admiration for its great history. Mr. 
Dixon is a member of the Union League Club, the Hamilton Club, the University 
Club, the Chicago Athletic Association, and the Chicago Tennis Club. He was 
Secretary of the Hamilton Club in 1894-5, and Chairman of the Committee on 
Political Action in 1898-9. Mr. Dixon is also a member of the Masonic Fra- 
ternity, is a member of Garden City Lodge No. 141, and is also a Royal Arch 
Mason, belonging to Washington Chapter No. 43. He has been initiated to the 
thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite on Oriental Consistory, and is a Sir 
Knight in Apollo Commandery. Mr. Dixon is a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, is an active church worker, and is Superintendent of the 
Sunday school of his Church. As is well known, Mr. Dixon belongs to one of 
the old and prominent families of Chicago, his father, Arthur Dixon, being one 
of the most influential and respected citizens of Chicago. 

432 









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433 



CHARLES H. DEERE. 

The history of a state as well as that of a nation is chiefly the chronicle of the 
lives and deeds of those who have conferred honor and dignity upon society and 
have benefited the people at large. The world judges the character of a com- 
munity by that of its representative citizens and yields its tributes of admiration 
and respect to genius. Charles H. Deere bears a name that is known through- 
out the country and is now at the head of an industry that has been a blessing 
to the agricultural class of this country, as well as a source of financial benefit 
to himself and family. He is a native Vermonter, born in Hancock, Addison 
County, March 28, 1837, and is the only living son of the late Hon. John 
Deere. 

Charles H. Deere's early scholastic training was received in the common 
schools of Grand Detour and Moline, and later he attended Knox and Iowa 
Academies. In 1854 he graduated from the Bell Commercial College, of Chi- 
cago, and was now fitted for a business career. Naturally he became interested 
in the extensive plow works of which his father was the originator and the con- 
trolling 'spirit. He inherited much of his father's excellent business qualities 
and soon showed that he was a man of judgment and ability. He was first assist- 
ant and then head book-keeper, then traveler and purchaser for the firm. When 
the business was incorporated in 1868 he became vice-president and general 
manager, thus serving until his father's death, when he succeeded to the presi- 
dency. Since then he has not only been the nominal head, but has been the 
power that has made this immense organization a financial success. He is also 
the founder of the Deere and Mansur Company corn planter works, president 
of the Moline Water Power Company, director in other works in Moline, as well 
as in the large branch houses of Deere & Company in Kansas City, Minneapolis, 
Des Moines, Council Bluffs, San Francisco, and other points. 

For a number of years Mr. Deere was chairman of the Bureau of Labor 
Statistics for the State of Illinois, appointed by the governor, but later he re- 
signed. He was the second man appointed as State Commissioner of the 
World's Columbian Exposition, and was a Commissioner to the Exposition in 
Vienna, in 1873, for the state of Illinois. In politics he is an ardent Republican 
and was chosen an elector at large in the presidential campaign of 1888. Fre- 
quently he has been urged to accept nominations for important political offices, 
but has refused to allow his name to be used, though never failing in his support 
of the party. In 1862 Mr. Deere married Miss Mary Little Dickinson, of Chi- 
cago, where she is well known and much admired. Since her marriage Mrs. 
Deere has identified herself with the interests of the community in a very charac- 
teristic manner, and her ready sympathy for all worthy movements and her un- 
swerving adherence to principle and duty have won her the respect and love of 
all. She is a most gracious and entertaining hostess, and many friends and dis- 
tinguished guests from all parts of the country are royally welcomed at their 
beautiful home, "Overlook." The Misses Deere were educated in New York 
City, are extensive travelers and are bright, attractive young ladies, well known 
in the society circles of New York, Chicago and Washington. The elder daugh- 
ter married William Dwight Wiman, of New York City, and the second is now 
Mrs. William Butterworth. Mr. Deere is a man of liberal ideas, having traveled 
extensively in this country and abroad, and has many friends in all classes. 



434 




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435 



EDWARD A. DICKER. 

One of the prominent lawyers of Illinois is Edward A. Dicker, present Mas- 
ter in Chancery of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois. He is the eldest 
son of Osmond Dicker and Mary Ann (Cotton) Dicker, and was born in Stough- 
ton. Xorfolk County. Mass.. June 18. 1855. The rudiments of his education 
were obtained in his native State, but in the fall of 1866. he moved to the town 
of Grafton, Ozaukee County, Wisconsin, and two years later moved to Chicago, 
at which time he was not quite thirteen years of age, and here he has ever since 
resided. Possessing, by nature, a strong and critical mind, he became in love 
with his books from early boyhood. As he grew older, and as his mind ex- 
panded, he felt himself able of accomplishing better results with a good education 
than without one. and accordingly he prosecuted his studies with much affection 
and diligence, first at the Wells School and in June. 1869, in the High School, 
which he attended continuously until 1872. 

Upon leaving school he was full of resources, sound in body, keen and able 
in mind, and ready for any emergency which the waves of life might present. 
At first he secured employment for several years in the office of the "Mail," and 
afterwards was connectted with the "Post and Mail," but spent, during the mean- 
time, his leisure hours in the study of law. which profession he designed to pur- 
sue through life. In 1876 he entered the law office of Samuel Kerr of this 
city, and two years later, having thoroughly prepared himself, he was admitted 
to the bar. Succeeding this he was for a year a clerk in the office ot Miller & 
Frost of this city, but in 1880 began an independent practice. Two years later he 
entered into partnership with Henry M. Matthews for the general practice of law, 
which partnership continued to the mutual satisfaction and profit of the members 
until December. 1894. when it was dissolved, and on January 1. 1895. a part- 
nership was formed with Harry H. Carpenter. This association has continued 
until the present time under the name of Dicker & Carpenter. 

Mr. Dicker has always been a Republican in politics, having cast his first 
vote, after coming of age. for Monroe Heath for Mayor of Chicago, and since 
that date has voted the straight Republican ticket. On December 1, 1887. he 
was appointed by the Circuit Court of Cook County, a Master in Chancery, and 
has occupied with great success that position ever since. He is a member of the 
Bar Association, the Law Club, and served one term as Director of the Law In- 
stitute. He is a member and Director of the Massachusetts Society in Chicago, 
and member and vice-president of the Menoken Club, a member of the Hamilton 
Club, and a member of the Royal Arcanum. He is a L niversalist. having been 
connected with the Church of the Redeemer of this city since 1868. For several 
years past he has been treasurer of that society. 

He was married on May 3rd. 1882. to Miss Jennie E. Woodard, daughter of 
Willard Woodard. who in his life time served one term in the State Senate in 
Illinois, and as President of the West Chicago Park Board for several terms. 
Her mother was Lavina Ellery. a granddaughter oi William Ellery. and a grand- 
niece of Josiah Bartlett, both signers of the Declaration of Independence. They 
have four children, one daughter and three sons, ranging from six to sixteen 
years of age. 



436 




1<£-^ 



437 



EDWARD H. ELWELL. 

The business of life insurance in the United States has become so vast 
and so important that it has called into service some of the brightest minds 
and some of the most indefatigable workers in the country. The problems 
to be confronted and overcome embrace hard study and careful investigation, 
and it is noted that those men who have come to the front in insurance circles 
and placed themselves among the leaders of important reforms and improved 
methods are men of far more than ordinary ability and capacity for hard work. 
Such a man is the subject of this sketch. He is descended from members of 
the family who first came to America in the year 1635 and settled in Salem and 
Gloucester, Mass. They were members of that large class who were forced 
to leave Europe to escape religious persecution and came to America to set up 
a church of their own faith and to worship God according to the dictates of 
their own conscience. As the years rolled around the family gradually became 
numerous and scattered until those of the name npw number many hundreds and 
have become identified with public affairs in all sections of the country. 

The subject of this memoir was born in Maine, in the town of Buxton, 
November 9, 1845, on a farm which had been settled by his paternal grand- 
father late in the seventeenth century and which is yet owned and controlled by 
the father of this subject. Upon this farm he grew to manhood and passed 
through the usual experiences of farmer's boys, working at the general routine 
of the place and attending school in the winter months and finally fitting himself 
for college at a Pine Tree State academy. He applied himself so eagerly and 
so incessantly that he impaired his health and for a time was forced to relinquish 
his studies, but soon afterward began to teach school, continuing thus for two 
years. At the expiration of that time he entered Brown's Commercial College, 
at Portland, Maine, but in about two months the building was destroyed by fire, 
which occurrence for a time put a stop to further plans looking toward a com- 
mercial education. In 1867, when he was twenty-two years of age, he took a 
step which has been of great importance to his whole after life. He became a 
life insurance solicitor and from the start was very successful. His natural gifts 
gave him great advantage over the ordinary solicitor, for he was plausible, 
tactful, persistent, energetic, argumentative and convincing. But these qualities 
would have made him successful in many other occupations had he chosen to 
follow them. At first he was required to confine his efforts to his native State, 
but in 1868 he was assigned to the position of General Agent for the States of 
Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Two years later he removed to Detroit, 
where he continued the same business, but read law in the meantime. In 1882 
he became connected with the Michigan Mutual Life Insurance Company, and in 
this capacity did some of his most effective and important work. He was soon 
placed in charge of the Northwestern Department of the company at Chicago 
and since then has been very successful in expanding the business of the com- 
pany to many other States and in vastly increasing the business of the company 
in the several States. He is very prominent in insurance circles, and by good 
management has succeeded in accumulating a comfortable fortune. 

He is a director of the Michigan Mutual Life Insurance Company, a mem- 
ber of the Masonic order, of the Sons of the Revolution and Sons of the Ameri- 
can Revolution, and occupies an important position in the social ranks of Chi- 
cago. From his boyhood he has been a strict Republican, taking at all times 
a keen interest in the success of the party and doing many things to aid its 
progress. He is a member of the Hamilton Club. He was married in 1882 to 
Miss Nettie L. Tuttle, of Durham, Maine. They have two children, Russell T. 
and Grace E. 



438 





439 



THOMAS DILLER. 

Thomas Diller of Sterling. Illinois, was born July 14. 1845, at New Holland, 
Pennsylvania. His father. Charles Diller. of North German descent, married 
Ann Elizabeth Thompson, a protestant descendant from the North of Ireland. 
They removed to Illinois in 1850 and settled on a farm, erected a log house, 
broke prairie and raised the usual crops of the country. Thomas Diller began 
assisting his father on the farm when nine years of age. He worked during the 
spring and summer and went to school during the winter until twenty-one years 
of age. He soon acquired the habit of reading, and devoted himself to many 
good books that came in his way. 

When the Civil War broke out, young Diller was anxious to enter the army. 
He enlisted three times before he was accepted, his father and mother interpos- 
ing at the first and second enlistments, but at 17 years he enlisted in Company 
"D" 75th Illinois Infantry. He took part in all the battles of the Atlanta cam- 
paign, returned North with General Thomas' army, and was at the battle of 
Franklin and Nashville. After returning home from the war. he worked on the 
farm one year, then went to school four years and acquired an education. He 
then took up the business of teaching, and was engaged in this occupation for ten 
years, and for six years was principal of one of the ward schools of Sterling. In 
1886 Mr. Diller bought a half interest in the "Sterling Standard." then a weekly 
newspaper. In 1894, he bought his partner's interest, and established the "Daily 
Standard." of which he is now proprietor and editor. The '"Standard" is a first- 
class Republican paper and now issues a daily and semi-weekly edition. 

Mr. Diller has always been a thorough Republican in politics. His first 
vote was cast for General Grant in 1868. He was appointed postmaster of Ster- 
ling by President Harrison and was removed by President Cleveland for "offen- 
sive partisanship." but in 1898 was re-appointed postmaster by President 
McKinley, and now holds that important office. For twelve years Mr. Diller v\as 
chairman of the Town Central Republican Committee, and at present is chair- 
man of the Republican County Committee. He is a member of Post 174. G. A. 
R.. and has held nearly all the offices of the Post, and is a Past Commander. He 
has twice been aide-de-camp on the staff of the Department Commander. Mr. 
Diller is a citizen of sterling ability and of influence in the community where he 
lives. He has a private library that is probably second to few in the State. 

Mr. Diller was married February 7, 1894. to Miss Mary E. Cabot of Proph- 
etstown, Whiteside County. Illinois. She had been a teacher in the Prophets- 
town schools for nine years. They have two sons. John Cabot Diller and Roland 
Thompson Diller. He and his wife have a delightful home, and have a wide 
circle of friends. No one has done more for the Republican party in his part of 
the State than Thomas Diller. 



JOSEPH G. ENGLISH. 

Among the oldest and most prominent bankers of the State is Joseph G. 
English of Danville. He was born in Ohio County. Ind., near the village of Ris- 
ing Sun. December 17, 1820. his parents being Charles and Ann (Wright) 
English, both of whom were of English ancestry, the first of the name in this 
country settling in Connecticut long before the Revolution. The father in early 
life removed to Nova Scotia, from where his children returned to the United 
States from time to time. Charles came to Ohio County and followed the 
occupations of carpentering and blacksmithing. and in 1829 removed to the 
Wabash valley, locating at Perryville. The parents were comparatively poor, 

440 





>&X<W- 



441 



and Joseph G. was required at a tender age to begin the labor of life. He was 
given only a meager education in the rude schools of that early day. but by his 
own industry and determination he at the time managed to secure a good busi- 
aess education which has been supplemented very greatly since that date. At 
the age of fourteen he began earning his own living, taking a position in the 
store of Taylor & Linton. Lafayette. Ind. His duties were very hard and irk- 
some and were continued for five years. He received an excellent knowledge of 
the mercantile business, but very little else. After five years of this servitude 
his employers failed, whereupon he secured a position in a general store at 
Perryville at a salary of S40 per month. This was a great advance, and he 
determined to make the most of his money and his opportunities. The trying 
experiences of his early career had begotten in him habits of strict frugality, 
and he began to save a large part of his wages. At the end of three years he 
had managed to save about S400. At this time he married Miss Mary Hicks 
of Perrysville, doubtless realizing that if one person could save that amount in 
three years two persons could save twice as much. In 1844 he entered into 
partnership with his father-in-law, George Hicks, under the firm name of Hicks 
^c English in the dry-goods, grocery, produce and grain business. This was 
before the era of railroads, when goods were purchased annually in large quanti- 
ties and sold on a credit of twelve months. Much of the goods for this section 
of the country came up the river from Xew Orleans, and the produce was 
shipped down the river to the same port. On more than one trip down the 
river in flat-boats did Mr. English take his turn at the oars. In 1853 ne s °ld 
out at Perryville and removed to Danville and formed a partnership with John 
L. Tincher arid for three years conducted a general store with great success. 
In 1856 they became the assignees of the Stock Security Bank, which had been 
forced into bankruptcy, and sold out their store and devoted themselves to 
winding up the affairs of the bank. This led them into a brokerage and ex- 
change business, which was gradually developed into a private banking pursuit, 
which they continued until February, 1863, when they secured a charter under 
the Xational banking law. They began with a capital of $50,000 and Mr. Eng- 
lish was elected president and served continuously until July, 1899, when he 
resigned. After the death of Mr. Tincher, in 1872, the capital was increased 
tc 8:50.000. where it yet remains. The surplus is now over Si 50.000. 

Mr. English has been three times married, his first wife bearing him seven 
children : George, Charles L.. Harriet. Irene J., John T., Annie M. and Edward. 
His second wife, who was formerly Maria L. Partlow, bore him two children: 
T. C. and Otis H. His second wife died in 1886, and in 1899 he married Mrs. 
Mary E. Forbes. 

Mr. English stands among the leading citizens of that portion of the State. 
He has done a great deal to build up and improve the city of Danville. He has 
been interested in many important enterprises, and for more than twenty years 
has been a director of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad. He has served 
two terms as mayor of the city, and in 1872 was chosen a member of the first 
Board of Equalization of the State. Prior to 1862 he was a Democrat, but at 
that time became a Republican, which party he has since continued to support. 
The peace plank of the Democracy caused him to change. He is a Methodist. 



JOSEPH DOWNEY. 

In the great city of Chicago a majority of the inhabitants are of foreign 
birth. Those who. attracted by finer institutions, larger educational facilities 
and the superior advantages of making a living, have come here with their fami- 
:.nd means, intending to find a home in a new country; these valuable addi- 
- to the native population have, by their industry, economy and honest 
methods, become essential factors in the growth of the city. They furnish not 
only needed workmen, skilled and unskilled, but enterprising merchants, manu- 
facturers, artists and apt dealers upon our marts of trade. They have also 

442 





443 



naturally embraced the various professions, where they have proved themselves 
useful, talented and influential. Among the many who came to this country 
to take advantage of the opportunities offered here was the mother of our sub- 
ject (the father having died in England). Elizabeth Downey, a native of Ireland. 

Joseph Downey was born in Parsenstown. Kings County, Ireland, April 23, 
1S49. anc i was about 5 years old when he came with his mother to the United 
States. In the public schools of Chicago he received a good, practical education, 
and subsequently learned the mason trade, at which he worked for many years, 
and which brought him good returns. He retired from business in 1894, but 
up to that time was classed among the largest and most important contractors 
in the city, having charge of many important works. Since retiring he has 
devoted his time and attention to his own private affairs. 

Politically he is a most enthusiastic supporter of the principles of the Repub- 
lican party, and has held a number of important offices. He was first ele::T I 
Commissioners of Buildings in 1895, and later Commissioner of Public Works, 
and discharged the duties of those positions most ably. Socially Mr. Downey 
is a member of the Masonic Fraternity. Union League Club, Illinois Club and 
the Builders' Club of Chicago. He selected his wife in the person of Miss Lena 
Klein, of Chicago, and their nuptials were celebrated May 5, 1885. For forty- 
two years Mr. Downey has been a resident of Chicago, and all his interests are 
centered here. He is public spirited in an eminent degree, devoted to the 
national interests and local welfare, and contributes liberally to all that is calcu- 
lated to upbuild Chicago. 



HENRY H. EVANS. 

Few men in the State of Illinois are better known than Hon. Henry H. 
Evans, whose name is closely identified and interwoven with the history of 
Aurora, where for years he has made his home. He is a product of Toronto, 
Canada, born March 9. 1836. and the son of Griffith and Elizabeth (Weldon) 
Evans, both natives of Harris burg. Penn. The father was a millwright by trade 
and his business took him to various parts of the United States and Canada: 
Henry H. was born while the parents were in the last named country. The 
Evans family came originally from Wales, but for many years prior to the Revo- 
lutionary war was established in this country. In June. 1841, Griffith Evans 
removed with his family to Aurora, from Pennsylvania, where the family had 
resided for several generations, and here he aided in the construction of the 
Black Hawk, Montgomery and Eagle Mills. Later he was foreman of the car 
shops of the Chicago. Burlington & Ouincy Railroad, in Aurora, and only 
through the solicitation of his son was he induced to resign this position. He 
died suddenly of heart disease. September 28, 1882. when seventy-three years 
old. His wife had died the previous January, when sixty-nine years old. Of 
the ten children born to them, four were products of Canadian soil and the 
remainder saw the light first in Aurora. 

Colonel Evans, who is entitled to the rank designated by reason of his 
appointment on the staffs of Governors Cullom. Fifer. Oglesby and Hamilton. 
received no special advantages as a child, but obtained his education in the 
public schools. However, he received excellent training and example under the 
home roof, and these have been indelibly impressed upon his mind. Young 
Evans first started out for himself by engaging in the restaurant and ice cream 
business and met with fair success until 1862. when he enlisted in the 124th 
Regiment. Illinois Volunteers, and served until the close of the war. In 1865 
he returned to Aurora and again engaged in the restaurant business, which he 
followed until 1873. At that date he purchased the Fitch House, how known 
as Hotel Evans, conducted it for years and then leased it. With unusual fore- 
sight Colonel Evans then began buying real estate in and about Aurora, and 
every investment of this kind resulted in a decided profit. He organized ana 
put into operation the first street railway in the town : induced the Aurora. Joliet 




445 



& I [ :»rtheni Railway to run its line here : secured the establishment of several 
factories and in addition to these enterprises is connected with others equally 
as important to the town. He was president of the German-American National 
Bank of Aurora for some time, is vice-president now and a heavy stockholder 
in it. 

Industrious and successful as he has been in all his undertakings, it is as 
politician of a highly diplomatic order that he has won his greatest fame. In 
1876 he was elected to the state legislature by the Republican party, whose 
cause he had ever espoused, and in the same year he was elected to the Aurora 
city council from the ninth ward. In 1880 he was chosen to represent the dis- 
trict in the state senate, re-elected in 1884, and since then he has been in the 
Senate continuously. 20 years, doing excellent service for his constituents and 
the state. It was through the efforts of Colonel Evans in 1877 that the Militia 
Bill and Soldiers' Home at Ouincy was established, and his fighting qualities 
were so manifested at that time that Governor Cullom appointed him on his 
staff. Since then he has served all succeeding governors in the same capacity. 
There is no man in Aurora who enjoys the confidence and respect of all cla 5 a es 
of people to a greater extent than does Colonel Evans. Then, too, he is almost 
as well known in Chicago as in Aurora, and has many warm friends among the 
business men of that city, where he also has extensive interests in financial and 
industrial enterprises. He has not only been signally successful in all his ven- 
tures and free from errors in his official career, but there is a spirit of hearty 
good fellowship about him that has won him friends by the score. The Colonel 
was married in 1858 to Miss Alice M. Rhodes, a native of Lancaster, England. 
Thev have one son, Arthur R. Evans. 



JOHN C. EVERETT. 

John C. Everett's success in the legal profession has been largely due to 
rare intellectual and personal gifts and an indomitable purpose : :ceed. 

Modest as to his own attainments, it is only through others one is enabled to 
ascertain how successful he has been and how well known he has become. He 
is a product of the Keystone State, born at Chambersburg, March [862, and 
the son of William Smiley Everett and Janie (Cree Everett the former of 
English-German and the latter of Welsh-Irish descen: His parents were na- 

of Pennsylvania, born in F ranklin :ounty. and there reside ::.: 

when his father moved to St. Joseph, Mo. His father there engaged in the 
successful practice of law until December, 1875. when he moved to Chi ; g 

In the public schools of St. Joseph young Everett laid the foundation for 
his subsequent education. After moving to Chicago he entered the employ 
of Field, Leiter & Co., wholesale department, where he remained for thr-T years, 
until the fall of 1879. Feeling the desire for a better education and knowing 
the advantages that would naturally follow, he left the employ of the above firm 
and entered the University of Chicago. His way was not smoothed out for 
him, as he helped himself through two years of schooling by carrying morning 
papers and during the year 1882 he reported "police" for the Associated Press. 
He was associated in that work with Edw. McPhelim, who afterwards became 
famous as the great dramatic critic. In 1882 he entered the Union College of 
Law. from which he graduated with honors in June^ 1884, at which time he 
licensed to practice law by the Supreme Court. His taste in studies has 
been in the law, although his general work outside of that has been espe- 
cially in the mental sciences and sociology. For a number of years now Mr. 
Everett has been actively engaged in the practice of his profession. In Feb- 
ruary. 1894. he was appointed Justice of the Peace to succeed his father, and 
in 1895 was appointed his own successor for the term of four years and re- 
appointed in 1898. 

In his political views Justice Everett is a staunch supporter of the Repub- 
lican party. He is treasurer of the Third Ward Republican Club. His club and 




Jm^^t^A 



447 



society connections are many and select, among which are the Hamilton, o'f 
which he was one of the founders, Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, Linton 
League Club, Chicago Bar Association and Law Institute. Justice Everett was 
admitted to the Bar of Maryland by the Supreme Court of that state November, 
1897, appearing and arguing the contest of the Stickney will before that court. 
He prepares his opinions with intelligent care, some of which have attracted 
special attention. His judicial record in the last five or six years not only gives 
full reason for his retention, but full promise of advanced preferment in the near 
future. In his religious views Justice Everett was born a Presbyterian, and he 
is at the present time a member of the Second Presbyterian church of Chicago. 
The only change that has taken place in his views is that lie finds them con- 
stantlv broadening with unlimited respect for all creeds. 



NATHANIAL K. FAIRBANK. 

In preparing a just sketch of such a man as Nathanial K. Fairbank it is 
not enough simply to state in a general way what he has accomplished, but to 
outline if possible the character and natural endowments of which he is pos- 
sessed. Mr. Fairbank came to Chicago in 1855; the object of his coming was 
to engage in the purchase and sale of grain on commission. He became the 
Western Agent of David Dows & Co. of New York, and for ten years conducted 
a large and profitable grain commission business. He was induced to invest 
part of his capital with Smedley, Peck & Co., in a lard and oil refinery. Mr. 
Fairbank no doubt expected to make money in this business, but it is not at all 
probable that he foresaw the immense proportions of the business which he 
would develop from this starting point. This refinery burned down, but another 
was built upon a larger scale. One partner after another sold out and withdrew 
from the business until finally Mr. Fairbank found himself at the head of the 
concern. Then the great capacity for business of this man showed itself ; he 
became one of the largest dealers in food materials in the world. He erected 
immense buildings, used the most approved machinery, in preparing and pre- 
serving his products for market, that ingenuity could devise, and applied the 
highest chemical knowledge and skill for profitably utilizing what in former 
times was waste material. 

He became the purchaser of immense droves from farm and ranch; con- 
verted these into merchantable products of every conceivable form, and found 
profitable markets for their sale. He mastered the science of finance, transpor- 
tation and sanitation, and pushing his business to the ends of the earth increased 
the amount to tens of millions per annum. Mr. Fairbank is only one of several 
men who have had phenomenal success in substantially the same line of busi- 
ness in Chicago. Nevertheless it is pertinent to ask the question : How was 
it that he could succeed in establishing and conducting such an enormous busi- 
ness? It seemed really that it was an easy task with him, but it is quite evident 
to an ordinary observer that Mr. Fairbank must possess an extraordinary 
endowment for the organization and management of great affairs. His suc- 
cess cannot be the result of accident, it has grown out of thoroughly well ordered 
business combinations, all of which from the beginning to the end are foreseen 
and by the master mind compelled to work to a given result. This is an age of 
large business operations ; millions of dollars are often invested in single enter- 
prises, and the annual financial operations resulting from them run up into the 
millions. The men who carry forward these great financial and commercial 
enterprises must be classed as great men. Mr. Fairbank, whose immense and 
constantly growing business has been a continued success, must be classed as 
one of the greatest business men in the United States. 

Mr. Fairbank is a public spirited man ; he can always be relied upon to 
contribute to every good work, and particularly to build up an institution that 
will redound to the interest of the people of Chicago. He is a member of the 
Chicago Club ; its home on Monroe street was built, at a cost of $135,000, 
through his enterprise ; $80,000 was subscribed by other members, the balance 

448 




^r^C^.^-^ 




449 



was paid by Air. Fairbank. The building was completed in 1876. Mr. Fair- 
bank was elected President, and held the position for thirteen years. He took 
an active interest in the erection of Central Music Hall ; his attention was first 
invited to the need of such a structure by the late George B. Carpenter, who took 
great interest in the subject. It is to Mr. Fairbank, however, that credit is due 
for the erection of the building. He presented the subject to a number of 
prominent citizens of Chicago, and the stock was soon taken, and the building 
erected. Mr. Fairbank has been generous in his contributions to charitable and 
benevolent objects; he is a constant contributor to the societies organized for 
the relief of distress, besides, his private charities are numerous. He was a 
large contributor to St. Luke's Hospital; a more commodious building being- 
required to meet the demands upon this hospital, Mr. Fairbank headed the sub- 
scription list for $25,000. He also aided in securing subscriptions to release 
the Newsboys' Home from a heavy mortgage, which was a dead weight upon 
this old institution. 

In politics Mr. Fairbank is a Republican; he has never sought office, but 
has always taken a great interest in the success of the Republican party. He 
has been particularly prominent in his support of men and measures for advanc- 
ing the interests of the city of Chicago, and giving it an honest and efficient 
government. 

Mr. Fairbank was born at Sodus, Wayne County, X. Y., in 1829. His 
ancestors were of Xew England stock. He was educated in the public schools, 
and by private study at home. At the age of fifteen he was apprenticed to a 
bricklayer, became efficient in this trade and finished his apprenticeship in 
Rochester, N. Y. He soon accepted employment as bookkeeper in a flouring 
mill, and at the end of six months became a partner in the business. During the 
few years that Air. Fairbank was connected with the milling business he acquired 
an insight into the grain trade, and seeking a broader field for his operations 
and believing that there were great opportunities in the West for a young man 
who was willing to work, at the age of twenty-six he came to Chicago, and as 
before stated opened a grain commission house. Mr. Fairbank came to Chi- 
cago at the time when its present great railroad and other transportation facili- 
ties were in their infancy; the Illinois Central Railroad was just completed. It 
is interesting to note that the business of Mr. Fairbank has kept pace with the 
increase of transportation facilities, and of the population of this great city. 

Nathanial K. Fairbank married Helen L. Graham of Xew York, in 1866. 
Airs. Fairbank died about five years ago. The family consists of seven children, 
four sons and three daughters. Air. Fairbank in religious faith has long been 
a Presbyterian. He was a close friend of Prof. Swing and for years attended 
the ministrations of that great preacher at South Church. Y\ nen the Professor 
withdrew from the Presbyterian Synod, and organized Central. Church, Air. 
Fairbank joined in the movement ; the meetings of this church are held at Cen- 
tral Alusic Hall, where Air. Fairbank and his family are constant attendants. 



MARVIN ANDRUS FARR. 

There is little that interests one more than to trace the career of a man 
who, endowed with energy, ambition and ability, enters boldly into the struggle 
of life and wins for himself social and business eminence. Thus it has been 
with Afarvin Andrus Farr, who has for many years ranked among Chicago's 
most prominent real estate operators, and was president of the Chicago Real 
Estate Board in 1897. Like many of the ablest business men of the country, 
he is a native X T ew Yorker, his birth occurring at Schroon Lake, Essex County, 
August 9, 1853. Of a family of seven sons born to George Washburn and 
Esther Day Farr, he is the youngest ; and when an infant his family emigrated 
west. His childhood was spent at Grand Rapids, Michigan, and East Cleve- 
land, Ohio, where he attended the common schools. When Air. Farr was but 
ten years of age, his father died, and then for two or three years he traveled 
with his mother. From 1866 to 1871 he attended Carroll College Academy 

450 





e% 




451 



at Waukesha, Wis_ where he acquired a good classical and scientific education, 
which was later supplemented by a course in modern languages and belles- 
lettres. In 1872 he came to Chicago,, and was first associated with timber land 

iii: ; 7- :::t--~ ':. z z~i z.zi'.z irv-r". ::-z in: : .: -:::-^ ::.■. -:•:: '.:•:- 

the management of Chicago's great real estate interests, has materially aided 

citizens. He has been associated with numerous social and business organiza- 
tions in which he has been honored with official positions, and has fulfilled e 
trust reposed in him with the greatest faithfulness, both to his credit and the 
entire satisfaction of all concerned. He was secretary of the Illinois Club in 
1882, was president of the Kenwood Club in 1896 and 1897, and was president 
of die Chicago Real Estate Board in 1897. He is a member of the Union 
League Crab, the Chicago literary Crab, the Midlothian Country Club, S 
of the American Revolution, and the Society of the Colonial Wars. He 
active member of the Kenwood Evangelical Church and has been president of 
::= 1 : . :: Trz~:zz? 

In 1876 Mr. Farr was married to Katherine E. Farr, a daughter of James* 

." I.:.-.: " Ji: z 7 :■-— S"~r ::-: ::. : x ~ ~z "izzizy :SS< z- 1- zzz:tZ 

in marriage with Charlotte Camp, daughter of Isaa ; ton and Flor a 

Carpenter Camp. Mr. Camp was of the firm of Estey : Camp, and was one 
of the directors of the World's Columbian Exposition in 1892 and 1893. The 
Fair family residence is beautifully located a: _ — Voodlawn avenue, in the 
center of Kenwood* and was erected in 1886. Mr. Fair inherited Republican 
: nz : .-- :-.?. : '.zn :■. _ f ' ::::i z:tz rr : : zzi: : irry :: : ; znzzzz in i: -.'.:- i I-:-. 
:: zimzii ;::^-t:- H: i:i = ::- -■-.- hri: :z'zzzii : zi : - ":z: zif '::::. i irzz zz-i 
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: :--t:: : : z: : : :•:..:.;- in- 1 z: : . _ z z-z:ztz: in: n::::.ni; ir. :i:: z;z: :zz 
of laws relating to real property. Travel has added its broadening- educative 
influence to the other advantages enjoyed by Mr. Farr, and he has seen much 
of his native country, not alone in the United States, but also in Canada, Br 
America, Mexico and Alaska. He has also traveled in Europe. Probably no 
one can pride himself upon being more thoroughly American, as he t: 
about thirty lines of ancestry to the earliest colonial times in this country, with- 
out an intervening affiance with any familv which has come : intry 
since the seventeenth century. Mr. and Mrs. Farr have one child, a boy, 
Xewton Camp Farr, born on Christmas Day, 18S - 



zzzzzz? f:zlz:-::vsz. 

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:~ii 7: z-- ::•:•; :> in - z:; rzzrz z :: :'z 1 t-: zz. :zi: :: .:". i ':■- 
selected to fill that important office. The subject of this sketch was born in 
Yorkshire. England, July 29th, 1851. He received his education at 
Academy, Clifton. At the age of seventeen he entered die 29th Regiment V 

>-: zz -r :--; :nt r.:; zi rizzzir.t S - - 
him for bravery, and in February, 1871, had the additional distinction of re 
~z z -, ;- : -- :: :z;.:zz: :z ir- H: zz: - : :'.z Vzzr : ^:i:r. iz "zzf zSrz 
where several of his familv resided, to engage in the mercantile bu- 
York C 

Hz :: .:: zz '■ • :z:z:z ;:"zzzzz: :::z: :: :':.: .'::z: ; z"- ; z 
immediately took up the study of American pontics, and allied himself wit 
RepubGcan party. He was greatly influenced in his allegiance to the Repub- 
lican party by the corruption that existed in New York City under the notorious 
Tweed regime. He has taken an active part in the campaigns for the Repub- 
lican party for the past twenty-five years, especially for Garfield in 1880, Blaine in 
[884. and also during: the campaign for McKhuey in 1896. During Kin- 

impaign he served as Oder of Staff under Major-General Ben In 




Gfr^jeJAouSes. 



453 



i&93 he nas elected Alderman and also served as Chairman of the Finance Com- 
mittee in the City of Jacksonville. Illinois, but declined to allow his name to be 
presented at the convention for the Republican nomination for Major of that 
city tiro years later. He was a delegate to the convention that nominated the 
Hon. Richard Yates by acclamation as Judge of the County Court. He has 
taken an active part in Illinois politics for the past twenty years. Secretary 
Fieldhouse was a delegate to the Conference on Trusts held in Chicago, Sep- 
tember 13-16, 1899. and selected to serve as a member of the Coinmhttee on 
Resolutions. He is a member of the Advisory Board of the National Civic 
7t.::i::::: Izz --:-:.::-- :>;•:. .-:. rz? z-tzuzLzl zzitzzl ':: l^z s .::":ir: 
:"::•:: \\ :.- ^ .,::-::. \ :_ :•:' . - ; : n: ..." ^ :.i:: ii :a:t : :r -■":::::: :.:::.: .::^: 
State of Illinois, Secretary Fieldhouse immediately championed his cause, and 
made a canvass in the City of Chicago among the prominent lawyers and busi- 
ness men. In the preliminary work prior to the State Convention, Judge Y 
appomted him as his representative in Chicago, and he opened Headquarters 
for the Judge at the Great Xorthern Hotel He was appointed Assistant Secre- 
tary of the Republican State Convention at Peoria which nominated Judge Y 
and the other State Officers. On May 17th, 1900, he was elected Secretary, also 
a member of the Executive Committee of the Illinois Republican State Com- 
mittee. 

Mr. Fieldhouse is a resident of Chicago, and is the Western and Southern 
':':::::;■■:.■: : : f . ... 7 :: z'zzt .z~^:~: .-.:\-z.:z:\ 7rx::lr I lz~::z:z:zzz? is 5ec- 
retary and Treasurer of the Western Association of Manufacturers, and has an 
extensive knowledge of public and business men throughout the United States. 
He is a member of the Episcopal Church; of the Masonic Order, and also a 
Knight of the Legion of Honor. He is also a member of the Hamilton Club, 
and a member of the Political Action Committee of that club; was Quart er- 
Master General in the Republican Legion. Mr. Fieldhouse is a man of refined 
: z::-zr 7 ^:::^ ::.-:— r ;■:: i :"-. : z ; _ ± ... . - ?: 7 - ::: :"- z~ '.- ~: :".'.::::: . f :::::- 
7.7' .:*: '..:: .•:". ' irr 



The ancestors of this prominent citizen, on both the paternal and maternal 
sides, were eminent in public affairs in colonial days, and bore an active and an 
honorable part in the Revolutionary War. The family tree first took root in 
Holland. an«i was transplanted by Hendrick Fisher, the great grandfather ot 
Colonel Fisher, who came to this country in 1703. This ancestor v^as one ot the 
founders of the Dutch Reformed Church in America, and was the first president 
of old Queen's College, now Rutgers. At the beginning of the Revolution he 
was a member of the Xew- Jerse] Assembly, was president of the historic 
provincial congress which met in Trenton in 1775. was chairman of the com- 
mittee of Safety, and represented Xew Jersey in the Congress which met in Xew 
York from 1756 until independence was declared in 1776. The study of the his- 
tory of that period wifi show that no man was so frequently honored and in- 
trusted with responsible duties as was this sterling patriot. The parents of 
Colonel Fisher were Caleb Brokaw and Mary Vastine Fisher. The father was 
born at Bound Brook. Xew Jersey, and when a young man removed to Wilkes 
Barre, Pennsylvania, and for many years was prominent in financial and business 
affairs. He was a pioneer in anthracite coal operations. He was an ardent 
abolitionist, and was a member of the Republican party from its inception. 

Colonel Fisher was educated at the public schools of Wilkes Barre, where he 
resided, and at Wyoming Seminary, at Kingston, Pa. Upon starting in life on 
his own account, he first secured a position in the offices of the L_ & B. R. R, 
now the D. L. & W. In 1867 he came to Illinois, locating first at Aurora where 
he lived for about two years, and then removed to Geneseo, where he has resided 
ever since. He early engaged in the general hardware business and later in the 
manufacture of stoves, and was the first president of the Geneseo Stove Com- 
panv. and is interested in real estate and banking. His business affairs have been 
both honorable and successfuL He married Miss Abbie F. Steele, only child of 
Robert F. and Anna E. (Hardy) Steele. They have three children, Eliza E., 

- : - 





455 



Helen V., and A'ileen S. He has always been prominent in everything that per- 
tains to the advancement of the financial, social and religious prosperity of the 
city, and has been called to fill many positions of honor and trust, such as mem- 
ber of the city council, member of the Board of Education, Trustee of the Xorth- 
Western Normal School and editor of the Henry County News. 

He has always been an unflinching Republican, and has distinguished himself 
in the councils of that party in this state. He was elected to the Legislature in 
1887, and although it was his first term he was assigned to the chairmanship of 
the important committee of Canal and River Improvement, before which came 
the important question of the cession of the property of the Illinois and Michigan 
Canal to the Government in the construction of the Hennepin Canal. He 
was returned to the Legislature in 1889, and took a prominent part in the organi- 
zation of the Thirty-sixth General Assembly. He was appointed chairman of 
the committee on Railroads, one of the mostlmportant in the House. In both 
35th and 36th Sessions he introduced and strongly supported bills which had for 
their object the erection of an insane hospital in the north-western part of the 
state, but although these bills were at the time defeated, the measure was made 
successful, through his efforts, during his first term in the Senate. This hos- 
pital is located at Watertown, in his district. In 1894, his election to the Sen- 
ate occurred. The 33d district, he represented, comprised the counties of Rock 
Island and Henry. His majority was 8,174. President Harrison's majority in 
that district was only about 3,500. He served as president pro tempore of the 
40th General Assembly, being the unanimous choice of the Republican caucus. 
He presided with dignity and impartiality and was Governor of the State during 
the temporary absence of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. He is a 
member of the Congregational Church and is a Knights Templar. He was com- 
missioned colonel and aide-de-camp to the commander-in-chief of the Illinois 
National Guard, in which organization he is very popular and which has no bet- 
ter friend. No resident of the state stands higher in citizenship and no Repub- 
lican is more sincere. 



THOMAS L. FEKETE. 

Thomas L. Fekete of East St. Louis. 111., was born August 7. 1858, in 
Aviston, Clinton County. 111. His father. Dr. Alexander Fekete, was born in 
Buda Pesth, Hungary. Dec. 2, 1827, and was a son of Louis Fekete, a govern- 
ment officer. Dr. Fekete received his education in the Gymnasium, and the 
University of Vienna. He joined the revolutionary movement of 1848, was 
wounded at the battle of Hermanstadt, January 10, 1849; was made prisoner, 
escaped, fled to Turkey, left Constantinople with Kossuth, was in the hospital 
at London, and came to the United States in 1850; came west in 1.852, finished 
his medical studies at St. Louis in 1854, and located in Clinton County, Illinois. 
Dr. Fekete married Kate Fisher, daughter of William Fisher, a farmer from 
Kentucky, whose ancestors lived in Virginia, served in the Revolutionary War, 
and were by marriage connected with Randolph of Roanoke. On May 19, 
1862, Dr. Fekete was commissioned Assistant Surgeon of the 5th Missouri Cav- 
alry ; in 1864 was promoted to Surgeon, and was mustered out April 14, 1865. 
The doctor located in East St. Louis, practiced his profession, and was appointed 
Postmaster by President Harrison. The doctor is politically an ardent Repub- 
lican. 

Thomas Louis Fekete was educated in the public schools, Bryant & Stratton 
Commercial College, and the Howe Institute, East St. Louis. In July, 1877, 
he formed a partnership in the insurance business with James J. Rafter, under 
the firm name of Rafter & Fekete. At the end of one year he bought the 
Rafter interest and he has continued the business in his own name up to th"e 
present time. Mr. Fekete has been a very active, aggressive man, and has built 
up one of the best businesses in the city of East St. Louis. He has alwavs 
been public spirited and has assisted materially in making the city one of the 
most progressive in Illinois. He is vice-president of the First National Bank 
of East St. Louis, and has been for five years. In 1884 he was Deputy United 

456 





457 



States Marshal. On April 15, 1893, he was elected President of the Board of 
Education and served two terms, declining a third nomination. He has always 
taken an active interest in school matters and has been consulted on all ques- 
tions relative to the best interests of the schools of the city. He was appointed 
Special Tax Collector of East St. Louis and served during 1894 and 1895. He 
is President of the St. Clair Turnpike Company, a road which connects Belle- 
ville and East St. Louis. He is Receiver of the Benjamin F. Horn Cooperage 
Company ; Vice-President of the Western Forge & Rolling Mills ; Secretary 
and Treasurer of the Collinsville. Caseyville & East St. Louis Electric Ry. 

Mr. Fekete is a large owner of real estate in East St. Louis, and has laid off 
several subdivisions. He is President of the Modern Building & Loan Asso- 
ciation, and a member of the Egyptian and Mercantile Clubs. He has been a 
Republican all his life, cast his first vote for James A. Garfield, and has been 
identified with the Republican party in various ways, from Secretary of the 
County Central Committee to Chairman of the Congressional Committee of 
the 21st Congressional District. He was Doorkeeper of the Republican Na- 
tional Convention in St. Louis in 1896; was appointed Postmaster by President 
McKinley in June, 1897. He is a personal friend of Governor Tanner, Judge 
Richard Yates and of Senator Cullom. Mr. Fekete is a member of Eureka 
Lodge Xo. 81, Knights of Pythias : an Odd Fellow, a Modern Woodman, and 
a member of Lodge 504 A. F. & A. M.. East St. Louis, and Tancred Command- 
cry Xo. 50, Belleville, and an active member of Moolah Temple. Mystic Shriners,. 
St. Louis, Mo. 

Thomas L. Fekete was married June 22. 1881, to Chairman J. LeBeau. 
daughter of John B. LeBeau. formerly of St. Louis. now of Dakota. Mrs. Fekete's 
father is of an old French family of St. Louis, who were fur traders. Mr. and 
Mrs. Fekete have at present six children. Thomas L.. Jr.. Ophelia Florence. 
Robert Alexander, Forrest Fisher, George Elliot, and Josephine CHarlotte. 
They have a delightful home and a wide circle of friends. In local politics Mr. 
Fekete is an active member of the Citizens' party ; was one of its organizers, 
and is its secretary. The party has given good government in East St. Louis. 



CHARLES H. FEPxGUSON. 

X'o element contributes more directly and essentially to the virility and 
vitality of a political party than the quiet, unostentatious, unobserved influence 
of the good men of the rank and rile, who hold no office and ask none, but per- 
form the duties of citizenship faithfully and intelligently and desire no reward 
for fulfilling such a public obligation. Such men are the bone and sinew of 
an effective political organization, restraining it to wise and patriotic policies, 
and investing it with dignity and force. Among the life-long Republican 
Chicago there could scarcely be found a more complete example of this silent 
and powerful influence than that so long displayed by the subject of this sketch. 
Charles H. Ferguson. This gentleman has never held a political office, but his 
interest in public affairs has always been intense and he has never left to others 
to perform for him his personal duty. He has lived a very active life, and the 
obligations of his business have been heavy and of such a nature as to occupv 
his constant attention. His occupation has been life insurance, and everv one 
who has been in that business in this country for the last two dtcadcs know Mr. 
Ferguson, personally, or at least by reputation. The great business he built up 
l«>r the Mutual Life Insurance company of Xew York in Illinois remains a 
monument to his energy and ability, and has long been an inspiration and in 
many wavs a despair to those who seek to duplicate his success 

Mr. Ferguson's first important connection in life insurance was when he 
was made cashier of the Chicago office of the Mutual Life in June. 1876. 
Energy has always been the dominant trait of his nature, and he early displayed 
it by attending to the duties of his office in an admirable manner and at the 
same time filling in odd hours in soliciting. In 1881 Mr. Ferguson was placed 
in charge as Cashier of the Chicago agency, and this work he conducted so 

458 





f 4n 




(^aJ 



459 



] 'ir.ie :: "-£ Arer.: 



: ; :i: ; 77 he 7 i irrnrre: 77 1" ^:r.: 77 :r. : r>: "-"= ? 
f the Mutual Lite for Chicago and Cook County. Three 
her rhe rs.rrr.er5h:; hi: :frrriri:t: : irs :errr_ = ::/. Mr 77r 

Mr. Ferguson became general agent of the Company for the State of Illinois 
and was full y launched upon that career of phenomenal success which was m 
many respects an ideal one. He was uniformly considerate of his agents and 
solicitors, and courteous and careful in his obligations to the general public 
The telling character of his work appears when we consider that in the ten 

s succeeding his appointment to the general agency he placed Sjorjoojooo 
::' rev,- "7: 7:7 55 :r :he : 77 ::' :::• : rr.:e Z rrirr. rhe 5 irre rem 777 i^err 
paid in losses and claims in the State of Illinois about S5.000.000. When Mr. 
Ferguson resigned in 1900 his premium collections were about S2.o00.o0a a 
year. He has been repeatedly honored by the life insurance men of this country 
in appointment to offices of responsibility and trust, and in June, 1889, was 
awarded by The Mutual Life Ins. Co. their general agents" prize at Saratoga, X. 
Y. — a beautiful solid silver bowL, for "good management and succe s s 

Mr. Ferguson was the third president of the Xadonal Life Underwriters As- 
sociation, and has also served as president of the Chicago Life Underwriter 5 
sodation, being one of the three men that ever held both offices. He resigned 
from the Mutual Life early in 1900, after a continuous service of twenty-seven 
vears. He is a member of the Union League, Calumet and Washington Park, 
Germania, Hyde Park and Athletic Clubs, a life member of the zad Regiment, 
and stands high in the ranks of the Mason and in G. A. R. circles. In these 
Y-ri:r.5 77:7:777 Vr Fer~77.r hi; ;-::-:: i ::. ir ir : 777577. r:ir ir : 
deserves the place he has won for himself in the esteem of all who know 



7771 71? 7 



[7:771 7-:: rr 
rrer her;!::;::: r 
tetch. General F< 

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American war the Forts have been repre 
'-7 77;r 1 F:r: ::: 77777 irr- 
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graceful carriage. His education 
graduated at Rock River "Seminary, 
1:7 v.- 15 ihrrrrei rr the ': ir H 
young man, and was not addicted to the 
ir 77 he erri^t '-'-'- firrrhr.z ir : 5:: :!-; : 
office of Sheriff of Marshall Count] 
the city of Lacon. :\"i 

Qerk and in 1856 was elected C 
H-. r t" rrr.e '. 77 777 ::' :r 7 5ever; 
7".-7::: r : :' :he : 77 h : H:« rrhhhir- - 
tenant of Co. "B," nth I1L VoL Infant 
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: 777- 777 : 77 Vr::r H: 777 
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poitant trusts under the direction of Gc 
Maj. General Logan was assigned to the 



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men. In every 
»ented either in the Army or Xavy. 
777: v>i; rirher nh v.::h ":.i:h hi - 
u of prepossessing personality, and 
Kgan in the Public Schools: he 
fond of books, studied law, 
z formed excellent habits while a 
..-: : : ehrher 5: 77 ;r ::": i::; H.irh 
aising. In 1850 he was elected to the 
r, and removed from his farm to 
ras elected to the office of County 
bunty Judge of Marshall County, 
il offices with ability, and to the entire 
ecord began in April,, 1861, as first Keu- 
y, for the three months service, in re- 
■ Ir: ::"r : :r 75 :•:•; v:"-.:.r.:eer? ::r :he 
raids recruited Company ~L"" for the 
ompany for some time, filling many mi- 
nerals Grant and McPherson. \Vhen 
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461 



the fall of 1863, he tendered Captain Fort the office of Chief Quartermaster of the 
Corps with the rank of Lieut. Colonel, which position he accepted. The duties 
of the office of Chief Quartermaster of the 15th Army Corps during its great 
marches and campaigns, were both important and arduous. These duties weTe 
performed by Colonel Fort to the satisfaction of General Logan, and the various 
commanding officers of divisions, brigades, and regiments of the Corps. He 
remained with the 15th Army Corps Headquarters as Chief Quartermaster until 
that organization was dispensed with. He was then assigned to duty in Texas 
where he remained until 1866, having performed fully five years of military serv- 
ice. He retired with the rank of Colonel and Brevet Brig. General. 

He returned home in 1866, was nominated as a candidate for the State Sen- 
ate as a Republican, and was elected in November, 1866. Upon the organization 
of the Senate Gen. Fort was made Chairman of the Penitentiary Committee. 
During his service he brought forward a bill which had for its object the encour- 
agement of good conduct on the part of convicts by giving them certain credits 
for good behavior, whereby their sentences might be shortened. He also took 
an active part in securing the passage of a law for the publication of the Adjutant 
General's Reports of Illinois, which were to give a complete military record of 
every officer and soldier who served in the United States Army from Illinois dur- 
ing the Civil War. In 1872 General Fort was elected to the Congress of the 
United States as a Republican, from the Eighth Congressional District. He 
served in Congress for a period of eight years. He showed himself to be a man 
of ability, was well respected, and exercised great influence with his brother 
members. He was a strong advocate of the remonetization of silver, and was 
largely influential in the House of Representatives in securing the passage of the 
law for the coinage of the silver dollar. At the end of his term of service in 
Congress he devoted himself largely to the business of ranching in the West and 
farming in Illinois. General Fort, was a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows 
Societies, and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

In 1857 he married Clara B. Boal, daughter of Dr. Robert Boal, then of 
Peoria, 111. They had two children, Nina, a daughter, who died in infancy, and 
one son, Robert Boal Fort. General Fort died at his residence at Lacon, on 
January 13, 1883. He died honored and regretted not only by the people of his 
own County, but by the people of the entire State. Surviving him were his 
widow, Mrs. Clara B. Fort, a lady of admirable character, and his son, Robert B. 
Fort. 



ROBERT BOAL FORT. 

Captain Robert Boal Fort was born April 25, 1867, at Lacon, Marshall 
County, Illinois. He is the only son of General Greenbury L. Fort and Mrs. Clara 
B. Fort. His^father was an early settler of Marshall County, was educated 
there, studied law;\and was admitted to the bar. In his early life he devoted him- 
self to farming; in^ 1850 was elected Sheriff; in 1852 County Clerk, and in 1856 
County Judge. In 186 1 he was 1st Lieut. Company "B" nth 111. Volunteers, 
and later Captain of Co. "I" of the same regiment, in the three years service. In 
J 863 was made Chief Quartermaster of the 15th Army Corps under Maj. General 
Logan, and was mustered out of the service in 1866, with the rank of Colonel 
and Brevet Brig. General. The same year was elected to the Illinois State Sen- 
ate, and in 1872 was elected as a Reupblican to the Congress of the United 
States, where he served eight years. The biographies of General Fort show that 
his ancestors came to this country about 1675 and settled in New Jersey, and 
that the Fort family has been represented in all of the wars of this country from 
the Revolution down, both in the Army and the Navy. 

Captain Fort, while his father was a member of Congress started his edu- 
cation in the Public Schools at Washington, D. C. He afterwards attended Wy- 
man Institute, and Exeter Academy, finishing his studies abroad. Captain Fort 
is a tall athletic man with black hair and dark eyes, and fond of outdoor sports, 
especially hunting. He is a great lover of horses and dogs. After finishing 
his education, Captain Fort returned home, and took up his father's business of 

462 




463 



ranching in the West and farming in Illinois, and is now successfully pursuing 

Captain Fort is a resident of Lacon. 111., and is now living 

with his mother in the house in which he was born. Captain Fort became in- 

-:ed in politics in his boyhood, and when he arrived at manhood immediately 
identified himself with the Republican organization, and was placed upon the 
Republican County Central Committee of Marshall County. He held this po- 
sition until 1895, when he was elected Mayor of the City of Lacon. In 1896, he 
State Senate from the 20th Senatorial District. He served 
with great credit in the Legislature of Illinois. It is worthy of remark that the 
Marshall County District was represented by Dr. Robert Boal. the grandfather 
. apt. Fort, in 1845 an< J ni J ^55- an< J lnat ^ l was afterwards represented by his 
father in [8 : - Captain Fort was a member of the National Guard of Illinois 
rs. Was President of the Young Men's Republican Club of Mar- 
shall County. Was a member of the Blaine Club, and was a delegate in 1896 
to the Republican League Convention. He is now a member of the Marquette 
Club, and the Union League Ciub of Chicago. He has made six trips abroad 
and visited every European Capitol. 

In 1898. a few days after the blowing up of the "Maine," he visited Cuba. 
After staying in Havana for a short time, he visited the Provinces of Matanzas. 
and Santa Clara, and. passing through the Spanish lines, he spent some time with 
the Cuban Insurgents. Being fully satisfied that war was imminent between the 
United States and Spain, he returned home, and raised a troop of Cavalry, and 
was commissioned Captain of Troop "L." 1st Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, and was 
mustered into the United States service for the Spanish War. 

Captain Fort founded the Lacon Public Library. He is a member of the 
•pal Church. 



FREDERICK H. GANSBERGEN. 

Frederick H. Gansbergen of Chicago. 111., is a native of Xew Jersey. His 

-r. John Henry Gansbergen. was an importing merchant, and was of Dutch 
extraction. His mother was born in Germany, and came to America when 
quite young. His father died when he was fourteen months old. 

Frederick H. Gansbergen was born Jan. 28. 1867. in the town of Greenville, 
which is now a pan of Jersey City. He received a common school education, 
and at the age .: Fourteen years took employment in Xew York State in a 
grain elevator, and remained there for one year, when he visited Chicago and had 
a strong inclination to settle in that city. Returning to the East, he remained 
there about one year, when he came to Chicago and has made it his permanent 
home. The young man found it difficult to obtain employment, but being of an 
independent nature, and determined to make his way in the world without calling 
upon his friends in the East for assistance, he accepted, as his first employment, 
six dollars per week for the distribution of cards in front of the Bay State Build- 
ing. This continued for a short time, however, when one of his friends intro- 
duced him to a mercantile establishment on Wabash avenue, where he secured a 
good position, which he occupied for about four years. During this period Mr. 
(jansbergen made the acquaintance, and secured the friendship, of Judge Driggs 
and Judge Bailey, men of high character and standing, whose suggestions and in- 
fluence controlled his future career. He studied law at the Chicago College of 
Law of the Lake Forest University. His progress was rapid, and in due time he 
ssed an examination before the Appellate Court, continued his studies at the 
college, taking a post-graduate course, was granted a diploma, and was soon 
licensed by the Supreme Court of Illinois to practice law. Mr. Gansbergen has 

-ed a reputation for probity of character, industry and enterprise, and has 
made a wide circle of acquaintances and friends. He entered upon a success- 
ful career as a practicing attorney. 

In good time, he married M. Maude Newell, a daughter of Augustus Newell, 
the principal partner in the great firm of piano and reed organ manufacturers. 
Mrs. Gansbergen is descended from Xew England stock : her people were citi- 
zens of Xew Hampshire, whose ancestors were early emigrants from England. 

464 




465 



She is a woman of fine education and accomplishments, having graduated from 
Monticello Seminary. 

Air. Gansbergen in politics has always been a stanch Republican. He has 
never been a candidate for public office, but has been an earnest worker in pro- 
moting the success of the party of his choice. On Dec. 18, 1899, he was ap- 
pointed a Commissioner on the Lincoln Park Board by Governor John R. Tan- 
ner, and was soon chosen as president. 

Socially Mr. Gansbergen has a wide circle of friends. He is a member 01 
the Marquette, Hamilton, Chicago Athletic, Post Lake and Wauby Lake Ranch 
Clubs. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias, and other secret lodges. 
Mr. Gansbergen has been an extensive traveler in the United States, and has 
visited all the principal places east of the Mississippi River. His parents be- 
longed to the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and he was brought up under the in- 
fluence of that religious body. In Chicago he attended the services of Professor 
Swing and Dr. Thomas, with both of whom he became well acquainted. He now 
belongs to the Fullerton Avenue Presbyterian Church, is much interested in 
the church work, and has held the office of trustee and treasurer of that church. 
Mrs. Gansbergen is also a member of the same church, and is interested in soci- 
ological and literary matters. Mr. and Mrs. Gansbergen have two children, a 
daughter nine years old, and a son five years old. They have an agreeable 
home. Mr. Gansbergen is a splendid specimen of physical manhood ; light com- 
plexioned, six feet and one-half inch high, and weighs two hundred pounds. 
Always successful in his undertakings, he is, undoubtedly, one of the rising men 
of Chicago. 



CHARLES ULYSSES GORDON. 

Charles U. Gordon, the twenty-third Postmaster of Chicago, was born April 
3, 1865, near the village of Dunlap, Peoria County, 111. He is the son of Andrew 
J. and Eliza J. (Stokes) Gordon, the former a native of Surrey County, N. C, and 
the latter of Kentucky. His paternal great grandfather, Thomas Gordon, came 
from Virginia and settled in Surrey County, N. C, where he married a Miss 
Creed. Mr. Gordon's maternal great grandfather, Berryman Stokes, came to 
this country from Ireland, and was here married to Elizabeth Aperson, a native of 
Germany. His son, William Stokes, grandfather of subject, was a soldier in 
the War of 181 2, and other ancestors on that side of the family participated in the 
''Boston Tea Party." 

When sixteen years of age he came to Chicago and entered Bryant & Strat- 
ton's Business College. On account of ill health he was obliged to leave, but 
as soon as his health permitted he secured a position as teacher in the district 
school near Jamestown, Ind. Although but seventeen years old, he was a suc- 
cess as an instructor. Returning to Chicago he completed his course at the 
business college in the fall of 1882, and on. the first day of January of the fol- 
lowing year began his career as cashier and bookkeeper for Messrs. Stevens, 
Wilce & Co., lumber manufacturers. Two years later, or in 1885, he became a 
salesman for F. C. Gibbs, a real estate dealer, and on March 9, 1885, he organized 
the firm of C. U. Gordon & Co., and soon became prominent in Chicago real 
estate transactions. This business he continued until January 1, 1896, when he 
gave up the commission business and occupied his time in overseeing and de- 
veloping his property interests in Buena Park, Chicago. 

Mr. Gordon's active interest in politics may be said to have commenced 
with the organization of the Marquette Club, February 2, 1886, of which he was 
one of the founders and which has since become the leading Republican organi- 
zation of Chicago. He served as its secretary for two and one half years, and 
was elected as its president in 1894. He is also a member of the Union League 
Club, Hamilton Club and Chicago Real Estate Board. Although an ardent 
and enthusiastic supporter of the principles of the Republican party all his life, 
he has never held an office previous to his appointment as postmaster. He re- 
ceived his appointment to that responsible position March 19, 1897, from Presi- 

466 




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dent McKinley, and was confirmed by the Senate the same day. On the first of 
April, 1897, he assumed the duties of the office. Mr. Gordon is the youngest 
man ever appointed to the position of Postmaster of Chicago, being but thirty- 
one years of age at the time of his appointment. He has instituted many 
changes and improvements in the service, the most important of which was 
the abolishment of the $400 and $500 clerkship grades, thereby making the mini- 
mum salary of all clerks $600 per annum. He established the carrier sergeant 
service in the Chicago Post Office, which was the first established in the United 
States, and reorganized the special delivery service. He has also re-established 
the Promotion Board so that all promotions are made upon the merit system, by 
examination in practical work, together with office records and attendance. The 
number of collections in the down-town district has been increased from eighteen 
to twenty-six daily, and the deliveries in the business center from six to seven 
daily, so that business men are receiving better mail facilities than ever before. 
Under Mr. Gordon's able management the number of postal stations in the Chi- 
cago Post Office has been increased from 23 to 41 ; sub-stations from 54 to 109; 
territory covered by free delivery from 127 to 183 square miles; number of car- 
riers from 1,096 to 1,270; number of clerks from 1,296 to 1,367; number of daily 
deliveries from 3,163 to 3,484; number of daily collections from 1,139 to l >97 1 > 
number of letter boxes from 2,827 to 3,008 ; number of package boxes from 244 
to 422; and the receipts from $5,224,659.76 in 1897 to $6,133,551.79 for the fiscal 
year ending June 30, 1899. 

Mr. Gordon was married June 23, 1898, to Miss Gertrude Wilson Pate, 
daughter of Alexander Pate of Wellington, Illinois. 



JOHN GIBBONS. 

A brilliant example of the self-made American citizen, and a grand exempli- 
fication of the progress that an ambitious foreigner can make in this country of 
unbounded opportunities, is shown in the case of Judge John Gibbons. He was 
born in Ireland, at Ruhan, Fanad, County Donegal, in 1848, and was the 
youngest of a family of eleven children. When but an infant, John Gibbons was 
left fatherless, and up to the age of eighteen he saw nothing but the drudgery of 
farm life and such limited schooling as the place afforded. At intervals his 
brothers and sisters had emigrated to America, and when eighteen years old the 
judge decided to cast his fortune in the New World. He first located in Phila- 
delphia, but as his brother, Patrick Gibbons, had settled in Keokuk, Iowa, and 
become prosperous, he joined him there. It was this brother who helped the 
future judge to lay the foundation of his legal education. 

He was first sent to Notre Dame College, Ind., in 1867, and one year later 
was graduated from that institution with honors. It is a tradition of the Notre 
Dame alumni that Judge Gibbons took a four years course in one and won first 
premium in all his classes. Recreation or rest were unknown to him in those 
days, and the pace he then set for himself was not materially modified in later 
years. From school he went back to Philadelphia and sought to earn a living 
in various ways. He drifted into the law office of William H. Martin and began 
reading for the bar. In 1869 he went to Keokuk, Iowa, joined his brother, and 
after studying law for some time, was admitted to the bar. In April, 1871, the 
municipality of Keokuk elected Mr. Gibbons as a city attorney and in two notable 
railroad cases, one of which involved a $1,500,000 bond issue, he contended that 
the city of Keokuk had no power to thus mortgage itself, and that the act of the 
Legislature ratifying the bond issue was unconstitutional. He won out on both 
points. He contended that the statute of limitations commenced to run against 
coupons at their maturity without regard to the maturity of the bond to which 
they were attached, which contention the Supreme Court of the United States 
sustained. Mr. Gibbons was city attorney of Keokuk and assistant State's at- 
torney of the district until 1875 when he was elected to the Legislature, the 
youngest member of that body. At this time, and for many years afterward he 

468 




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a strong Democrat. He was vice chairman of the Committee on Constitu- 
tional Amendments and offered a resolution amending the Constitution so as to 
prohibit public money from being appropriated for the support of sectarian 
schools. 

In 1878 he was nominated by the Democratic Convention for Attorney Gen- 
eral of Iowa and ran about four thousand ahead of his party ticket. He con- 
tinued practicing law in Keokuk until 1879. During his Iowa career Judge Gib- 
bons had his first experience with active daily journalism. In the Spring of 1876, 
in ::mpany with others, he bought out the "'Keokuk Constitution." which had 
become famous as the most radical Democratic sheet in the Mississippi Valley. 
Sam Clark was the editor of the rival paper, the "Gate City." and the passages at 
arms were numerous. After the Hayes and Tilden campaign Mr. Gibbons 
wearied of newspaper control and sold out to his partners. In 1879 ne came to 
Chicago, but it was some time before his superior abilities were recognized. 
Then the Iowa attorney began to forge to the front. He acquired an introduc- 
tion to the practice and a standing at the Chicago Bar in conducting personal 
injury cases, and soon became noted for his ability in unraveling knotty legal 
problems in every branch of the law. In 1884, as a result of the Blaine cam- 
paign, he left the Democratic party and has ever since remained with the Repub- 
licans. His reasons for abandoning that party were deemed of sufficient im- 
portance to be placed among the best literature of the campaign, and were 
printed by the leading newspapers of the land. In 1893 he was nominated by 
the Chicago bar for Circuit Court Judge and received the Republican nomina- 
tion to fill one of the new terms created by the legislature. He was elected and 
re-elected in 1897 for a full term. 

Judge Gibbons was one of the organizers and first president of the Xotre 
Dame Alumni Association. He is president of St. Patrick's Society and a mem- 
ber of the Press and Hamilton Clubs. In the practice of religion he is a de- 
vout Roman Catholic and a member of Holy Angels parish, Oakwood Boulevard, 
but his views in religious matters are as broad as the universe. In 1886 Xotre 
Dame University created him Master of Arts, and in 1894 he was made Doctor 
of Laws. St. Ignatius' College has also made him an LL. D. He has been one 
of the owners of the Chicago Law Journal since 1888. Judge Gibbons was mar- 
ried April 20th, 1892. to Mrs. R. B. Fuller (nee Lizzie Christener) of Chicago, 
and resides at 3541 Grand Boulevard. Two of his uncles, Patrick Gibbons and 
William Francis Gibbons, were priests, and another uncle, Daniel Gibbons, was a 
noted physician and surgeon, being a graduate of Glasgow Medical College and 
the Royal College of London. His parents were John and Cecelia ( Carr ) Gib- 
bons, both natives of the Emerald Isle. 



W. F. GORRELL. 

There is much in the history of W. F. Gorrell that is of general interest, 
as it indicates a surmounting of obstacles and a mastering of expedients which 
have enabled him to win an enviable place among men in whatever walk of life, 
and to gain prestige as a leader in thought and action. In his youth he was 
surrounded by disadvantages which seemed almost unsurmountable, but his 
necessities taught him that what is done must be done through himself alone. 
"Men who follow that precept are worthy and well qualified to perform almost 
any duty, and will, in almost all cases, make a complete success of life. It is 
through these efforts that Mr. Gorrell has attained his present responsible posi- 
tion in the life insurance world. 

He is a native of Ohio, born July 10, 1838. and his early life was spent upon 
a farm in Athens county, that state. His father was a minister in the Methodist 
Episcopal Church and was so charitable and unworldly that often his means 
were very limited. Owing to this he was unable to give his children the educa- 
tional advantages they so much desired. After receiving his primary training 
in the common schools young Gorrell decided to better his condition if possible. 

470 





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His alert mentality and intuitive apperception quickened his ambition for secur- 
ing wider educational facilities, and being a lad of push and determination he 
went to work to accomplish this end. He first secured employment at twenty 
cents per day and, although he did not immediately get rich at this salary, he 
secured sufficient funds to pay his expenses for three terms at the Athens High 
School. Later he taught school for one term and was then admitted to the 
University of Athens, O., w r here he was actively pursuing his studies when the 
Civil War broke out. What was education then, when his country's honor was 
at stake? Throwing aside his books he became a member of the 18th Ohio 
Infantry and proved a faithful and trustworthy soldier. 

Soon after returning home he made his way to Illinois and was actively 
engaged in teaching school until September, 1874, when he accepted the agency 
for the Home Life Insurance Company, of New York, for the State of Illinois, 
and for a period of eighteen years was successfully engaged in that capacity. 
So active and interested was he in his work that during that period he did more 
business for the Home Life Insurance Company that the company did in the 
entire State of New York, which fact speaks most eloquently as to his use- 
fulness to his employers. Mr. Gorrell was manager for the Iowa Life 
Insurance Company for the State of Wisconsin, a position he held and filled 
most admirably for six years. He was one of the directors and a stockholder 
of the company, and every detail of the life insurance business is thoroughly 
understood by him. Politically Mr. Gorrell is a staunch and enthusiastic sup- 
porter of Republican principles and has done much to further the interests of 
that ''Grand Old Partv." 



JUDSON FREEMAN GOING. 

Biography becomes of value only when it indicates the path to be pursued 
by those who attain to the best things in life, and fails of its true province when it 
emphasizes aught else. It accords to merit a real place in the world and 
acknowledges the worth of true ability. In the life of Judson F. Going we find 
that the causes which have led to his brilliant success in the legal profession are 
all such as command respect and awaken admiration. In glancing over the 
history of many of the most influential men of this country one is profoundly 
impressed with the fact that so large a number first saw the light of day and 
breathed the invigorating air of the country or village home ; and, also, that it 
was by these selfsame wholesome firesides that there were nurtured and strength- 
ened, in frame and fiber, such legions of men who have carved their names on the 
top round of the ladder of success. 

Upon a farm near the city of Galena, Jo Daviess County, III., was born 
Judson Freeman Going, November 29, 1857. On both sides his ancestors were 
among the earliest settlers in Illinois ; and those who are familiar with pioneer 
life, understand the hardships they were called upon to undergo. His father, 
Adoniram Judson Going, came of Vermont Revolutionary stock, and the Going 
family was represented in the War for Independence by Captain Jonathan Going. 
Not a generation passed that this family did not contribute one or more men 
as clergymen in the Baptist faith, and one, Dr. Jonathan Going, was President 
of Granville College, O. His mother, whose maiden name was Mary A. Clen- 
dening, was of Scotch-Irish extraction, her father having been a prominent pio- 
neer local minister of the Methodist faith. Three of her brothers became min- 
isters of high standing in Rock River Conference of the Methodist church. 

During his early life upon the farm young Going attended the district school 
during the winter months. In 1869 the father died, and the care and training 
of the family of two girls and three boys fell upon a devoted mother who never 
wavered in her duty, but taught them lessons of industry, perseverance and 
honesty which have been the stepping stones to their success in life. In the 
Autumn of 1873 the family removed to Chicago, where young Going attended 
the public schools, working as occasion offered at any honest employment, and 
where he put into practice the lessons he had learned in early youth. Then 

472 




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when barely in his "teens" he taught a country school, for a year afterwards was 
clerking for a dry-goods merchant of Warren, 111., and burned the midnight oil 
- ach advantage that he was able to enter the University of Illinois at Cham- 
paign, in 1877. Under the magnetic influence of that eminent educator and dis- 
tinguished publicist. Dr. John M. Gregory, who was president of that institu- 
tion. Mr. Going's mind took a decided impetus forward, and his career as a 
student was a most laudable one. However, his university course was inter- 
rupted, only to be renewed in 1881. when he returned from teaching the young 
idea, to resume his studies. He was graduated in the class of 1883. The fol- 
lowing September he entered the Union College of Law in Chicago, and was 
graduated in June. 1885. Immediately afterward he opened a law office, and 
later he was appointed justice of the peace by Gov. Richard J. Oglesby. He 
was appointed to succeed himself, but within a month resigned to accept the 
office of Assistant under Judge Joel M. Longenecker, then State's Attorney, 
where he remained until the close of the term, December, 1892. He then formed 
a law partnership with Hon. C. G. Xeely. In 1894, Mr. Going became general 
counsel of The Calumet Electric Street Railway Company, which position he 
still retains. 

In 1885 Mr. Going was married to Miss Gertrude Avery of Eau Claire. Wis- 
consin, and a daughter and son have blessed this union. In politics. Mr. Going 
has always been a Republican and has been for years at the head of the Repub- 
lican organization of the 20th Ward. He is a member of the Political Action 
Committee of the Marquette Club, a member of Kilwinning Lodge Xo. 311, A. 
F. & A. M.. the Royal League. National Union. Columbian Knights. Improved 
Order of Redmen and the Phi Delta Phi. In his church relations. Mr. Going 
is a Baptist. As a lawyer he stands deservedly high and his services for the State 
have been marked by unselfishness, devotion to duty, and an intense and intelli- 
gent appreciation of the demands of the hour upon every loyal American. 



WILLIAM HOUSER GRAY. 

William H. Gray of Chicago was born September 23. 1847. at Piqua. O. 
His father. Jacob C. Gray, was a native of Ohio, and a successful contractor and 
builder. He was a man of respectability and standing, and Deacon in the 
Baptist Church for over fifty-five years, being familiarly known throughout the 
state of Ohio as "Deacon Gray." He was a progressive man. an earnest sup- 
porter of general education, and afforded his children every opportunity to 
receive an excellent education. Deacon Gray died in 1881 at the age of sixty- 
nine years. The maiden name of the mother of the subject of this sketch was 
Catherine Houser. She was a daughter of the late Jacob Houser of Dayton, 

Mrs. Grav received a good education and was widely known and highly 
respected bv the people of Piqua. She reared a family of six children — two 
- and four girls — and died in 1897. aged jj years, respected and loved by 
all who knew her. She lived in and kept her own home and servants until the 
dav of her death, which occurred while in apparent good health and talking to 
her children. 

William H. Gray received his early education at Piqua. graduated from the 
high school there and studied three years in Denison University. He assisted 

ither in his building operations for a time, and then entered the employ- 
ment of the Lake Erie & Western Railroad, as civil engineer. He was engaged 
in the lumber business at Piqua until 1871. Disposing of this business, he 
became connected with life insurance, with headquarters at Indianapolis, but 
subsequently transferred to Ohio. In 1877 Mr. Gray organized the Knight 
Templar and Masonic Mutual Aid Association at Cincinnati. He put such 
intelligent energy into the management of that concern that it was, at the time 
he severed his connection with it in 1883, the leading company of its class in 
the United States. Mr. Gray came to Chicago in May. 1884. and at once organ- 

474 




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ized the Knights Templars and Masons Life Indemnity Company of Chicago ; 
was made its general manager, and has been identified with this organization 
ever since. Mr. Gray has made this company phenomenally successful. The 
company is supported by a large array of the best people of the country, and 
stands as a guarantor for upwards of twenty millions of insurance, with a monied 
surplus of over S500.ooo.oo. 

Mr. Gray has been an active and successful business man and is now recog- 
nized as one of the solid men of Chicago. He is an extensive owner of real 
estate — about one thousand acres in Illinois ; some six thousand acres in Texa> ; 
has a large interest in the Indiana gas fields, and has several buildings m the 
city of Chicago. Mr. Gray originated the idea of removing the old Libby Prison 
from Richmond. Ya.. to Chicago. He alone purchased the old historic struc- 
ture and disposed of it to the gentlemen who moved it to Chicago. He was a 
Director and the Treasurer of the Libby Prison War Museum Association. 
Mr. Gray, in religion, is of the Baptist faith. He is a member of the Union 
League and Marquette Clubs, He is also a member of the St. Bernard Com- 
mandery (Knights Templars) and other Masonic bodies. In politics Mr. Gray 
is a Republican. Y\ nile not an active worker or speaker, he believes in political 
organization, performs his political duties as a citizen, and votes the Republican 
ticket because he endorses the principles of the party and looks upon its continu- 
ance in power as the best means of securing good government. 

William Houser Gray was married February 17. 1881. to Miss Orpha Ella 
Buckingham, of Bloomington. 111., a student of Mount Carroll Seminary, of 
Illinois. They have a family of three children — I na B.. Willie B. and Ralph B. 
Mr. and Mrs. Gray are people of fine social qualities : have a delightful home and 
a wide circle of friends. 



HOWARD H. GROSS. 

Howard H. Gross was born in Marathon. Cortland County. X. Y.. Septem- 
ber zy, 1853. His parents were Dr. John C. Gross and Caroline Gross. In 
1858 the family moved to Knox County, 111. Mr. Gross began life on a farm, 
going to school during the winter and doing a man's work in the fields in sum- 
mer, the Spelling Bee and debating club being his principal diversion. In 1867 
the family moved to Galva, Henry County, where Mr. Gross attended school, 
and worked upon the farm. He drew full wages as a farm hand when he was 
fifteen years old. At the age of eighteen he taught school, his first charge being 
about twelve miles from home. The school was rated as an especially hard 
one to teach, owing to the unruly boys who for years had broken up the school 
and driven the teacher away. Mr. Gross promptly put down the first attempt 
at disorder, and after that all went well. For several years he taught school in 
winter and studied law in summer. When twenty years old he engaged with 
a Chicago firm to travel through Illinois, selling school furniture and apparatus. 
He remained with the firm over ten years, holding when he left the highest 
position of any employee. He then went into business for himself at San Fran- 
cisco. He remained two years, his venture bringing him a good profit. Return- 
ing to Chicago he conceived the idea of creating for exhibition panoramic views 
of great battle scenes. In the course of nine years twenty-two of these great 
pictures were turned out and placed in leading cities from London. England, 
to Melbourne. Australia. Mr. Gross is a man of wonderful resource and great 
energy. He lost a large sum in the great Baring failure, but he went to work 
harder than ever and was soon on his feet again. 

Since 1893. Mr. Gross has been a contractor and dealer in paving material. 
He was a member of the Chicago Board of Education several years, and for 
two years Chairman of the Finance Committee. Through his efforts civil service 
was adopted in the schools, also, the project to teach the girls Domestic Science 
in the schools was established through his efforts, and has proved to be very 
successful. Mr. Gross, while friendly to Cnion labor, did not believe that the 

476 





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477 



Board of Education had a right to exclude Xon-union men from performing 
school work ; a long controversy ensued, but finally the Supreme Court passed 
upon the matter, supporting Mr. Gross at every point. As an evidence of his 
good will toward the wage earner, in February, 1900, he presented to the West 
Park Commissioners the great cyclorama of the Chicago Fire, the only condition 
being that it be kept open free for all time to come for the working man and his 
family. 

Mr. Gross is a director of the Bureau of Charities ; Trustee of the Penny 
Savings Society, which is a means of cultivating habits of thrift in the young. 
He is a director in the Chicago Commercial Association, and Chairman of the 
Civic Federation School Committee. He took an active part in drawing up 
the special assessment bill passed in 1897. In December, 1899, he was elected 
president of the State School Board Section of the Illinois State Teachers' Asso- 
ciation. In September, 1900. the Secretary of Agriculture appointed him Special 
Agent and Road Expert of the United States Government to promote good 
roads in Illinois and Indiana. 

Mr. Gross has always been an active worker for the Republican ticket. On 
the stump he is a forceful and convincing speaker. He was married in 1878 to 
Dell S. Condit of Englewood. They have four children, the eldest son attending 
the University of Chicago. He has been an extensive traveler ; his travels have 
covered the United States. Europe, Australia, Xew Zealand and the West Indies. 
He is a member of the Union League Athletic, Hamilton and Men's Clubs. 



LEONARD GOODWIN. 

Leonard Goodwin was born at Aurora. 111., October 25. 1859, and his early 
education was obtained in the public schools of that city. He began to study law 
and was admitted to practice by the Supreme Court of the State of Illinois in 
the fall of 1880. In 1881 he moved to Creston, Iowa, where he practiced law 
for two years. His health began to fail about that time, and he was compelled 
to travel for several years, finally settling down at San Diego, Gal., and resumed 
his practice of law. 

Mr. Goodwin resided in California about seven years, and took prominent 
part in Republican politics, being a member of the County Central Committee 
for four years, and chairman of the City Central Committee for four years. He 
was noted as a Republican leader during his residence in San Diego, and led 
and directed the movement which resulted in breaking up a corrupt political 
ring which had existed in San Diego for many years, and in the election of 
a straight Republican ticket for the first time in the history of the county. He 
returned to Chicago in October, 1894. an d has been actively engaged in the 
practice of law ever since. He has resided in the 24th ward for the past five 
years and has taken an active part in Republican politics, and is one of the 
recognized Republican leaders in the ward and on the North Side. He is an 
active member of the Marquette and Hamilton Clubs, and during the presi- 
dential campaign of 1900 was chairman of the Political Action Committee of 
the Marquette Club. Under his leadership and direction the Club assumed a 
more prominent place in Republican politics than it had ever attained before, 
and a healthy impetus was given to the growth and influence of the club. 
Under the direction of the National Committee Mr. Goodwin also made cam- 
paign speeches in North Dakota and Nebraska. He has often been spoken of 
as a candidate for different offices, but has consistently refused to accept any 
office or any nomination for an office, the work he has done for the party hav- 
ing been done purely from motives of patriotism, and not with any idea of per- 
sonal gain or advancement. 

Socially Mr. Goodwin is good natured, hale fellow well met. and very popu- 
lar among his acquaintances. He is very warm in his friendship and loyal to 
his ideals and to his friends. As a public speaker he is forceful and eloquent 
and in great demand during political campaigns. 

478 













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479 



FRANK H. HALL. 

Frank EL Hall, of Jacksonville, BL, was born at Mechanics Falls, Me_ 
February 9, 1841- His ancestors on both sides were early settlers in Mew 
England. His lather, Joseph H Halt was born in Paris, Me^ and married 
Sophia Valentine, who was the mother of the subject of this sketch. The 
itine family were great teachers; at lease one hundred and fifty members 
of this family have been identified with educational institutions in the United 
States, and have exercised a powerful influence for good in that fine of intel- 
.-.:/ 1\ r:;_riv:r 

Frank H. Hall commenced his education at the village school at Mechanics 
Falls, and as he grew up he was taught to work. In due time, he entered the 
Maine State Seminary at Lewiston, graduating in 18612. At that time the great 
Gvil War was raging, and Mr. Hall enlisted in Company *"'D"" of the 23rd Maine 
Inia a private. During his term of service he was detailed as acting 

hospital steward in the army of the Potomac. On Jury 15, 1863, he was mus- 
tered out at Portland, Me., and received an honorable discharge. He was then 
admitted as a member of the first class at Bates College, remaining there less 
than a year. Mr. Hall was a born teacher. Heredity and environments, and 
the traditions of his mother's family all tended to bear him forward into this 
important line of business. He taught a winter school in 1859 and i860 at 
Center Minot, Me. He was made principal of Towle Academy, Winthrop, 
Maine, and served from 1864 to 1866; principal of Farlviue, EL, public schools 
from 1866 to 1868; Principal Aurora (West) public schools from 1868 to 1875; 
::::;::l^-i: -:;vf '___ finr. ? :: ::•:' : v_: :: :SS" :n~ rzz-zl H'tirr? :-.ir^ Z'l 
r'v. ":".:: S:::-m. :>. v_ :: : >S* zr.zir.z. i. .-.:.- : zz '"---. z zzzz. :?::::•:"- :z: ~: iSSS 7; 
1890 ; superintendent Illinois school for the Blind, Jacksonville, 1890 to 1893 ; su- 
;.::::■.-.:: :.-::-. "~z. 7^:_ '--'- zz .:,:.: .- ;v::: :>~ > . : -.7 .: ;--: \ zzzz _ ...r. ::« 
School for the Blind, 1897 to the present tune. He received from Dr. Xewton 
Bateman in 1868 a life State Teachers" certificate. When Mr. Hall became 
identified with the School for the Blind, he took up the subject of improving 
the apparatus for teaching the blind. He is the inventor of the BraaUle-writer 
and co-inventor (with Harrison & Seifried ) of the stereotype-maker. These 
:::i :::::• ir- :; : ::: .^: ::; z- rhir. : ::--:: 1".: : 'z.- ; ::: - : : z :z- '■. "_::; i ;:: :Hf 
country as well as in Australia and in many parts of Europe and Asia. Mr. Hall 
has devoted much time and thought to mathematics, and is the author of a 
number of works upon this subject. 

Politically Mr. Hall is an out-and-out Republican. His father was a Whig;. 
so that bis early teachings were in that direction. They were also anti-slavery, 
and as was the great majority of the people of Maine in favor of Prohibition. 
Mr. Hall was not old enough to vote for Abraham Lincoln in i860, but he was 
: : r: :.z':~-'-y : '---zr.:~- L 7 r.'z. :z- Rt: -_-.': i.:zz z z~v 1: z'zzzz z- ir. : ": tHtv-i in ::5 
principles. Mr. Hall has long believed that the Republican party represents 
everything good and great in politics, and that the Democratic partv is just the 
reverse of this. Mr. Hall's first vote for President was for Abraham Lincoln 
in 1864. He had been a constant reader of the writings of Horace Greeley and 
George William Curtis, and had great respect and admiration for these men. so 
in 1872 when Mr. Greeley was nominated as a candidate for the presidency, Mr. 
Hi'.! : : '. : - 7 :;::« rrti: : :■'::: :i" : ::H : ■>: : ::-r ir. : :z--. Zr -■ ; :- :;;i: yt ir ::: llz 
Greeley. He soon discovered that the political company in which he found 
::::.- r 7; : :::•: «-t " : : :'z-. : rir.H'It? v.-;-.:::: ::t "1 i. fivire: iH hi- '_::~ zz \ z- ?: :r. 
7: : '■ 1 ; •: ir.: : :;;r 7. 7: . ':;:.:. rir.k- - .7-7 ;:■: r.i« --zz z/z - \ :';. .- ■.:'.-. tvtr fir.:t 

Governor Fifer appointed Mr. Hall superintendent of the School for the 
HHr H :"r Hr. i :hf T-: -::: : :: ..rirr Hv:~-.;: ;;:' : :k ::*:: z-z ' -'[--;--; z 
duties of the office with great acceptability, but Governor Ahgeld removed him 
from office. In 1897 he was again appointed Superintendent of the Illinois 
SH: :•:".:: " :::t I ".::::" y "- _ . --- ; - Tir.r.tr ir : r. :v.- h :i i« :;:i: ; — it ir : ; trf:rrr> 
:i:t _j:.7- :r.r:t:: .:: r:,: -~::zZ:cy 




6&w ?-/. frajr. 



481 



ISAAC MILLER HAMILTON. 

Success is methodical and consecutive, and however much we may indulge 
in fantastic theorizing as to its elements and causation in any isolated instance, 
yet in the light of sober investigation we will find it to be but a result of the 
determined application of one's abilities and powers along the rigidly defined 
line of labor. Professional advancement in the law is proverbially slow. The 
first element of success is, perhaps, a persistency of purpose and effort as con- 
tinuous as the force of gravity. But, as in every other calling, aptitude, char- 
acter and individuality are the qualities which differentiate the usual from the 
unusual. A little over ten years ago Isaac M. Hamilton was admitted to the 
bar, and within that time he has gained a prominence for which many older men 
have striven for a lifetime. He was born at Ash Grove, Iroquois county, I1L, 
September 6, 1864, and the principal part of his life has been spent in the county 
of his birth. His ancestors won distinction both in public and private affairs^ 
His parents, Ephraim S. and Celia B. Hamilton, were most excellent people, and 
his father won a most enviable reputation both as a public spirited citizen and as 
a successful business man. The father died in his fiftieth year, but the mother 
is still living, resides with her son Isaac, and although now sixty-eight years old, 
enjoys excellent health. 

Isaac M. Hamilton received a thorough scholastic training in the Grand 
Prairie Seminary of Onarga, 111., and of private tutors. He has mastered sev- 
eral languages ; has found time to pay close attention to the arts and is well 
known for his culture and refinement. In 1881 he formed a partnership with 
Tunis Young in merchandising at Ash Grove, 111., and although Mr. Hamilton 
was but sixteen years old at that time and his partner thirty-two, they have con- 
tinued the partnership ever since under the firm name of Young & Hamilton, 
but are now engaged exclusively in the banking and real estate business. How- 
ever, the firm is now located at Cissna Park. Mr. Hamilton was admitted to 
the bar in 1889, being one of three in a class of forty to be graded perfect, and 
since that time he has built up a large and very remunerative law practice in 
State and Federal Courts. His keen knowledge of human nature and his capac- 
ity for analysis has attracted universal attention, particularly in his address, 
"Monstrosities of the Law," which was delivered at the annual meeting of the 
Illinois State Bar Association, at Peoria, in January, 1894. He has given special 
attention to the Chancery, Probate and Corporation branches of the law, and 
has been eminently successful in many intricate and important cases. As ex- 
ecutor of the large estate of the late William Cissna he was required by the 
Probate Court to give a bond of $500,000, which he did in half a day, thirty-five 
of the wealthiest and most influential friends and neighbors signing as his securi- 
ties — certainly a wonderful tribute to his integrity and ability, and an eloquent 
testimonial of the esteem in which he is held. 

Mr. Hamilton has been attorney for the village of Cissna Park ever since 
its incorporation, but he had never aspired to office until 1896, when he was 
elected a member of the Illinois Senate by almost twice the majority which any 
other senator ever received in his district. In the three sessions of the Illinois 
Legislature in which he has served he has won for himself golden laurels as a 
capable and honorable legislator, as his excellent work upon important commit- 
tees and upon the floor of the Senate conspicuously verifies. Since its organiza- 
tion Mr. Hamilton has been constantly and actively identified with the National 
Republican League. Like many another great factor in the uplifting of human- 
ity and in the strengthening of ties of home and country, it was disaster, rather 
than prosperity, that made it possible for the great National League to come 
into being. Since then the skies have cleared, and victory is again with the 
great National party, but in all the long past no grander lesson of patriotism 
has been found on the pages of our history than that of the noble way in which 
the younger Republican element of this country, setting aside local prejudices, 

482 




483 



decided to band themselves into an invincible league for the common good. 
The young men of the Unitec States, rhrough the National Republican League, 
have become the real strength in the great Republican party-; and it is upon 
the altars atri tism that they keep the fires of liberty burning. Mr. Hamil- 

ton is one of those young men whose interests have ever been with the league. 
Although his most effective work for the league was probably done when, as 
chairman of the campaign committee of the executive committee, he was so 
large! instumental in raising the fund with which the enormous and burdensome 
7 ts rre fully paid and the league put on a sound financial basis which assures 
it a magnificent and influential future. In addition to his position as chairman 
of the Finance Committee of the National League, he is President of the Illinois 
State League of Republican Clubs. L'nder his able and wise administration this 
league has grown and prospered to an unprecedented extent. He is always 
willing and able worker, in any capacity, for the advancement of league interests 
everywhere. In his social relations Mr. Hamilton takes a prominent place and 
a favorite and forceful member of the Union League, Marquette and Hamilton 
Clubs, of Chicago. He is a Knight Templar, a Thirty-second degree Mason, 
a member of the Mystic Shrine, a member of the Grand Lodge Knights of 
Pythias of Illinois, a member of the Tribe of Ben Hur and a Modern Woodman 
:: America. 

Mr. Hamilton is now located permanently in Chicago. His reputation has 
become so wide and his business so extended, that he decided to seek a point 
where his business might be more centralized without appreciable loss of 
success. In Chicago, where he has a host of good friends and where 
marked success is already his. Mr. Hamilton has made his home. There 
he has established the ssful law firm of Hamilton & Atkinson, of 

-t is the senior partner. He is yet a young man in his profession, 
with the foundation so well laid, there can be no doubt as to the future — 
a future which must hold for him distinction and preferment attained only bv 
those lawyers who practice law as a profession, and not as a craft. Being a 
close student, of a mind quick to question and exacting of a reason, he has 
more concern for the philosophy of the law and the application of a principle 
than for legal legerdemain and subtle sophistry. Beyond and above all. he is 
a student of law. a student of humanity and a student of the tendencies of the 
times in which he lives. In his remarks he is clear and logical, and his command 
of clean, incisive and lucid English is equaled by few. Amid the engrossing 
cares and exacting duties of a busy professional life, Mr. Hamilton has found 
time and opportunity for investigation and studv 7 of many questions touching 
social conditions and betterment. He contributes liberally of his means to all 
worthy movements. 

Since becoming a resident of Chicago Mr. Hamilton became greatlv im- 
pressed with the need of a life insurance company which would be a credit to 
the great and growing city- of Chicago. In connection with J. Ellsworth Griffin 
Mr. Hamilton has succeeded in organizing the Federal Life Insurance Companv. 
which is the only company organized under the Illinois laws as an old line, legal 
reserve, stock life insurance company. This company starts out with an excel- 
lent board of thirty directors. It has the entire confidence of the public and is 
unqualifiedly commended by the ablest financiers of the city. Mr. Hamilton 

.ccepted the presidency of this new company and is rapidly pushing forward 

rairs with his usual aggressiveness and discernment. L'nder his able man- 
agement the Federal Life Insurance Company seems destined to achieve phe- 
nomenal 



LOUIS KRUGHOFF. 

Colonel L iiis Krughoff of >■ Illinois, was born November 25. 1836, 

in Minden. Westphalia. Came to Washington County-. Illinois, in 1851. Worked 
on a farm, attended school and clerked in a store until 1861. He enlisted in Com- 
pany "H." First Illin ry, in June, 1861. Was woimded in battle ; coming 



home to recover from his wound, he recruited Company "C," 49th Illinois 
Infantry. Was in the battle of Fort Donelson and again wounded. Participated 
in the siege of Corinth, in the Red River expedition, in the Missouri campaign 
against General Price, marched 750 miles in thirty-five days. Was of the troops 
that reinforced General Thomas at Nashville in the great battle that overthrew 
Hood's army. Joined in the pursuit of Hood, and was mustered out in 1865 
with the brevet rank of Major, "For gallant and meritorious services." 

In 1874 helped to organize the Washington County Bank, and was made 
cashier. Is now a banker under the style of Needles, Krughoff 3z Co., at Nash- 
ville, Illinois. Retaining his fondness for military life, in 1877 he organized a 
Militia Company and was elected Captain, and was soon commissioned Lieuten- 
ant Colonel of the nth regiment. May 17, 1882, he was commissioned Colonel 
of the 9th Infantry, I. N. G., holding this position three years. He was Colonel 
and Aide de Camp upon Governor Oglesby's staff. He belongs to the Grand 
Army of the Republic, and has been seven times Post Commander, and many 
times a delegate to National Encampments. Was Department Inspector in 
1892, was on Council of Administration under General Harlan, and Aide de Camp 
and chief of staff under General Powell. 

Colonel Krughoff is a Republican in politics true and tried ; he was a dele- 
gate in the Republican National Convention of 1880, and was of the "Old Guard 
of 306," who stood by General Grant, and has a Grant medal commemorating 
that event. Colonel Krughoff is married, and has an interesting family of two 
sons and two daughters. 



HARVEY B. HURD. 

Hon. Harvey B. Hurd of Evanston, 111., has been a citizen of Illinois for 
56 years ; few men in the history of the State have made a greater impression 
en its public affairs, or have exerted a more beneficial influence. He was born 
at Huntington, Conn., February 14, 1828; his father, Alanson Hurd, was of 
English descent, his mother of Dutch and Irish stock, both were sturdy New 
England people, whose ancestors came to America for conscience sake. It 
can be truly said of Harvey B. Hurd that he has made his own way in the 
world. At fourteen years of age he left home, went to Bridgeport and there 
secured employment with a Whig newspaper, "The Bridgeport Standard," 
where he spent two years. In the spring of 1844 he went to New York and in 
the fall of the same year emigrated to Peoria, 111., and entered Jubilee Col- 
lege. At the end of little over a year, by reason of some disagreement with the 
President, Rev. Samuel Chase, he left the College and with his small belongings 
came to Chicago on a baggage stage, arriving here January 7, 1846. He se- 
cured employment on the "Chicago Evening Journal," and afterwards on the 
"Prairie Farmer." His connection with newspaper offices for several years 
had afforded him an opportunity for study, which he earnestly embraced. In 
1847 ne entered the law office of Calvin DeWolf. His advancement was such 
that in 1848, at twenty years of age, he was admitted to the bar and commenced 
practice in partnership with Carlos Haven. In 1850 Mr. Hurd formed a part- 
nership with Andrew J. Brown ; in addition to their law practice they had large 
transactions in real estate. One of their purchases was 248 acres which forms 
a part of the original plat of Evanston ; in 1854 Mr. Hurd commenced the erec- 
tion of the house which is now his home. He moved into it September 5, 1855, 
it is now one of the finest houses in that beautiful town. Evanston became in- 
corporated in January, 1864, and Mr. Hurd was selected as President of the 
first village board, and was the author of the first code of ordinances. In 1862 
Mr. Hurd accepted the position of lecturer in the Law Department of the 
University of Chicago, the same year he formed a law partnership with Hon. 
Henry Booth, which continued until 1868 when Mr. Hurd retired from the 
practice of law, but returned to it again after the fire of 1871 which considerably 
impaired his fortune. 

485 



In 1868 Governor Palmer appointed Mr. Hurd one of the three Commis- 
sioners to revise and rewrite the general Statutes of Illinois. Before the work 
was fairly entered upon, both his associates retired and Mr. Hurd was left to 
perform this great task alone. He devoted five years of arduous labor to this 
work; taking the revised Statutes of 1845 as a starting point, he incorporated 
into them the general laws enacted during the succeeding twenty-four years, 
adapting the whole to the constitution of 1870, and introducing new chapters 
where the necessity of the case required. His work was submitted to and en- 
acted by the twenty-seventh and twenty-eighth General Assemblies, and he was 
appointed by the latter to edit, and superintend the publication of these Stat- 
utes. Mr. Hurd has edited fifteen editions of "Hurd's Revised Statutes." The 
able and complete manner in which this great work was performed is enough 
to give Mr. Hurd enduring fame as a lawyer, but his reputation as a practi- 
tioner before the highest Courts, and as a teacher of law to students in the Law 
School single him out as one of the most conspicuous figures in connection 
with the profession in the State. In 1873 Mr. Hurd was again chosen as Law 
Lecturer in what was then the Union College of the University of Chicago and 
the Northwestern University. He is now Professor of Common Law and 
Equity, Pleading, Criminal and Statutory law in the same school, now the Law 
department of the Northwestern L T niversity. 

In 1875 Mr. Hurd was the Republican nominee for Judge of the Supreme 
Court of Illinois ; he was opposed by Col. T. Lysle Dickey, a Democrat, and 
a combination of influences secured the election of Col. Dickey. In 1887 six 
vacancies occurred in the Board of County Commissioners of Cook County 
by the conviction of six of its members for defrauding the County, in such an 
emergency men of the highest probity and ability were wanted. Mr. Hurd was 
one of the six persons chosen and elected to fill those important positions. 

The subject of the construction of a Drainage Canal from Lake to River 
was often mooted but what seemed to be an insurmountable obstacle was the 
great difficulty of raising the money for the work under the constitutional re- 
strictions. The Gty of Chicago proper could not undertake the work as it had 
already reached the limit of its borrowing and taxing powers. Air. Hurd's 
fertile brain solved the problem, he recommended that a new municipality with 
original taxing and borrowing powers be created. Mr. Hurd's bill was in- 
troduced in the Legislature ; he conducted the exhaustive investigation of the 
subject and secured a favorable report on the bill" at the session into which It 
was introduced, and at the succeeding session the law now in force was passed 
substantially as originally prepared, omitting, however, one important feature 
of the Hurd Bill, namely, placing under the control of the Drainage Board 
the water supply of the City. 

Mr. Hurd has Been a member of the Committee on Law Reform of the 
Illinois Bar Association, and was President of the body in 1888-9. He is the 
author of several reports favoring a policy of breaking up large estates by 
changing the laws of descent and wills to limit the amount one may take 
from the same person. He was President of the Commission which reported, 
and is credited with the authorship in the main of the bill on that subject passed 
in 1897, known as the Torrence law, and now in force in Cook County. 

Air. Hurd has taken great interest in charitable work, particularly amongst 
children. The Children's Aid Society of Chicago has received his special at- 
tention, the work of the Society being directed to placing homeless children in 
family homes. He has also been identified with the Conference of Charities 
of Illinois, an organization composed of all Charitable Associations of the 
State. But the most important work ever done for dependent, neglected, and 
delinquent children in Chicago was the passage of the "Juvenile Court" bill in 
1899, of which Air. Hurd was the author. This law stands as a monument to 
the wisdom and humanity of Mr. Hurd. 

Air. Hurd has been identified with the Republican party since its organ- 
ization, he was always strongly anti-slavery; he opposed the Kansas-Nebraska 
bill ; he was a strong sympathizer with the free state men of Kansas in their 
struggle to make Kansas a free state. He attended a Convention at Buffalo, 

486 







487 



New York, in the spring of 1856, which set on foot measures to aid the free 
State cause. A National Kansas Committee was formed, composed of a mem- 
ber from each Northern State. Mr. Hurd was appointed Secretary of the 
Executive Committee, headquarters at Chicago. 

In the spring of 1857 the settlers in Kansas found themselves in great 
need of seed for planting their crops ; at a meeting of the Committee in New 
York City, a resolution was passed instructing the Executive Committee to 
purchase and forward seed to Kansas settlers ; the resolution also appropriated 
$5,000 to John Brown for the organization and equipment of free soil settlers 
into companies for self-protection. Mr. Hurd found that the fund at his dis- 
posal was insufficient to meet both requirements. Mr. Hurd decided that the 
most pressing needs should be supplied first. He bought ancl shipped to Kan- 
sas for free distribution 100 tons ol seed. This filled a pressing want, and was 
received with rejoicing. When John Brown applied for the money appropri- 
ated to him he found the treasury empty. This caused serious complaint by 
Gerrett Smith and other friends of John Brown, but the beneficial results which 
followed Mr. Hurd's action fully vindicated his wisdom. 

Mr. Hurd was married in May, 1853, to Cornelia A. Hilliard, daughter of 
James Hilliard of Middletown, Conn. They had three daughters, Eda, wife of 
George S. Lord; Hettie, who died in 1884, and Nellie, wife ol John A. Corn- 
stock. Mrs. Hurd died in April, 1887. On November 1, i860, Mr. Hurd 
married Sarah Collins, widow of George Collins. They had a delightful home 
over which Mrs. Hurd presided for thirty years. She died in 1890. In July, 
1892, Mr. Hurd was again married, to Susannah M. Van Wyck, who died 
March 25, if 



FRED E. HARDING. 

Honorable Fred E. Harding of Monmouth, Warren County, 111., is a 
native of New York State. He was born Sept. 20, 1847, at Richfield Springs. 
After a course in the common schools, Mr. Harding entered Monmouth Col- 
lege, and afterwards Union College, and graduated from the latter institution, 
with honor, in the classical course, in the Class of 1869. Mr. Harding re- 
moved to the State of Illinois, and settled at Monmouth ; he has been con- 
nected with the Monmouth Bank and the Second National Bank for the past 
twenty-three years, taking employment first as a messenger and has advanced 
from that position until he is now President of the Second National Bank. 

Mr. Harding possesses the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens and 
is regarded as a thoroughly safe financier. He has been identified with the 
Republican party from his early manhood, is a firm believer in the principles 
of the party, and has worked diligently for the success of its candidates. He 
has been a member of the Warren County Republican Central Committee for 
the past fifteen years, for the greater part of which time he has been its chair- 
man. In 1894 Mr. Harding received the Republican nomination for the State 
Senate ; he made an active campaign in his district and was elected by a major- 
ity of 6,913 over his Democratic opponent. In the arrangement of committees 
in the Senate, Mr. Harding was made Chairman of the committee on corpora- 
tions, which is recognized as one of the most important legislative committees. 
The Senator's legislative career has given great satisfaction to his immediate 
constituents, and his colleagues in both branches of the legislature. Senator 
Harding is one of the rising men of the state ; he has, for many years, exerted 
great influence in the politics of Western Illinois. He is one of the substantial 
men of Warren County, having large financial interests there. 

Fred E. Harding was married Sept. 20, 1870, to Miss Lucy A. Nye of 
Monmouth, 111. They have an agreeable home at Monmouth, and a wide circle 
of friends. 



438 





489 



JOHN L. HAMILTON, Jr. 

Among the young Republicans who have become prominent in the politics 
of Illinois is the subject of this sketch. He is the son of John L. Hamilton, Sr. r 
a farmer, who was born in Ireland in 1829. In 185 1 he came to Jersey County, 
111., where he first worked on a farm as a laborer. In four years he succeeded 
in earning enough to purchase one hundred and sixty acres of land in Mason 
County, which a little later he sold, and with the proceeds purchased a consid- 
erable tract in Macoupin County. In 1864 he sold this and moved to Iroquois 
County, where he became well known, serving in the capacity of School Director 
and Supervisor for several years. In 1875 he was nominated by the Repub- 
licans for County Treasurer, and was successfully elected by about three hundred 
majority, notwithstanding that the County was Democratic. In 1877 he was 
re-elected by 506 majority, the only one of his party on the ticket to win. In 
1879, tor tne third time, he was re-elected. In 1880 he was chairman of the 
Iroquois County Central Committee, and in 1884 was elected to the House of 
Representatives, and was one of the famous "103" who stood by General Logan 
in his contest for the United States Senate. He was re-elected to the House 
in 1886, 1890 and again in 1898. He was one of the strongest, most active and 
able members of the House of Representatives. In February, 185S, he married 
Ann Eliza Leeman, and seven of their nine children are now living. Three of his 
sons during the Presidential campaign of 1896 were Presidents of McKinley 
Clubs. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Shipman, 111.. May 8. 1862. He was 
educated at the common scKools where his father resided, finishing at the 
YVatseka High School. He assisted his father in the County Treasurer's office, 
and later from 1882 to 1886 served as Deputy under B. F. Price, his father's suc- 
cessor. In 1887 he was appointed Deputy County Clerk, but resigned in 1888- 
to take part in the organization of the City Bank of YVatseka. In 1889 he sold 
out and took an interest with the Banking House of Burwell, Hamilton and 
Morgan, which he helped to organize, and later was a member of the firm of 
Hamilton and Cunningham, Bankers. In 1895 he became a member of the 
City Council, and two years later was elected Mayor and re-elected in 1899 
without opposition. During his administration many of the most important 
improvements ever made in the city were conducted by him. In fact, the name 
that has been bestowed upon the city, "The Parlor City of Illinois," was due 
mainly to his efforts. 

He has served on many important committees of the American Bankers* 
Association, among which was the Currency Committee of five members. He 
was chairman of the committee to amend the Constitution of the American 
Bankers' Association, and in 1898 was a member of the committee to prepare 
and present a uniform fidelity bond for adoption at the Cleveland meeting in 
September, 1899. He has taken great interest and been very active in the Bank- 
ers' Association of the State, having been one of the organizers in 1890. He 
was elected a member of the Executive Council in 1895 and served to 1897, when 
he was elected first Vice-President, and in 1898 was elected President at Joliet. 
In 1892 he married Mary A. Hail of Onarga, Til., and by her has three sons. 
Lawrence, Donald and Robert. He is a member of the leading societies and 
city clubs, and stands high as a man and citizen of his community. He is a 
member of the Bankers', Hamilton, Marquette and L'nion League Clubs of 
Chicago, and is also a member of the Masonic Order. His first Presidential 
vote was cast for James G. Blaine. His readiness as a public speaker and his 
ability have led to his selection as delegate to County Conventions of his party 
in recent years. He has also served as a delegate to State Conventions. He 
was President of the McKinley Club of Hoopeston in 1896. and largely through 
his efforts and popularity the north end of A'ermillion County was carried bv the 
largest majority it ever gave a presidential candidate. 



490 




491 



CHARLES P. HITCH. 

The subject oi this sketch was born January 16. 1850, in Clermont 
County, Ohio, and is the youngest but one of a family of six children born to 
Benjamin and Laura A. Hitch highly respected citizens of that County. On 
both sides of the family the stock is mainly of English origin. Charles P. 
during his boyhood attended the usual common schools, and at the age of 
fifteen years entered Parker's Academy, near Richmond. Ohio, where he 
finished his education. The Academy was well conducted, and the course of 
study was well calculated to fit students either for a professional career or for 
active business. Upon leaving this Academv he went to Xew Richmond., 
where he accepted a clerkship in the dry goods store of his uncle, and there 
he remained until 1869. He then came to Illinois, and located in Paris. Edgar 
County, where he was employed for a period of about four years as a clerk in 
A. C. Connelly's dry goods store. 

In 1872 Mr. Hitch was appointed City Clerk of Paris, and occupied the 
position with credit for one year. At the expiration of that time he was ap- 
pointed Deputy County Clerk, which position he filled for two terms, or a total 
of eight years. During this period he became well known to the citizens of 
Edgar County, and was highly respected for his many good qualities, and for 
the efficient services which he had from year to year rendered his party. In 
i88r he was elected Grand Recorder of the Grand Lodge of the Illinois Ancient 
Order of United Workmen, which honorary and responsible position he has 
continued to hold up to the present time. His re-election by the Grand Lodge 
to this position so many times is a splendid endorsement of his integrity, ability 
and official record, and an evidence of the satisfaction which he has given the 
Order as an officer. In 1884. he was chosen the alternate delegate to the Re- 
publican Xational Convention, and was in 1888 elected a Delegate to the Xa- 
tional Convention of his party. On that memorable occasion. Mr. Hitch, after 
the fourth ballot, voted for Air. Harrison, and so continued until he was nom- 
inated. After the election of Air. Harrison to the Presidency. Air. Hitch be- 
came an applicant for the position of United States Marshal for the Southern 
District of Illinois, and having the unqualified endorsement of a great majority 
of the Republicans in that section of the State, was so strongly endorsed that 
he received the appointment to that offLZ^ in Ala}". 1889. He at once moved to 
Springfield, and entered upon the discharge ot his duties in that office, and 
made one of the most efficient and satisfactory officials who ever occupied that 
position. In 1894 he was elected a member of the State Committee from the 
Nineteenth District, and at once took a front rank in that body, being elected 
chairman of the Executive Committee that conducted the campaign of 1894. 
In 1896 he was elected chairman of the Sfate Central Committee, and under his 
splendid management a large Republican majority was gained for the Republi- 
can candidates. In recognition of these important services he was re-ap- 
pointed by President AIcKinley to his old position as United States Alarshal 
for the Southern District of Illinois, which position he is yet holding. 

Charles P. Hitch was united in marriage December 25, 1874. to Aliss Alary 
I. Huston, daughter of Dr. Paul Huston of Paris, and has one daughter, Lucy 
W. Hitch, who was born in 1876. Air. Hitch is a member of the Alasonic Fra- 
ternitv. Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias, being a member of the Grand 
Lodges of the latter two bodies. He was a charter member of Charity 
Lodge Xo. 100 A. O. U. W. By a unanimous vote of the Grand Lodge of 
that order, in 1883. he was created a Past Grand Alaster Workman, and repre- 
sented the Grand Lodge of Illinois in the Supreme Lodge that met at Des 
Aloines. Iowa, in 188;. 



492 




493 



TIMOTHY NATHAN HOLDER 

Mr. Holden was barn in North Charleston. X. H. y March 21 , 1839. He is 
-.'-■-- s : r :: 7_; :hir: PAPIen 2 ::'::.::r.ti: fa.rrr.fr ::: 1 r er:hm: :■: :hi: :::; r ; 
serve: :r :r_e :f :he 5ele::n:en in :'.'.: ::-,uush:r. :f Prirles::r in: a rre~:er :•: 
the New Hampshire Legislature in 1848-9. The father was a prominent Whig 
and later Republican, and became widely known for his upright conduct and his 
^good citizenship.. He married Sophia Allen, daughter of Nathan and Deborah 
Allen mi nme : ; Illim : is in : i : : :.: Puir 1 in: 5:uh:i 77 Pier. : ::h he: :: 
the age of 84. years. Captain Timothy Holden, the grandfather,, who died Si 
1833. served for seven years in the Revolutionary War r ami his father, whose 
name, also, was Richard, was Idled at the battle of Bunker HilL The subject 
is a resident of Aurora, Illinois. He was educated at the common schools of 
i Hampshire and Illinois,, receiving an ordinary education. His first am- 

bition was to become a preacher, and a little later he became fascinated with 
a stage driver, who cracked his whip over the leaders of the four-horse team 
attached to one of the beautiful Concord coaches, in use at that time. But 
these early ambitions were soon dissipated under broader ideas which came to 
turn as he grew older. He says humorously of himself, "that, no doubt, the 
in in: hue :ri : : : :r:::s: :::::: r ire :e:r:ve: :: : shining ini:: 
At an early age he secured a clerkship in a country store, and still later was 
::nue::e: ~u:h :hf i: : i- 5 ii^ i:.n he-use :: Puller cz Puller, nh:;:^: fir 
eleven yeirs u:::::i::u :h:s he n- ::nue::e: ::i: :he -.PiPesile p.iss-.vire 
business on South Water Street, Chicago, and so continued until the great fire 
of 1871 when he returned to Aurora and entered the services of the C, B. & 3 
7. 7. if Perl-: :n :hf sh::s. P: :n if:en--ir :s he ": f ::n:f :ss : ::::f : ~7:h _" :hn 
W*. Kendall in the hardware business at Aurora, and so continued for fifteen 
years under the firm name of Kendall & Holden. Mr. Holden is at present 
engaged extensively in the business of renting, handling real estate, fire in- 
surance, investments, etc. His first vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln in 
i860, and since that date he has voted for every Republican presidential candi- 
date. He served as Supervisor of Aurora township for the period of fifteen 
rirs in: Ur f:r eiz'lur ; eirs P .ur\:r :: Pre 7 :ir:l :f Svurnusirs ::" lire 
County. He also served for two years as Mayor of the city of Aurora, and 
for eighteen years as a member of the Board of Education of that chy. For 
:en ; f irs h: ni h:u:rei :r :he r-:siri:n :■: :: rsrleru :: :hi: P::r: h: 
: - ed for two years as president of the City Crab. 

During the war of the Rebellion he enlisted under the first call for 75.000 
:: fn f:r :hree r:;ruhs is : -u::r ir. : "us issi^n.eP :■: Pre Seven:':: Zlli:: : is 
Regiment, which was stationed during this term of service at Cairo and Mound 
City. Mr. Holden has been very active in the promotion of public enterp 
connected with the growth and development of the city of Aurora. Beginning 
in 1862 and continuing for several years he was a member of Wabansia Lodge 
A. F. & A. M_, La Fayette Chapter, Apollo Commandery and of the Consistory 
of Scottish Rite Masons in Chicago. His religious views are liberal and he 

is : he 7 - : : : is resile 

1 z e r f 

1 u Sen:en:':er i - :!: :>P5 ire — is mirrif i : : 1 1:::::: PP rii el As: iirA:- 
ter of the late Dr. O. D. and Cornelia (More) Howell, botfi natives of Delaware 
County, N. Y.. who came to Aurora in the year 1855 &*- Howell practiced 
ins rr:fessi:n in :h is : : frn: :!::: ::me nnuil his :ei:h P ir hi: sin :hil- 
dren, two of whom are yet living, Marian and Annie, the latter being the wife 
of Judge Frank M. Annis of Aurora. Mr. Holden has two sons, Frank Howell 
and Ben Edwin. These sons after completing their preliminary education in 
Peru:.:: s:h::ls fAurr: 1 ::en :e : in : rri :ni:e: fr;n: Pn: Pi:::;; _!:::- 
ual Training School, and for three suceeding years pursued their studies in 
-.'::- Irsuuue :: Pe:hn:l: — in 7 :s::n A hhPe ii:er Pre;- -.--en: P;r;:i in: f :: 
three years perfected their education at the E'cole des Beaux arts in Paris, 
France, in the art of Architecture. Ben E. remained in Paris two years longer, 
still further rounding out and polishing his education. Frank H. is practicing 
architecture in New York. 





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49S 



JESSE HOLDOM. 

Eloquent advocates, astute pleaders and learned lawyers have been pro- 
duced in every country where the common law has prevailed. In the legal 
profession of Chicago, which embraces many of the most brilliant minds of the 
nation, it is difficult to win a name and a place of prominence, but Judge Jesse 
Holdom, who stands today as one of the leading members of the Chicago 
Bench, has won this most enviable position. He was born in London, Eng- 
land, August 23, 185 1, and in tracing back his family tree it is found that his 
ancestors were Huguenots who fled from France on the eve of the massacre of 
St. Bartholomew. They settled in that part of London called Spitalfields, in 
the year 1572, and from that time until the birth of our subject, a period of 
nearly three hundred years, the Holdoms were all born in the same parish and 
within half a mile of the place where their ancestors originally settled. 

Judge Jesse Holdom secured an academic education in the city of his birth 
and in 1868, when seventeen years of age, came to America. He located in 
Chicago in July of that year and since that time he has made the second city in 
the United States his home. The legal profession soon occupied his atten- 
tion and he diligently applied himself to the mastery of the underlying prin- 
ciples of jurisprudence. Two years later he entered the office of the late Judge 
Knickerbocker, with whom he continued until 1876, when he accepted the 
position of chief clerk in the office of Tenny, Flower & Ambercrombie. While 
a student in Judge Knickerbocker's office in 1873 he was admitted to the bar. 
In 1878 he became associated in the practice of law with a brother of Judge 
Knickerbocker, under the firm name of Knickerbocker & Holdom, and this 
continued until 1889, since which time and until his elevation to the Bench, he 
was alone in the practice. L T pon the death of Judge Knickerbocker he was 
publicly mentioned for the vacant probate judgeship, and was afterwards, with- 
out any personal solicitation, appointed by Governor Fifer as public guardian, 
and at the November election of 1898 he was elected judge of the superior 
court, which honored position he is now holding. Thoroughly versed in the 
science of jurisprudence and equally at home in every branch of the law, his 
presentations were able, logical and convincing. His arguments showed thor- 
ough preparation and he lost sight of no fact that might advance his client's 
interests and passed by no available point of attack in an opponent's argu- 
ment. Perhaps, however, his greatest reputation has been achieved in chan- 
cery and probate cases and in litigated questions involving contests of wills 
and titles to real estate. On the bench his rulings are ever just, incisive and 
incapable of misrepresentation. Judge Holdom is of a decided literary turn of 
mind. He has a large library of rare and old books, as well as many de-luxe 
and limited editions, in which he takes special delight. Some of his happiest 
hours are spent among the works of great minds, and he is constantly adding 
to his already large stock of learning, being regarded as one of the best-read 
lawyers in the city. He also has an extensive law library which contains the 
modern publications as well as the older writers. 

Politically the Judge is a Republican and in society relations he is a 
member of the various social, literary and law clubs, including the L T nion 
League, the Hamilton, Caxton, Kenwood, Midlothian, Country and Law Clubs 
of Chicago, and of the Chicago, Illinois State and American Bar Associations. 
He has been a member of the Executive Committee of the State Bar Associa- 
tion for three years past and is now its First Vice President. In religion he is 
an Episcopalian and a vestryman at Trinity Episcopal Church, Chicago. Judge 
Holdom is of domestic habits ; he is happy in the society of his family, consist- 
ing of a wife of charming personality and intellectual tastes, two young lady 
daughters and a son, Courtland Holdom. 



496 






497 



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the most prominent men" at the Chicago Bar became of his legal attainments 

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Ashtabula County." Ohio. December 22nd, 1850. the son of William M. and 

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Ricaby. then prosecuting attorney for Hillsdale County. Mr. Hull removed to 
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the same Tear. In January, 1872. he began the practice of law and since that 
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Mr. Hull has 

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large business interests, and his following and clientage in this regard have 
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a single suit, until June, 1898. wtnen. having established the validity of the 
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to construct and operate a telephone system in Chicago, and which is now con- 
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She has always been a friend of the teacher in the public schools and whue 
a member of die Board of Education secured, by means of an Act passed at the 
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grade teachers in Chicago. Mr. Hull has three daughters: Xelie. the wife of 
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499 



EDWARD SWIFT ISHAM. 

Edward Swift Isham, the senior member of the law firm of Isham, Lincoln 
& Beale, was born at Bennington, Vt., January 15, 1836. His parents were 
Pierrepont Isham, one of Vermont's most distinguished jurists and, for a con- 
siderable period, a member of its Supreme Court, and Semanthe (Swift) Isham. 
In his early youth he spent several years in South Carolina, but he prepared 
for college at the Lawrence Academy, in Groton, Mass., and subsequently 
entered Williams College in 1853, from which he received his degree in 1857. 
During his collegiate course he was a member of Chi Psi Society and, after- 
wards, of the Phi Beta Kappa, and later he received from his Alma Mater the 
degrees of Master of Arts and Doctor of Laws. After a period in the law 
school at Harvard and continued study in his father's office, he was admitted 
to the bar in Rutland, Vt., in 1858, and in October of the same year he came to 
Chicago, where in the next year he entered into a partnership with James L. 
Stark, an old Vermont acquaintance, with whom he continued in practice until 
1863. 

Always a warm supporter of the L T nion, Mr. Isham was elected a repre- 
sentative to the Twenty-fourth General Assembly (1864-1866), and took an 
active part in legislative matters, serving as a member of the Judiciary Com- 
mittee. In 1865 he went to Europe, spending some two years in travel and 
study. The partnership with Robert T. Lincoln, under the name of Isham & 
Lincoln, which began in 1872 immediately after the Chicago fire, has con- 
tinued, the firm being subsequently increased by the addition of William G. 
Beale, and more recently of Gilbert E. Porter. 

Politically he has always been a staunch Republican, and during the war 
of the Rebellion he aggressively espoused the Federal cause, more particularly 
in support of the Constitution. Through his many public addresses will be 
found the constant assertion that the national character of the Union and of 
the Constitution must be upheld, irrespective of the maintenance or abolition 
of slavery. Such also has uniformly been his attitude in all his cases in which 
the effect and meaning of the clauses of the Constitution have been drawn 
into dispute. Owing to his familiarity with questions of this character and his 
established reputation as a jurist, he was prominently mentioned to fill the 
vacancy upon the Federal Supreme bench in 1881, at the close of President 
Hayes' administration. His general attitude as a Republican is clearly indi- 
cated in an interview published in the Chicago Tribune of October 7, 1892, 
when the Democratic press was claiming that the intellectual men of the 
country, and those of character and virtue, were drifting into that party. The 
Tribune, in an editorial article, quoting a part of that interview, said: "While 
moralizing over the conduct of some of these queer creatures who are too 
good to be Republicans and yet find nothing repulsive in the Tammany De- 
mocracy and secession South, Mr. Edward Isham says: T should think it 
would be an uncomfortable situation to be in alliance with the Solid South and 
Tammany Hall. The Solid South is supporting the violent destruction of 
civil rights and unqualified fraud upon the laws of political representation. 
Tammany is an organization administered for the single purpose of perverting 
in New York the uses of the machinery of civil government. There is no 
association in the Republican camp so disagreeable to the moral sense as all 
this as it seems to me.' " 

As a lawyer and counsellor Mr. Isham ranks among the foremost of the 
country, his practice having been of the highest and most responsible charac- 
ter. His attention has been particularly directed towards questions involving 
corporate and fiduciary relations, and - his success in the management of such 
affairs is attested by his command of a volume of business limited only by his 
own inclinations. The following cases, many of which are leading cases, viz., 
Kingsbury v. Buckner, 70 111. 514; Newberry v. Blatchford, 99 111. 11; 100 111. 
684; 106 111. 584; Brine v. Insurance Co., 96 U. S. 627; Connecticut Mutual 

500 




£rt£ I A* 



501 



Life Insurance Co. v. Cushman. 108 U. S. 51; Pickard v. Pullman Southern 
Car Co... 117 U. S. 34; Tennessee v. Same. 117 U. S. 51; Union Trust Co. v. 
Illinois Midland Ry. Co., 117 U. S. 434; Pullman's Palace Car Co. v. Central 
Transportation Co.. 139 U. S... 62; 171 U. S. 138; Same v. Pennsylvania, 141 U. 
S. 18; Insurance Company v. Hillmon, 145 U. S. 285; are sufficient illustrations 
of the character of his practice. One familiar with his methods of work would 
unhesitatingly attribute his professional success to his hard labor and careful 
preparation in anticipation of his adversary's moves. To his rare legal acu- 
men he has added a store of "knowledge acquired from extensive traveling and 
reading, and these qualities in a man as devoted to his profession as Mr. 
Isham is, must necessarily lead to the highest results. 

In 1861 he married Miss Fannie Burch, of Little Palls. Herkimer County, 
X. Y.. and has living two daughters and two sons. His residence is on Tower 
Court, Chicago, and at his country home, "Ormsby Hill," at Manchester, Vt. 



HARVEY C. JOHNS. 

Harvey C. Johns was born in Delaware County, Ohio, June 20, 1819, and 
died in Decatur. Illinois, on the 22nd day of April. 1900. He became a physician, 
and was in active practice in Circleviile, Ohio, during his early manhood, but 
on account of failing health he removed witfi his family to Piatt County, 111., in 
1849, and engaged in farming and stock raising on a large scale. His home 
was headquarters for the cattle buyers of that time, and soon became a center 
of political activity. His interest in cattle prompted him to introduce the 
shorthorn Durham cattle in Central Illinois, and afterwards the Devons. Both 
his herds were famous for their high quality and did much to improve the con- 
dition and quality of live stock in Central Illinois. He was one of the organ- 
izers of the Illinois State Agricultural Society, being one of its first Vice- 
Presidents, and its second chief officer. He continued for many years as one 
of its officers and advisers. He was selected as one of the Commissioners* 
from the State of Illinois to purchase animals in Europe to be brought 
to Illinois for the improvement of its animal industries. So successful 
were the Commissioners in the selection made by them that when the 
animals were sold at auction in Springfield the State made a handsome profit 
upon the investment, and the people at large were greatly benefited by the in- 
troduction of highly and strongly bred animals of famous English families. 
He was also appointed a Commissioner for Illinois to investigate and report 
upon the Texas cattle disease, and made many recommendations for the sup- 
pression of that plague, which being adopted, led to its entire suppression in 
the State. 

He was an anti-slavery Whig in his political convictions, and was a mem- 
ber of the General Assembly of Illinois which finally elected Lyman Trumbull 
L'nited States Senator. In that legislature he voted for Abraham Lincoln for 
Senator, and it was through information gained by him that the plans of the 
Democrats to elect Matteson were frustrated and caused many adherents of 
Abraham Lincoln, at the request of Lincoln, to vote for Trumbull and accom- 
plished his election. He was a leading Republican in Central Illinois ; was" 
present in all the councils in the early days and a delegate to the famous and 
historical convention at Bloomington. As a delegate to the first National 
Convention in Philadelphia, he nominated Mr. Lincoln for Vice-President, and 
was in i860 one of the active managers of the campaign which led to the nom- 
ination and election of Lincoln as President of the L'nited States. 

When the War of the Rebellion commenced. He devoted himself to the 
raising of regiments for the service and securing their acceptance by the gov- 
ernment, but immediately after the battle at Fort Donelson he went, at the re- 
quest of Governor Yates, to take care of the wounded soldiers from Illinois, 
and had complete charge of their removal to the hospitals. Surgeons were in 
demand in those days, and again at the request of the Governor, he acted as 

502 






503 



surgeon of a regiment until some other one could be procured. He finally 
accepted, at the request of Mr. Lincoln, the office of Surgeon of the 129th 
Regiment of Illinois Infantry, and after long service resigned because of bad 
health. 

His early political associations made him the friend and confident of the 
early leaders of the Republican party in Illinois. Lincoln, Lovejov, Yates, 
Dubois, Trumbull. Davis, Oglesby, JPalmer, and Logan after the war, were 
frequently his guests. Never an office seeker, his efforts were always for his 
friends, and all those friends were trusted and beloved by the people. 



ALFRED HANLEY JONES. 

Hon. Alfred H. Jones, of Robinson, 111., is a native of Illinois; he was born 
July 4, 1850, at Flat Rock. Crawford County ; his grandfather, Aaron Jones, was 
a native of ^ ales : he married Alary Shepard. a native of Scotland ; emigrating 
to America, they settled in Virginia, where they reared a family. Their son, 
John M. Jones, removed to Kentucky, where in good time he married Elizabeth 
Ford. Fler father, John Ford, was a native of England, and his wife, Hopy 
Highsmith, was a native of Holland. Mr. and Airs. Jones emigrated to Illinois 
and settled in Crawford County ; they were industrious and thrifty farmers ; 
their son. John H. Jones, was born and brought up on the farm ; he was taught 
to work and learned the art of farming. His parents, anxious to afford their 
son every opportunity to get ahead in the world, sent him to the neighboring- 
schools until he was fitted for college ; he entered Westfield College of Clark 
County, 111., and studied there two years. He completed his education at the 
National Normal School of Lebanon, Ohio, from which institution he graduated* 
with honor in 1870. 

In 1871 Mr. Jones concluded to try his fortune in the West : he visited 
Kansas and remained there a year, but came to the conclusion that Kansas was 
no improvement on Illinois in opportunities for a young man. and so he returned 
to his native home and settled in the town of Robinson. He began the study 
of law. and on June 14. 1875. was admitted to the bar; he was at once elected 
City Attorney of Robinson, and in 1876 was appointed States Attorney to fill out 
the unexpired term of G. S. Alexander, Esq. Mr. Jones, now only 26 years 
of age, and but just entering upon the practice of law, took up the duties of his 
office with confidence and performed them with entire satisfaction to the court 
and to the public. He rose rapidly in his profession : his close attention to 
business, and his successful management of cases before judge and jury soon 
brought him a large clientage. He has a general practice in the various depart- 
ments of jurisprudence, and now stands in the front rank of attorneys practicing 
at the Illinois bar. 

In politics Air. Jones has always been a Republican ; he identified himself 
with the party when a young man and is a prominent factor in party politics in 
his part of the State. He has given the cause of education his earnest support ; 
he served fifteen years as a member of the Board of Education at his place, and 
was appointed a Trustee of the Eastern Illinois State Normal School at Charles- 
ton. 111., and was chosen chairman of the Board. He served ten years as a 
member of the town Council of Robinson, and showed himself to be a pro- 
gressive and public spirited member. 

In 1886 Air. Jones was nominated as the Republican candidate for the Gen- 
eral Assembly of Illinois, and was elected. He represented his District with 
ability; his services as a legislator added materially to his already well estab- 
lished reputation and increased his acquaintance and popularity throughout the 
State- For twenty years Air. Jones has been a member of the Republican Coun- 
ty Central Committee of Crawford County, and for six years a member of the 
State Central Committee. Air. Jones is well informed on all political issues; 
he takes an active part in every political campaign, possesses great ability as an 

504 






vJUy^ 



505 



organizer, and as a political speaker is in great demand. He is an aggressive, 
forceful and eloquent campaign orator. He is now Illinois State Food Commis- 
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office. He has perfected an effective organization of the Bureau, and with the 
aid of wisely selected assistants and inspectors has made it one of the most 
important departments of the state. His office and laboratory are at Xos. 1623- 
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Mr. Jones is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He also be- 
longs to several fraternal societies, namely: the Masons, Odd Fellows, the 
Modern Woodmen of America, the Court of Honor, and the Royal Neighbors. 
Mr. Jones was married to Ellen M. Thompson, of Poolsville. Ind., Tune 18, 
[872. Mrs. Jones died in 1874, leaving a son, Gustavus Adolphus. *On No- 
vember 26, 1878, Mr. Jones married Catherine A. Beals, his present wife. They 
have had one child, Roscoe, born October 3, 1880. died October 4. 1883. Mr- 
Jones and his family occupy a delightful home in Robinson ; they have a wide 
circle of friends and are highly esteemed socially. 



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The life of any man is of great benefit to the community in which he re- 

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honest, upright and progressive. Clarence Parke Johnson. Secretary of the 
5:i:t I' Mr: ::" Live Szzz: zz:z:zz:zz :: ILzzzz z 2 gentleman whc :tzs 
steadily grown in popularity since his connection with the above mentioned 
organization, and not only is he widely known in this connection. 
worthy and substantial citizen of the community in which he lives. . He was 
born in Oskaloosa, la., February 23 [857 and now resides in Springfield. 111. 
His parents, William Lewis Johnson and Anna M. (Bufhngton) Johnson, were 
natives of the Buck 7 ;z State, but subsequently moved to Iowa where the 
father was engaged in teaching school. Still later, or in 1864, when the Civil 
War was drawing to a dose, the parents moved to Sangamon County. Illinois, 
and in the common schools of this county young Johnson received his primar}- 
education. 

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the farm and there received lessons of frugality and industry which have been 
stepping stones to his subsequent prosperous career. As a boy he evinced a 
great lilang for books, and all his spare momenz were spent in reading and 
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early age of seventeen, and as he seemed to have a special aptitude for this 
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z zz zzz: zz :z ::' Sangamon county 
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In tide summer of 1883 he assumed the position of city editor of the Spring- 
fzz Zz:z:z I- : z zz z::zzz: zz z:z z zz: : : zzz: in a capable and 
most efficient manner. Subsequently he was appointed assistant secretary and 
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the month of August, 1885, he was elected secretary of the iard of Live 

Stock Commissioners, which board was created by an act of the general assem- 

::' that year. That position he held" 
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In his political views Mr. Johnson is an able and staunch supporter of the Repub- 
lican partv, whose principles he has a. oused. 





L^ 



507 



THOMAS L. JOY. 

Success in business carries with it the natural inference that the succc 
man possesses energy, intelligence and other attributes of men who have risen 
above their fellows. But energy and intelligence fail to make one shine forth 
in a social sphere, unless they are united to an exceptional personality. It is 
temperament that makes a man either liked or disliked. Thomas L. Joy is happy 
in this respect, for his fine and distinctive personality is what makes him what 
he is, and his friends are legion. He was born in Equality. Gallatin county, 111., 
September 15. 1850, and has always resided in the southern part of the state. 
His father. Rev. E. Joy, was also a native of Southern Illinois, and for over sixty 
years preached the Gospel according to the Methodist doctrine. His mother, 
whose maiden name was Seed, was born in Ireland, but crossed the ocean to this 
country when a young girl of seventeen, and located in Lawrencce county. 111. 

Thomas L. Joy secured a' good practical education in his youth, and in 
1873. when but twenty-three years old, was married to Miss lizzie V. Lock- 
wood, daughter of Willard Lockwood of Mt. Erie. Wayne county. 111., and also 
a native of that state. This union has been blessed by the birth of one child, a 
son, Verne E. Joy, who is now in the Consular service in Germany, to which 
place he was appointed before he was of age. In 1872 Thomas L. Joy and his 
brother, Andrew F., established the "Carmi Times," the first Republican paper 
ever published at the county seat of White county. At that time Thomas 
twenty-two years old and his brother was not yet twenty-one. For eleven y 
that paper bore the brothers* names, but then Thomas L. sold his interest to 
his brother and purchased the Mt, Carmel Republican. In the 1880 campaign 
the firm established the Cairo Xews. a daily and weekly paper, which was placed 
under charge of Thomas L.. but that was closed December 1st, and from that 
date to this Cairo has never had a Republican daily. In the spring of 1888 
Mr. Joy sold the Republican and in the fall of that year purchased a half interest 
in the Centraha Sentinel, a daily and weekly, which two years later fell under 
hi: r:;:ir. :; .:r:_ This —:;. i is :::r_r: ::. . ::: : .hr his :::_:r:i .lis; z .hhsht i hr: -_-."; - 
lican papers at Patoka and Odin, in the same county, and an Independent papef 
5 indoval, thus giving them ^ve papers to manage. The "Cleveland Blight." 
however, wiped out the Odin and Patoka pap 

Mr. Joy has ever been an ardent supporter of the Republican party-, but he 
has never aspired to office nor has he sought one, with the exception of a little 
appointive one in his younger days. The principles of this party are the only 
religion Mr. Joy has, while its platform is his Bible. A man of strong convic- 
tions, he is always and ever "ready to work for the best interests of the party, 
though he has never tried any speech making, that not being in his line. He 
has a large state acquaintance, as is but natural with one wearing the harness 
- . i : :_; 7::::t i:::i irii:: his he ' :::: 1 iri-^ri:- :; S:i:e 1: i ::h-r ::::vr:;:i ;:_s 
of his party, and in these conventions he has represented all the counties in 
which he has resided. His son Verne E. has also done a great deal of writing, 
and is considered a prominent politician for one of his years. Like his father 
7 is hiicirs. h-:: i:: i 7.7' .-.hi::;.:: ci;h-ri::<; i:::i hr v:ii. m; his rr:.r:. :'r : ■::; 
Germany, enter with his father in the publication of the Sentinel. 









509 



HOWARD J. HAMLIN. 

Howard J. Hamlin is a native of the State of New York, was born July 13, 
1850, in St. Lawrence County. His parents gave him every opportunity for 
acquiring an education; after attending the district schools he was placed at 
the Lawrenceville Academy. He finished his education at the State Normal 
University at Potsdam. New York. Mr. Hamlin came to Illinois in 1870, and 
for a time engaged in teaching; he was employed for some time in the public 
schools of Shelby and Moultrie Counties, and was Superintendent of the Public 
Schools at Windsor, 111. It was never his intention to make teaching his per- 
manent calling, this occupation, however, gave him the opportunity to study, 
which he diligently availed himself of. He entered the law office of Judge 
Anthony Thornton, and George R. Wendling, two of the ablest and most prom- 
inent lawyers in the Central part of the State, and was admitted to practice law 
by the Supreme Court in June, 1875. Mr. Hamlin was at once admitted to the 
j^artnersliip of his preceptors under the firm name of Thornton, "Wendling and 
Hamlin; this partnership continued for some time, but finally Mr. Wendling 
retired to enter the lecture field. Judge Thornton and Mr. Hamlin continued 
their partnership and had a large, important and successful practice. Upon 
the removal of Judge Thornton to Decatur, Mr. Hamlin associated Mr, Kelley 
with him in the practice of law. 

Mr. Hamlin is recognized as one of the best lawyers in the. State, his prac- 
tice extends into many Counties, including the Courts of Chicago, he has ap- 
peared in many noted cases, his preparation and trial of a case have marked him 
as a most competent and successful lawyer. While he has been devoted to his 
profession, he has not forgotten nor neglected his duties as a citizen. He be- 
lieves that it is the duty of every man to identify himself with the political party 
of his choice, to have a reason for the faith that is in him, he believes that party 
organization is essential to good goverment under our system, as the only 
means through which a man can give effective expression to his political opin- 
ions, and having an admiration for the principles and achievements of the Re- 
publican party, he has at all times been found working effectively for its suc- 
cess. Mr. Hamlin has served on the Republican State Central Committee 
for several years. He was delegate to the National Convention in 1896 that 
nominated William McKinley for President. 

In 1898 Mr. Hamlin was a delegate to the Republican State Convention, 
and was chosen to preside over its deliberations. The occasion was one of 
great importance, the Republicans of Illinois were to give voice to their senti- 
ments upon the questions growing out of the Spanish war. Mr. Hamlin 
delivered a great speech to the Convention ; he drew a graphic picture of the 
beneficial results growing out of the election of a Republican President and 
Congress, how confidence was immediately restored, and how the Dingly Bill 
awoke prostrate industries to a newness of life, and stimulated our foreign 
trade. He exposed the incompetency of Governor Altgeld's administration 
as compared with the business methods of his Republican successor. Governor 
Tanner. But the great feature of the speech was his allusion to the Spanish 
war : he declared himself in favor of a policy that "would strike the last vestige 
of Spanish treachery and cruelty from the Western hemisphere," and that the 
Stars and Stripes raised by Admiral Dewey in the Philippine Islands were there 
to stay. These sentiments touched a responsive chord in the hearts of the 
Convention, and found a place in the party platform. Mr. Hamlin canvassed 
the 18th Congressional District in 1896: his speech at Yandalia upon the Free 
Silver issue was held in such esteem that it was printed for general circulation. 

Mr. Hamlin is recognized as a man of sound political opinions, a safe 
leader of the party, and one of the best campaign speakers in the State. In 
1900 he was elected attorney general. 



510 



EDWARD P. KIRBY. 

Edward P.Kirby, of Jacksonville, 111., was born October 28, 1833, at Hadley, 
Will County, 111, His parents, Rev. William Kirby and Hannah McClure Wol- 
cott, were New England people and identified with the Colonial History of the 
country. His first paternal ancestor in this country having come from England 
in 163 1, and his first maternal ancestor in this country having also come from 
England in 1630. Rev. William, a graduate of Yale College and Divinity^School, 
came to Jacksonville in 1830 as one of the founders and teachers in Illinois Col- 
lege, expecting to make education his life work, but ill health compelled him to 
forego his cherished plan and he engaged in tne work of the ministry, his first 
pastorate being at Hadley and vicinity, a neighborhood first settled by people 
from the vicinity of Hadley, Mass. Before leaving Jacksonville he had met and 
married Hannah McClure Wolcott, who w T ith her father's family had moved to 
Jacksonville from East Windsor, Conn., in 1830. Rev. William Kirby died in 
1852, leaving a widow and six children, of whom Edward was the oldest. He 
was then prosecuting his studies in Illinois College, which he continued, graduat- 
ing in June, 1854. 

Unable to pursue any profession for want of funds, Mr. Kirby, soon after 
graduating from college, went to St. Louis, Mo., where he taught a private 
school for three years, intending then to begin the stucly of his profession, but 
decided to teach another year as assistant of Newton Bateman, then principal 
of West District School of Jacksonville.After Prof. Bateman was elected State 
Superintendent of Schools in Illinois, Mr. Kirby was appointed his successor, 
as principal of the school, and continued to teach there until June, 1862. In 
October, 1862, he married Julia S. Duncan, youngest daughter of Gov. Joseph 
Duncan, fifth Governor of Illinois, and not long afterward began the study of 
law in the law-office of Morrison & Epler (Isaac L. Morrison and Cyrus Epler), 
and in February, 1864, was admitted to the bar, opened an office, and has con- 
tinued in the practice of his profession from that day to the present time. Mrs. 
Kirby died in the summer of 1896 and in the fall of 1898, Mr. Kirby was married 
to Lucinda Gallaher, daughter of Rev. Wm. G. Gallaher, a pioneer Presbyterian 
clergyman. 

In i860, Mr. Kirby cast his first vote for the Republican party (in 1856, he 
resided in Missouri, where there was no Republican Electoral ticket), and has 
continued to act with that party ever since. In 1864, he took an active part in 
the National Campaign, serving as Chairman of the Republican Club, and as 
Secretary of the County Central Committee. He had previously been one of 
the charter members of the Union League, being present at its organization in 
Bloomington, 111., and a delegate to the National Convention of Union Leagues 
held at Cleveland, Ohio. In 1873, he was elected County Judge of Morgan 
County, and in 1877 re-elected to the same office. After his election as County 
Judge, he formed a partnership with William Brown and Robert D. Russell, 
which continued until the removal of the latter to Minneapolis, where he after- 
wards was elected Judge of the District Court. The partnership of Brown & 
Kirby was continued until the former became General Solicitor of the Chicago 
& Alton Railroad Company. 

In 1890, Mr. Kirby was elected a member of the Legislature, and was then 
lionored by an appointment on several important committees, the most impor- 
tant, perhaps, being the Committee on Elections, which framed the Australian 
ballot laws of the State. In 1871, Mr. Kirby was elected Trustee of the Illinois 
College, and still continues to serve his Alma Mater in that capacity. Soon 
after his election as Trustee of the college, he was appointed its Treasurer, an 
office which he held for twenty-four years, when his resignation, often offered, 
was finally accepted. Mr. Kirby also served for many years as Secretary and 
Treasuer of the Trustees of the Central Hospital for the Insane. He was 
appointed one of the Trustees of that institution by Governor Cullom and re- 
appointed by Governors Oglesby and Fifer, but resigned the office at the request 
•of Governor Altgeld soon after the latter was installed as Governor of Illinois. 

511 



SPENCER S. KIMBELL. 

Spencer S. Kimbell is one of Chicago's typical business men, who, starting 
at the foot of the ladder, has by intelligence, industry and enterprise established 
himself as one of the most successful men in his line of business in the city. 
Mr. Kimbell was born on his father's farm in Cook County, 111., October 8, 1842, 
in what was then known as Jefferson Township, now the 27th Ward of the City. 
His home is at 1527 Kimbell Ave., within forty rods of where he was born. 
His parents were Martin N. Kimbell and Sarah A. Kimbell. They settled on 
their farm in 1836. Young Kimbell worked on his father's farm until he was 
sixteen years old. He was educated at the district schools, and graduated from 
Bryant & Stratton's Business College in i860. When sixteen years of age he 
was employed as weigh boy by Singer & Talcott, stone dealers. He remained 
with them twenty-one years. 

On August 6, 1862, Mr. Kimbell, then not quite twenty years of age, enlisted 
as a private in Battery "A," Chicago Light Artillery. He was soon promoted 
to the office of first Sergeant, and afterwards commissioned as second Lieutenant 
of the Battery. He became thoroughly familiar with the Artillery service, and 
followed the fortunes of his Battery during the War. He was discharged from 
the service after the close of the War, July 10, 1865, at Chicago. The next day 
after his discharge he reported for duty to his old employers, Singer & Talcott, 
found his place open for him, and immediately went to work without losing a day. 
Mr. Kimbell gave diligent attention to the business of the firm, rising from 
one position to another till he became Treasurer, and was given charge of the 
rough stone business in Chicago. He became interested in the Company, and 
prosecuted its business with success. In 1874 he sold his interest in the Singer 
& Talcott Stone Company, and bought an interest in the Elcelsior Stone Com- 
pany, and was made General Manager and Treasurer. After six years of active 
work he sold out his entire interest in the stone business. Mr. Kimbell then 
formed a partnership under the name and style of Purington & Kimbell, for the 
manufacture of common brick. The partnership was soon converted into the 
incorporated company of Purington-Kimbell Brick Co., of which Mr. Kimbell 
is still a stockholder. In 1882 he engaged in the pressed brick business under 
the partnership name of Lockwood & Kimbell. Their business grew rapidly and 
they soon found it necessary to convert the partnership into an incorporated 
company, under the style of the Chicago Hydraulic Press Brick Co. This com- 
pany now manufactures and sells fully 75 per cent of all the face brick used in 
Chicago and the surrounding towns. Mr. Kimbell is Vice-President and Gen- 
eral Manager of this corporation, with offices in the Chamber of Commerce' 
Building, Chicago. The phenomenal success of the enterprises in which Air. 
Kimbell has engaged is largely due to his good judgment, business sagacity, 
enterprise and energy. 

Mr. Kimbell is a Republican in politics ; he cast his first vote for Abraham 
Lincoln for President in 1864, and has voted the straight Republican ticket ever 
since. He has taken deep interest in the public schools, and was elected School 
Director of his District for six successive years- He served two years as 
Trustee of the village of Jefferson ; he also served six years as its Township 
Treasurer, and he so ordered the business of this office that the teachers received 
their salaries promptly, on presentation of their vouchers. Mr. Kimbell has 
been twice elected County Commissioner of Cook County ; lie was also elected 
Alderman of the 27th Ward of Chicago. In all of these positions of public trust, 
Mr. Kimbell has been a faithful guardian of the public interests, and has per- 
formed every duty with intelligence and fidelity. 

Mr. Kimbell is a member of Ben Butler Post, G. A. R., and a Companioii 
of the Illinois Commandery of the Loyal Legion, and also a member of the 
Union Veteran and Union League Clubs. He has been a Free Mason since 
j 868, is a member of the Oriental Consistory, a 32d degree Mason, and a member 
of St. Elmo Commandery. He is a member of the Third Universalist Church. 

Spencer S. Kimbell was married September 2, 1865, to Isabella P. Millard 
of Arlington Heights, Cook County, Illinois. 

512 





513 



GEORGE WASHINGTON KRETZINGER. 

George "Washington Kretzinger was born in the state of Ohio. His father, 
Rev. Isaac Kretzinger. is a clergyman of the United Brethren denomination. 
Their ancestors came from Germany at an early date, settling in the state of 
Virginia. Young Kretzinger was ambitious for an education. He attended the 
common schools and prepared himself for college. During his first college year, 
the War of the Rebellion broke out, and young Kretzinger left school, volun- 
teered as a soldier, and became a member of the famous Black Hawk Cavalry. 
During the progress of the war Mr. Kretzinger was captured and paroled, and, 
while awaiting exchange, he again entered college and pursued his studies assidu- 
ously until the exchange was effected, when he returned to his regiment, and 
remained in the service until the close of the war. When discharged from the 
service he once more entered upon his studies at college, and graduated with 
high honors before reaching his twenty-first year. 

Mr. Kretzinger decided to enter the legal profession. He secured the posi- 
tion as a teacher in a classical school in Keokuk, Iowa, where he taught for two 
years, with success, during which time he prosecuted the study of law under the 
patronage and direction of Hon. George W. McCreery, who afterwards became 
Secretary of War under President Hayes, and Judge of the United States Circuit 
Court, in Iowa. Mr. Kretzinger studied at the office of Henry Strong for a 
short time ; when admitted to the bar he formed a partnership with Judge Han- 
namon, of Knoxville, 111., which continued until 1873. Mr. Kretzinger then 
moved to Chicago, and formed a partnership with the late John I. Bennett : later 
on Albert H. Yeeder became a member of the firm. This partnership continued 
for some time, when Mr. Kretzinger and Mr. Yeeder continued the practice of 
law together, but Mr. Kretzinger finally withdrew from the firm for the purpose 
oi associating his brother. Joseph T. Kretzinger, with him in the practice of law. 

Mr. Kretzinger has made corporation and railroad law his specialty, and 
he has been identified with much important litigation involving questions of this 
kind. In 1877 he accepted the general solicitor ship of the Chicago & Iowa Rail- 
road ; also of the Chicago. Pekin & Southwestern Railroad, and the Chicago 
& Paducah. At the time Mr. Kretzinger became general solicitor of the Chi- 
cago & Iowa Railroad the company was deeply involved in difficulties which 
were regarded as beyond redress, but Mr. Kretzinger's masterly insight into 
corporation law enabled him to place the rights of bis clients upon firm ground, 
and it was able to redeem itself from hopeless bankruptcy and place its affairs 
upon a sound foundation. Mr. Kretzinger is an able advocate. His oratory is 
both convincing and eloquent, and while intensely logical and terse, his speeches 
are all illumined by the images of a brilliant imagination. 

Mr. Kretzinger is in the prime of life ; is a splendid specimen of physical 
manhood : has a tireless industry ; and has the respect of a large and widening 
circle of friends. At present he is General Counsellor of the Monon Railroad, 
of the Diamond Joe line of steamers, of the Hot Springs Ry. Co.. and the Santa 
Fe. Prescott & Phoenix Ry. Co.. of Arizona. This is an important road, being 
the only north and south road in that territory. Mr. Kretzinger incorporated 
this company, is now. and has been from the beginning, one of its directors. 

George W. Kretzinger was married Aug. 29. 1878, to Miss Clara J. Wilson, 
of Rock Island, 111. They have one son, George Wilson, and a daughter, Clara 
Josephine. Mr. and Mrs. Kretzinger have a delightful home, surrounded by 
large and beautifully kept grounds. Their children attend the University of 
Chicago. Mrs. Kretzinger is a graduate of Yassar College, a woman of rare 
intelligence. She has been a member of the Austin Woman's Club since its 
organization, and for two terms was its president. 



514 



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515 



MARTIN B. MADDEN. 

An extraordinary feature of this country is tlie distinction attained in locaT, 
state and national affairs by self-made men. It is extraordinary because in the 
struggle for supremacy those who possess the advantages of birth and inherited 
wealth would seem to be the ones to reach the highest prominence. Neverthe- 
less, whatever may be the reason for it, the sell-made man is the one whom 
success crowns with her fairest laurels. This distinction attained by self-made 
men is a feature peculiar to this country, for, whether because of climate, encour- 
agement of example, possibilities of acquisition, it is certain that conditions here 
are more favorable than anywhere else for a man to rise to the highest positions 
socially, financially and politically. The men of America who have had the 
greatest influence upon its history are those who rose from the ranks of the 
humblest. The youth who is made of the proper material need not circumscribe 
his ambition; his birth and beginnings are no bar to his progress. This is the' 
glory of our free country, and in this particular the United States stands out alone 
among the other nations of the earth. 

A notable example among the distinguished self-made men of Illinois is 
Martin B. Madden of Chicago. His rise has been steady and rapid, for he is 
yet a young man. Beginning at the humblest possible station, he has worked 
his way up to his present prominence without influence and by sheer force of his 
own merit. Although not a native of America, having been born in Darlington, 
England, March 20, 1855, Mr. Madden has resided in the country of his adoption 
since i860, and his loyalty to it is unquestionable. Commencing work at ten 
years old, he gradually worked his way up the ladder of fortune until he is now 
president of the quarries in which he first served as water carrier, the stock- 
holders of the Western Stone Company having made him their head, January 
16, 1895. A man of many interests, in addition to his connection with the stone 
trade, Mr. Madden is treasurer of the Cable Building and Loan Association; a 
stockholder and director in the Garden City Banking and Trust Co. ; a stock- 
holder in the Commercial Loan and Trust Co., and is a stockholder in numerous 
other well-known enterprises. He also is an extensive owner of valuable real 
estate throughout the city. 

The history of such a man is not yet complete. What has been done is but 
the outline of what may be expected. Men of his ability do not stand still. All 
his successes, as well as the reverses he may have met with now and then, are 
so many schoolmasters which have taught him knowledge, experience, judgment 
and discretion, that promptly fit him for higher and better stations. Every 
emergency has been promptly met by him ; he has never failed to seize all oppor- 
tunities that offered betterment of his condition, or enlargement of his sphere 
of action, and no matter how high the position may be to which he is called, he 
will fill it in the same conscientious manner he has observed in the past. In 
this age of bustle, hurry and rapid development, it is easy enough to pick up men 
for office who appear bright and give promise of brilliant things, but the expe- 
rience of mankind is that such promises too frequently fail of fruition. On the 
other hand there are good men who accept places of public trust, who do not 
feel they can afford to take the time from the management of their own affairs, 
and the result is that they neglect altogether to perform their trusts, or what 
they do do is done hastily and without any proper regard for the rights of the 
public. When a man is encountered who regards a public office as sacredly as 
he does his private interests, and has withal the ability to discharge its duties 
creditably, such an one is entitled to the confidence and gratitude of the people. 

Those who have followed the career of Martin B. Madden of Chicago 
cannot fail to observe his rapid progress and his steady gain upon public favor. 
Within the past ten years he has become a very prominent factor in the political 
life of the state, and numbers his friends by legions. Eminently successful, 

516 




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517 



stimulated by the achievements he has won; thoroughly equipped for every 
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safe and desirable representatives. One has no need to be a prophet to foresee 
in Mr. Maddens extraordinary career the promise and potency of a fife that wil 

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of the past, and in his case the rays shine out clearly in the path ahead. 



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Charles Lejenberger r of 6139 Lexington Avenue,. Chicago,, HL, mas born 
New Jersey 011844. His father r Michael Leyenberger r mas a native 

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twelve years g 7 He learned the trade of cabinet mating and mas an h 
trions and well respected citizen. He married Margaret Fix. also of 
descend raised in Pennsylvania. A branch of this family lives in the state of 
Indi a n a. Mrs. Leyenberger mas a moman of a most admirable character; she 
made a lasting and lovable impression upon her son Charles. His most pleasing 
recollection of his youth is the tender care and loving affection of his mother. 

Charles Leyenberger attended the public schools at Newark; was a diligent 
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acquired for a successful business career. He was employed in a lawyer's office 
for a time and felt the benefit of that association. He then secured employment 
with a life insurance company of Xew York. He devoted his time and attention 
assiduously to the subject of life insurance and mastered the science. His serv- 
: with that corporation were so satisfactory that, in 187& he was sent to 
Chicago by the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance company to fiM the position of 

7 Agent for TTHnrois. For twenty years Mr. Leyenberger conducted the busi- 
- of the Mutual Benefit Company in ISmois and Wisconsin. As a result of 
[g ruterprise and strict attention to business. Mr. Leyenberger has 
become one of the leading life insurance men of the West,, and he is recognized 
as an authority upon many of the complicated questions that arise from time 
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"Do it r and it is done,."" and in all his business he acts upon this prifseiple- 

The father and mother of Mr. Leyenberger remained at their old home in 
Prospect Street IV -ark, N. J. It was always an agreeable thing for their son 
to pay them visits. His father died some years ago, and in January. 1900. Mr. 
Leyenberger was suddenly called east by the death of his mother,, mho,, at the 
age of eighty-one,, passed to her final rest. She and her husband had feees* 
active members of the Peckhe Memorial Church; her husband, before his death, 
was one of the founders of the German Baptist Church of Newark. Mrs. Leyen- 
berger left five children surviving her; her oldest son, Charles Leyenberger, 
being the subject of this sketch. 

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mon- to the promotion of every good work brougfet to his attention. 

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shall remain as one of the most attractive residence districts, he has identified 
himself with the Hyde Park Protective Association, and unites his efforts with 
other prominent men, to suppress the unlawful sale of intoxicating liquors. Mr. 
Leyenberger, and his family are attendants of the Lexington Avenue Baptist 
fzzr:z 

Charles Leyenberger was married at Newark, X. J., December 24. 1867, to 
Alice Gertrude Lyon. They have had six children, four daughters now firing. 
They have also two granddaughters. Mr. and Mrs. Leyenberger occupy a 
delightful home. They are both sociable people, have many friends, and then- 
house is a center for the frequent assemblage of agreeable people. 





519 



CICERO J. LINDLY. 

The majority of the men who have legitimately achieved success have been 
men of courage, honesty of purpose, integrity and energy. The United States 
has given rare opportunities to men with those characteristics, and Cicero J. 
Lindly. of Greenville, 111., certainly possesses them in a marked degree. He is at 
present chairman of the Railroad and Warehouse Commission of Illinois, and 

conscientiously and intelligently performed his duties, honoring those whom 
he represents, benefiting the public and doing credit to himself. Mr. Lindly is 
a product of Illinois, born on a farm near St. Jacobs. Madison county. December 
ii. 1S57, and the son of John J. and Amanda Agnes (Palmer) Lindly, also 
natives of the Prairie State. His ancestors came to Madison county in the early 
years of the nineteenth century, and were among the oldest settlers of the same. 
The father was born in Madison county and the mother was born where a portion 
of Joliet now stands. In 1867 the father moved the family from the homestead 
near St. Jacobs to Lebanon, to take advantage of McKendree College for his 
children, and in this excellent school Cicero J. Lindly received a thorough and 
practical education. He graduated in the scientific course in 1877. and from the 
law department two years later. The same year he passed an examination before 
the Supreme Court at Mt. Vernon, but not being twenty-one years old his license 
was withheld. He went to St. Louis with ex-Governor Fletcher, and at the 
Court of Appeals in that city was examined again, passed, and was admitted to 
practice before he was of age. 

In politics Mr. Lindly has been unusually active. He has thoroughly can- 
vassed the state every campaign since 1876. In 1880 he was secretary of the 
St. Clair County Republican Convention, being prominently connected with the 
Grant and anti-Grant fight that year. In 1884 he was a delegate to the Repub- 
lican State Convention at Peoria, and was Presidential elector that year on the 
Blaine and Logan ticket. In 1886 Mr. Lindly was elected County Judge of 
Bond County. Two years later he was chosen a delegate to the Republican 
Xational Convention and represented Illinois on the Committee of Credentials. 
He was chairman of the special committee that drafted the report of the Xational 
Convention on the Mahone-Wise contested case from Virginia. In 1890 Mr. 
Lindly was nominated for Congress in the old 18th Congressional District, and 
largely reduced the Democratic majority. TEe following year he was the Repub- 
lican candidate for United States Senator and received the entire vote of the 
Republican party when Palmer was elected. For twenty years he has been a 
- :nal friend of Governor Tanner. In February. 1897. he was appointed 
chairman of the Railroad and Warehouse Commission by Governor Tanner, and 
was reappointed to the same position in February. 1899. He has the record of 
making more speeches than any other man in the state canvass of 1896 and 
1898. He is an orator of ability and has a commanding physique. There is 
scarcely a county in the state in which he has not spoken. He has been a dele- 
to every State Convention since 1882. In 1898. upon the death of the 
president of the organization known as the Xational Association of the Inter- 
state Commerce Commission and the Railroad Commissioners of the various 
states of the L nited States. Judge Lindly was elected at Washington. D. C. to 
fill out the unexpired term in May, '98. At the same time and place he was 
elected to fill the full term of president of this august body, and in 1899. at Den- 
ver, he was re-elected, making three times he was elected to that position, an 
honor not accorded any man in the past. This is an important and influential 
body of men, and his selection as president of the organization stamps him as a 
man in whom his fellow men recognize superior ability and intelligence. 

Mr. Lindly was married to Miss Alice McNeill, of Greenville. 111.. December 
22. 1880. She is the daughter of A. McNeill, an extensive stock dealer and land 
owner. Soon after his marriage he moved again to the old homestead near St. 
Jacobs, where he resided for two years. In 1882 he purchased a section of land 
near Greenville, where he has since resided. 





521 



ROBERT WILSON McCLAUGHPvY. 

The present warden of the United States Penitentiary, F ; rt Lea ■:.-.- 
worth, Kansas, is the subject of this sketch. He was born at Fountain Gnmi 
111., July 22, 1839, his father being Matthew McClaughry, a native of Kortr 
X. Y., born January 3, 1803, and dying in 1879. He is grandson o: 
McClaughry. who came from Ireland to New York in 1765 anc - .- . is a 
private in a New York regiment during the Revolt; ~ r. sting to car.- re 

Eurgoyne and taking part in the battle of Bennington. Fath-t: ; : set was 
a farmer, and mother's maiden name was Mary I. Hume, daughter of R . 
and Catherine Hume, the latter a daughter of Hugh Rose- Both branch- 
the family are of old Scotch and Scotch-Irish stock. It is known that one 
ancestor of the family served in William's army at the Battle of the Boyne 
that another was a dragoon in the army of Cromwell 

Robert W. McClaughry was educated at Monmouth College, Illinois, taking 
the classical course and graduating in i860, having previously attended the 
common schools and passing- his boyhood on his fathers farm. After graifca- 
tion he was employed at teaching in the college for a year, having in v:t 
professorship which had been offered him by that institution. Failing health 
caused him to relinquish his design. He removed to Cart,: 3 : .-. . ■ . . ■ c86r, 
and in partnership with his brother-in-law, A J. Griffith, bought the Carthage 
Republican, becoming its editor and conducting it as a red-hot Union sheet. 
On August 15, 1862, having sold his interest in the paper, he enlisted as a 
private in what afterward became Company B. 118th Illinois Infantry, an<: 
elected Captain. Upon the organization of his regiment he was elect - 
and was mustered in as such in November, 1862. He served with the regiment 
until May, 1864, when he resigned to accept the appointment of Additional E 
master, serving as such until his final muster out. on October 13. 1$ 

While he was in college the country was in the throes of the str 
immediately preceding the Rebellion. He espoused the za . . 

whom he cast his first presidential vote in i860. Like Douglas hirnsel: 
reversed his views when the Union v: fed, and first cor re paper 

as above stated in the interests of the Federal cause and later EQtrg 
through the remainder of the war to sustain the Union. He did all in his 
power to counteract the baleful influence of the copperheads while the 
continued. He first connected himself with the Republican party in the cam- 
paign of 1864, when the question of continuing the war was the all-absor 
topic. During a month's furlough he canvassed the State rating th- -- 

election of Mr- Lincoln and the quelling of the Rebellion. In November, : 
he was elected Clerk of Hancock County, holding the same until Decer: : - 
1869. In August, 1874, he was called by the unanimous vote of the Boar 
Commissioners to the position of Warden of the Illinois State Penitentiary, con- 
tinuing until December 1 hen he resigned to accept an invitation from 
the State of Pennsylvania to organize its new State Reform 1 : : On Ma; • 
1 891, he was made Chief of Police of Chicago by Mayor Washburne, an 
August, 1893, became superintendent of the Illinois State Reformatory under 
appointment of Governor Altgeld. March 1, 1897, he again took charge of 
the Illinois State Penitentiary at the request of Governor Tanner, but July 1, 
1899, assumed his present duties. 

Late in the '6o's he became interested in a large stone quarry on th - '. I 
sippi River in Hancock County, and furnished the stone tor the foundation 
and basement of the present State House at SpringfiV - the railr 

bridge across the river at Keokuk and for one of the bridge 
the river at Ouincy. In 1871 he organized the 5fc€ Genevieve Stone 
Company at St. Louis, continuing" until 1873, when he ..: and be 

studying' law with Hon. John J. Glenn, having previously read law to sotsot 




nricCt nU^m, MJ~ C\a^Jt^^^ 



523 



:t. He served as trust- rthage College. Monmouth College and 

Knox College. He is a member of the G- A. R. and of the Beta Theta Pi 

miry. In 18 : as a delegate : : the United States and of Illinois to the 

International Congress at Paris. His religious views are Presbyterian. He 
was married June 17. 1862. to Elizabeth C. Madden, daughter of James G. 
Madden, attorney of Monmouth. They have five children — Charles C. ? now 
warden of the penitentiary at Waupun. Wis. ; Arthur C. in charge of the Keeley 
Institute at Xewark. X. J. : Matthew W., record clerk and identifying officer 
with his father: John G.. who served in the Spanish-American War, and Mary 
who is pursuing musical studies in New York. 



JONATHAN MERPJAM. 

Jonathan Merriam. of Armington. Tazwell County. 111., was born Novem- 
ber i ? 1834. in the village - J: ; Vt The ancestors .:' the Merriam 
family came from Hadley. Kent . V England, in the year 1635. and settled 
in the Colony ::" Massachusetf lonel Merriam's grandfather. Isaac Mer- 
riam. was : the War :: the Revc his father. Jonathan Merriam, 
born November 5 : _ ;:. in Ashburnham. Mass was a soldier :: the War of 
1812. and afterward ": lister. He married Achsah Olin. who 
was born July 13. 1795. at Leicester :. The elder Jonathan Merriam emi- 
grated from Vermont in I settled in Springfield, 111., but in 1841 he 
removed tc Tazwell County setti i a farm. r. ~ the land from the 
government, and : alent for the same, signed by Martin Van Buren, 
President. Upon this land Mr. Merriam erected a building, which is now the 
homestead of his son Jonathan. He lie 22 1 :_ Leaving surviving 
him his widow and tw Henry Marcellus. and Jonathan, the subject of this 
sketch: two daughters and a son having died when young. Mrs. Merriam 
ived her husband 34 years, dying at the old he '.. December 26. 1880, 
in her 86th y 

lonel Merriam ; raise farm, and learned the business of agri- 

culture. His early educal agun in the neighborhood Is. When 

sufficiently advanced, in hi teenth year, he entered the Illinois University, 

paying his way a: sawing and splitting wood. He afterward entered 

McK Uegc lied there, 1 lit did not graduate, being compelled 

:i account of ill health. It was the ambition of young Merriam 
: :ome a lawyer, but after I s I he decided to engage in the business 

of farming, and although from time to time he has been occupied with many 
iblic employments e an up farming, in which occu- 

pation he r in Tazwell _ v.nty. 

In 1 lonel Merriam has always tt:: a Republican: he identified 

self with that par: in [856, when he was twenty-: wc years 'd. and voted 

mt for Pres His father had been a Whig, and had supported 

Henry Clay for 1 Merria: b :»ol Director 

Justice of the Peace, and Supervisor. "When the Civil War fell upon the country 

::tered the military 5 - imissioned Lieutenant Colonel of 

the 117th Refj Volunteers in August [862 and served in that 

capacity until the end of the war. He Wc.- ~ed out of the service Aug 1st 

- \ Merriam performed gallant and conspicuous sen-ices during 

giment was g ged in actr ice. and participated in some 

^^, battles and skirmisi 

In i860 Colonel Merriam was elected as a member of the Constitutional 
Convention, and took an active part in framing the prr-r.-.: State Constitution. 
In 1873 he was appointed Col" : :: r :" Internal Revenue by President Grant, for 

:ment was made without socilita- 
tion on his part. He served ector until 1882, when his District 

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525 



consolidated with the 7th Collection District, and he was succeeded in office by 
Collector James W. Hill of the 7th District. In 1894 Colonel Merriam was 
elected to represent the counties of Tazweil and Fulton in the 39th General 
Assembly, and was re-elected to the 40th General Assembly. During his service 
in the House of Representatives he supported Hon. Shelby M. Cullom for 
United States Senator, and also Hon. William E. Mason for United States 
Senator. The one being elected by the 39th and the other by the 40th General 
Assembly. Colonel Merriam was appointed U. S. Pension Agent by President 
McKinley in January, 1898, which position he now occupies and fills with entire 
satisfaction to the government and the old soldiers. 

In religious belief. Colonel Merriam, like his father before him, is a Baptist. 
Colonel Merriam has been married twice. In 1859 ne married Betsy Ann Bar- 
land, who died June 19. 1861. leaving a daughter. His second marriage was 
to Lucy C. White, November 10. 1864. They have a family of six children, 
three daughters and three sons. The entire family of seven children are now 
living. Colonel Merriam physically is a man of large proportions, and obviously 
of great strength; in height he is 6 feet 3 inches and weighs 225 pounds. He 
is a man of strong mental faculties, of great strength of purpose, indomitable 
as a worker and of inflexible integrity. 



THOMAS M. LOGAN. 

There is little that interests one more than the career of a man who, endowed 
with energy and ambition, enters boldly into the struggle of life and makes for 
himself a high place in the busy world. In choosing a pursuit or pursuits, taste, 
mental gift, opportunity and disposition to labor should be considered. A narra- 
tive of success in life affords a lesson from which others can profit, therefore a 
sketch of the life of Thomas M. Logan will be proper in this connection. He 
is a native of the Prairie State, born on a farm where the town of Murphysboro 
now stands, in Jackson county, August 1, 1828. In him were inculcated, early 
in life, the thrift and energy which dominated his later efforts. He was one ot 
a good old fashioned family of nine children born to John and Elizabeth (Jenkins I 
Logan, only one of whom besides himself is now living. Six grew to mature 
years. The father was a successful physician, but in connection with this also 
carried on farming and stock raising, with which he also met with a fair degree 
of success. He owned the land on which the town of Murphysboro now stands 
and donated it for the town. Mrs. Logan was a sister of Alexander M. Jenkins, 
who was at one time Lieutenant Governor of Illinois. 

The early life of Thomas M. Logan was passed in assisting his father on the 
farm and in attending the common schools of Jackson county, where he received 
a good practical education. It was but natural that when he came to man's 
estate he should select agricultural pursuits as his chosen calling, and that he 
should succeed as well in this and in stock raising as his father. But these 
arduous duties did not prevent him from turning his attention to other occupa- 
tions, and for some time he has been engaged in telephone, real estate and hotel 
business. Mr. Logan has ever manifested a deep interest in political affairs, but 
did not become identified with the Republican party until 1862. A firm belief 
in the principles of that party led him to place his faith with it. and a loyal devo- 
tion to the cause of the L nion prompted him to raise a company and join the 
31st Illinois regiment in 1862. Mr. Logan has been twice married, first in 1852 
to Miss Alethia Gill, and second to Miss Sally Oliver in 1874. In his religious 
views Mr. Logan is a Methodist. 



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527 



JOHN S. MILLER. 

John S. Miller is a native of New York State ; he came to Chicago in the 
spring of 1874, being then twenty-seven years of age. He was a lawyer of 
four years standing when he came to Illinois, was licensed to practice law in 
his adopted State, at once began the practice of his profession in Chicago, and 
during the past twenty-six years has been one of the most active and prominent 
men in the profession. He has been identified with many of the most important 
cases litigated in the courts of Illinois; he has given a great deal of time and 
attention to questions involving the titles to real estate. Many of his cases 
have passed through the Supreme Courts of the States and the United States, 
where Mr. Miller argued his cases with recognized force and ability. In 1891 
Mayor Hempstead Washburn appointed Mr. Miller Corporation Counsel for 
the city of Chicago. He occupied this position for two years- During his in- 
cumbency of this office two important controverted questions arose between 
the city government and the railroad companies. The one involving a question 
of the power and authority of the city government to compel the railroad 
companies to elevate their tracks, and thus abolish grade crossings ; the other 
involved the power and authority of the city government to extend the streets 
of the city over the tracks of the railroad companies. Mr. Miller, as the chief 
law officer of the city, took the affirmative of these two propositions, and his 
opinions rendered to the City Council, although meeting formidable opposition 
by railroad attorneys at the time, are now recognized as sound law. thus set- 
tling the question of the power of public authorities to impose reasonable duties 
upon railroad corporations and require them to fulfill them. 

Probably the most important litigation that Mr. Miller has ever engaged 
in was the celebrated "Lake Front case," being a litigation between the city 
of Chicago and the Illinois Central Railroad Company, involving the validity 
and construction of the act of the Illinois Legislature granting to the Illinois 
Central Railroad a large portion of the Lake Front and submerged lands in 
the outer harbor of Chicago. This case was carried to the Supreme Court of 
the United States, and was argued by Mr. Miller before that court. The deci- 
sion in that litigation was adverse to the railroad company, and held the grant 
to the railroad company to be beyond the legislative power and void, and sus- 
tained the State and city's title to the lake front and submerged lands and waters 
of the harbor. Mr. Miller retired from the service of the city and became a 
member of the law firm of Peck. Miller & Starr, composed of George R. Peck, 
John S. Miller and Merritt Starr. This is one of the leading law firms of the 
city of Chicago, and is well known throughout the whole United States. 

Mr. Miller is a Republican in politics ; he is thoroughly familiar with the 
principles and history of the Republican party. He believes that his party is 
a great instrumentality for good for this country for the enactment of wise 
- and giving the people an honest administration of the government. Mr- 
Miller is an Episcopalian ; he was at one time a member of Grace Church, but 
has since united with St. Paul's Church at Kenwood. 

Mr. Miller was born May 24. 1847, at Louisville. St. Lawrence County. Xew 
York. John Miller, his father, was a native of Xew York : Mr. Miller's grand- 
father was a native of Massachv • i Puritan descent. His father was a 
member of the bar, and was for several years County Clerk of St. Lawrence 
County. The maiden name of his mother was Jane E. McLeod : she wa 
Scotch-Irish extraction. The parents of young Miller gave their son every 
opportunity to receive an education. After passing through the necessary- 
preparatory studies, he entered St. Lawrence University, and graduated as 
Bachelor oi Arts in 1869. He was pi :>f mathematics for one year, and 
professor of Latin and Greek for two years in that Lniversity. He had been 
previously admitted to the bar at Ogdensburg. Xew York, in November, 1870, 




•k 



isfe*"-*- 





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529 



but did not immediately enter upon the practice of the profession of law. Mr. 
Miller resigned his professorship in the St Lawrence University in the Spring 
of 1874, and removed to Chicago, where we find him soon engaged in the active 
and successful practice of the law. 

John S. Miller was married December 12, 1887, to Ann Gross, daughter of 
Dr. James E. Gross, of the city of Chicago. They have two children, a son and 
a daughter. While Mr. Miller has been deeply engrossed with his professional 
work he has not neglected the social side of life ; he has a delightful home, and 
he and Mrs. Miller are the center of a large and agreeable circle of friends, and 
take a lively interest in the welfare and prosperity of their church. 



HENRY W. LYNCH. 

Henry W. Lynch, a son of Jesse Lynch and Harriet YY. Lynch, was born at 
Magnolia, 111., July 26, 1857, where his father then resided. Jesse Lynch was 
an old citizen of Sangamon County, was well acquainted with, and a great 
admirer of Abraham Lincoln, and attended the convention at Chicago, when 
Lincoln was nominated for president in i860. 

Henry \Y. Lynch received his preliminary education in the common schools 
of the state and attended the L niversity of Illinois for two years. Young Lynch 
was an industrious boy, and devoted himself to work between school terms. 
After leaving the university he taught school for one term, after which he took 
service with the Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw Railway Company at Sheldon, 111.., in 
J 879, as bill clerk. Two years later he was promoted to the position of agent 
at that point, where he remained until 1888. when he removed to Peoria, 111., 
and engaged in the business of a wholesale dealer in coal. Mr. Lynch has always 
devoted himself assiduously to the business at which he was from time to time 
engaged, and he became a thoroughly competent business man. Mr. Lynch 
married Frances M. Baldwin of Oxford, Ind., July 24. 1884. They have two 
boys, namely, Ralph and Harold. 

Mr. Lynch has always been a Republican in politics, thoroughly devoted to 
the principles of the party, and ever ready to perform his duty in connection 
with the politics of the state. After becoming a citizen of Peoria, he rapidly 
formed the acquaintance of the leading men of the city, and in 1895 was elected 
Alderman of the First Ward ancl was re-elected in 1897. In 1899 he became a 
candidate for the office of Mayor. The canvass was active and exciting ; the 
Democratic party had a full complement of candidates. The election came off, 
and the Democratic party was successful in their entire ticket except in the 
election of their candidate for Mayor. Mr. Lynch was elected and was the only 
Republican who was successful in that contest. During the present year, 1900, 
Mr. Lynch was selected as a delegate to the state convention, held in Peoria, 
and was chairman of the Peoria County Delegation. He assisted in the nomina- 
tion of the present Republican candidate for Governor. Judge Richard Yates. 

Mayor Lynch is a member of the Masonic Fraternity: he is also a member 
of the Woodmen of America, Foresters, and the Order of Red Men. He is a 
member of the Congregational Church, and he and his family attend that service. 
From the foregoing brief sketch it will be readily seen that Henry W. Lynch is 
r.ne of the rising men of Peoria County. He possesses all the elements of suc- 
cessful leadership and will, no doubt, attain greater influence and power. 



530 





S31 



ASA CARRINGTON MATHEWS. 

The narrative of the events of this well known lawyer's life will exemplify 
the old saying that "A man may make of himself what he will." Asa Carrington 
Matthews was born in Perry, 111., in 1833, a son of Benj. L. and Minerva Carring- 
ton Matthews, both of whom trace their ancestry to Virginia families who served 
in the war of 1812. Benj. L. Matthews was born in Roan Comity, X. C, Decem- 
ber 15, 1806, and moved to White County. 111., in 1817. In the Civil War he 
was a captain in Company B, 99th Illinois. Asa C. Matthews received his early 
education in the schools of the neighborhood, spent three years at McKendree 
College, Lebanon, 111., and graduated at Illinois College. lacksonville. 111., in 

1855- 

Air. Matthews became a Republican at the birth of the party itself, has been 
active in all campaigns, and in 1858 canvassed his Congressional district in the 
interest of Mr, Lincoln. In the Civil War he entered as a private in Company 
C, 99th Illinois, and afterward became Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel and 
Colonel of the same regiment ; but the regiment having been reduced by the 
casualties of war below the minimum, he was not mustered into the service as 
a full colonel. He was, however, brevetted colonel for meritorious service at 
the siege of Yicksburg. His brigade was the first to land at Bruensburg April 
30, 1863, and at the commencement of the battle, Mr. Matthews commanded 
the color company. When all his seniors in rank had been wounded and taken 
to the rear, he succeeded to the command of the regiment. There he held the 
position against the enemy's fortifications until relieved at 4 o'clock in the after- 
noon. The force relieving his regiment was soon repulsed, and Gen. Burbridge 
requested Mr. Matthews to again move his men into position, which he did, gal- 
lantly driving the enemy back into its fortifications, and holding the position 
until midnight, when he was again relieved. His military record includes the 
history of the campaigns and surrender of Yicksburg, Indianola. Fort Espiranza 
in Texas, Mobile and the campaign against Kirby Smith west of the Mississippi. 
He was sent by Gen. Canby to the Indian Nation to receive the surrender of 
Gen. Standwatie, who with Peter P. Pitchland, governor of the Choctaw Nation, 
were the last Confederates to surrender. He called a council of the civilized 
tribes of Indians in September, 1865. 

Air. Matthews has held many important positions under the Republican 
party. He was candidate for Congress in his district in 1872: and though de- 
feated in an overwhelmingly Democratic district, he ran some two thousand 
ahead of his ticket. During the administration of General Grant, he was col- 
lector of internal revenue, and was supervisor of internal revenue for Illinois. 
Wisconsin and Michigan, which latter position he resigned. He has several 
times been elected to the Legislature, and was speaker of the House of the 36th 
General Assembly. During the administration of President Harrison, he was 
First Comptroller of the Treasury of the United States, an office of dignity and 
importance, calling for a profound knowledge of law and great experience in 
affairs. He was judge of the Circuit Court, succeeding Judge C. I. Higbee. 

October 5, 1858, he was married to Miss Anne E. Ross, daughter of Col. 
Wliliam Ross, who was an officer in the 21st U. S. Infantry in the war of 1812, 
also an officer in the Black Hawk War. He came to Illinois in 1819, was several 
times a member of the Illinois State Senate and named the town Pittsfield in 
honor of his old home in Pittsfield. Mass. Air. and Mrs. Matthews have three 
children: Airs. Florence G. Lewis, wife of Frank Lewis, a merchant: Ross 
Alatthews, who is cashier of the Farmers' State Bank : and Airs. Helen Al. Hull. 
Air. Alatthews is fortunate in keeping his family near him — all are residents of 
Pittsfield. Airs. Alatthews is a member of the Congregational Church, which she 
and her husband attend. 



532 










C^V * (^ n^ct^fte^v 



533 



george f. Mcknight. 

Captain George F. Mc Knight came to Chicago in 1869- He was then 
thirty-two years old, with a broad experience in the affairs of the world. He 
first engaged in the business of fire insurance, and for ten years was one of the 
leading underwriters of the city. In 1879 ne organized the Lake Gas Com- 
pany, of which he was Treasurer and Manager for nine years. He then became 
interested in the iron business ; his early training was such, added to his natural 
capacity for business, that he readily mastered all the details of the different 
kinds of business in which he was engaged, so as to make them a success. 
Captain McKnight is a native of Xew York State, born at Buffalo, March 9, 
1837; his father, George McKnight, was a successful business man at Buffalo, 
and was a large packer of beef and pork. He died March 4, 1845. leaving his 
son George, then eight years old, to receive his education and make his way 
in the world. George received his education in the public schools of Buffalo. 
Upon leaving school he immediaely went to work on the dock, was employed 
as clerk on the Troy and Erie Steamboat Line, and mastered the intricacies 
of this business. He was later employed in the same capacity by the Buffalo 
and Cleveland Steamship Company. This brought him in contact with all kinds 
and classes of people, and gave him an opportunity to study human nature. He 
then took employment with an engineering corps connected with the enlarge- 
ment of the Erie Canal, and remained in this service until 1858. when he 
returned to Buffalo, where he was engaged by the firm of John M. Hutchinson 
in their wholesale leather house. He continued in this business for three years. 
The Civil War then broke upon the country, and George F. McKnight entered 
the military service. He enlisted in Company "G," First Xew York Light 
Artillery, known as "Frank's Battery." At the end of two years he had gained 
a complete knowledge of the artillery service, and March 3, 1863. he was com- 
missioned Captain of the 12th Xew York Independent Battery. 

Captain McKnight served during the entire war. and was highly respected 
for his ability and valor- He was honorably discharged at the close of the war 
at Washington, D. C. Although he spent four years in the military service, he 
had not lost his taste for business, nor a disposition to be employed : going to 
Xew York City he entered the oil business, which he continued until 1869. 
when he came to Chicago. Mr. McKnight has had a varied career, he has never 
been idle and his occupations have steadily increased in importance. His mili- 
tary life, calling forth the performance of the highest duties of citizenship, that 
of risking one's life for one's country, broadened and elevated him as a man, as 
it did the great mass of those who served in the great struggle for the preserva- 
tion of the L nion. 

Captain McKnight has always been a Republican in politics, and has ever 
been ready to perform his political duties as a citizen. His first entry into 
official life was when appointed by Governor Oglesby as a member of the Board 
of Equalization to fill a vacancy. He was twice elected to this position, and 
brought to tfie performance of the duties of the office the sound judgment and 
broad business experience for which he was noted. When the Town of Lake 
was annexed to Chicago, Captain [McKnight was elected as one of the Aldermen 
to represent the 31st Ward, then created, in the City Council. He was once 
re-elected to the same position, and served the city faithfully and well. Captain 
[McKnight is a member of the 31st Ward Club, and has often been a delegate 
representing the Republican party in State, County and City Conventions. He 
is a member of the Illinois Club, and has been a member of the Home Club of 
Englewood since its organization. 

George F. McKnight was married to Caroline G. Case, October 22. 1863. 
They have one son, Sandford C. [McKnight. His mother, still living, now 
resides with him. After the death of her first husband she married James W- 
Sandford, of Buffalo; well known and prominent as a real estate man and vessel 
owner on the Lakes. [Mr. Sandford died June 30, 1895. Captain [McKnight, 
although a busy man all his life, has never neglected his social duties and "the 
liome life. 

534 





535 



ROBERT MCMURDY. 

Robert McMurdy was born March 8. i860. His father. R: . er: V :V-. : 
D. D.. LL. D., was an Episcopal :lerg yman of prominence, originally from 
Philadelphia ; his mother. Marcella E. Russell, was from Salisbury, Conn. In 
1872 his parents moved to Chicago, and here he attended and graduated from 
the Hyde Park School and afterward entere: the Yniversity of Michigan in 
the literary department and graduated from the law department in i£8o. In 
1885 his alma mater conferred upon him the honorary degree of Master of 
Laws. Later he was president of the local Alumni Ass: ::i~:r. :: ::;a: :-:.:- 
tion. In 1881 he was admitted to the bar of Michii : ::; -he san;e year :■:> 

the Illinois bar. He opened an office in Chicago and soon built up an extensive 
general practice. For two years he lectured on Medical Jurisprudence in 
Hahnemann Medical College, and from 1890 to 1892 was master in chancery 
of the Circuit Court of Cook County. 

In 1892 he was nominated for representative by the Republicans of the 
then second senatorial district and was elected- While in the House he became 
identified with a number of measures of importance, notably the bill increasing 
the number of judge s in :;ty, the original Torrens Law, the Civil 

Service Law and one of the early bills for the :::;::.: ii:i : :: :: the S-.—err.e 
Court. He secured the passage of a law perinitting museums in public parks 
to charge an admission fee, and on a referendum the law was adopted by the 
people. This law was passed with the pro;er: . rtablishi:. 

in the art gallery building of the World's Fair, and subsequent!}- Mr, McMurdy 
identified himself with the promotion of the Field Columbian Museum and was 
one of its incorporators. 

He was one of the organizers of the Hamilton Club and its first president, 
a director of the Chicago Bar Association, President of the Chicago Law Insti- 
tute, and a member of the Illinois Practice Commission. He is a member of 

the Royal Arcanum and of the Sigma Phi f :'.'. e gt Sr ::r: S: rier; 

was president in 1893. The law firm with which :v 

Church. MeMurdv & Sherman. Judge William E. Church, late justice of the 
Supreme Court of Dakota, being the senior member. He was for many years 
the senior member of the law firm of McMurdy & Job. In 1891 Mr. McMurdy 
was married to Miss Lillian May Harter. ::' 1.::.: 7ilh= X. Y. Hi 

1897, leaving no children. 



JOHN W. MITCHELL. 

Dr. John W. Mitchell of Harrisburg. Saline County. ] 
15, 1825. in Pleasant Township, Switzerlar. Ind. His father, William 

Mitchell, a native of Rhode Island, was born April 11, 1775. He removed to 
western New York. He decided to move to the Ohio Valley: in 1817, with 
his family and belongings he passed down the Allegheny and Ohio rivers in a 
flatboat; stopped for a time in West Virginia, then at Long Bottom, Ohio- In 
the fall of 1818 he settled at Yevay. Switzerland County-. Ind.; he purchased 
land on French Creek, including a water power : here he opened up a farm and 
erected a mill for grinding and sawing. On September 15. 1821, Ms wife died, 
leaving eight children. About tw - '.ater William ^litcheH married Mary 

Fraser, a widow ; by this union three child: : rn — :;a: L 

W.. the subject of this sketch, and Roberi. Z:\ :>' Mr. V::::.t - : - :'..- 

and removed to Madison. Ind., then the la- . -: be wn in the State. On Decem- 
ber 3. 1828. he was accidentally killed. I er husband I 
Mitchell found herself with large responsibilities and but little means. She 
taught her children to work- 





537 



Johr I Ittchell was self-supporting from the age of 12 years. He 

attended the pay schools, was a good student, learned rapidly, and soon laid 
a solid foundation for an education: he was fortunate in the friendship of two 
families in Madison who had good libraries, of which he had free use. At the 
age of 13 he entered a store as a clerk; he was engaged in this occupation for 
- 7 years, all the while earnestly continuing his studies. At eighteen he began 
the study of medicine- The following year he engaged in the mercantile busi- 

in a store-boat on the Kentucky river ; he pursued this business for several 
t : itending his trade down the Ohio. Mississippi and Yazoo rivers. This 
sort of life afforded him time and opportunity for reading and study, which he 
:;:;?:?.:::.;■ ::::;r:vri. He ir.i'.ly 5r::'.e: ?.: ?:::•: ^v.arry 3 : ; 7 7 _:r:\ !':'_. 

In December, 1850, he removed to Saline County, where he has lived ever 
since. At Independence he practiced medicine, conducted a store, and dealt 
in produce, sending this to market in natboats down the Saline, Ohio and 

-issippi rivers. He made friends and prospered. In 1855 ne removed to 
Harrisburg. the present county- seat, built the first storehouse and continued 
his business as merchant and physician. Dr. Mitchell now felt himself settled: 
he began the purchase of real estate, rapidly acquiring some 10,000 acres of 
land. He has made two additions to Harrisburg, at one time owning two-thirds 
of the real estate of the town. He has bought, sold and improved a great deal 
of land, and now owns fifteen or twenty valuable farms. In 1859 ne formed 
a partnership with Robert Mick, an experienced merchant with plenty of capital ; 
z'.'.-f :.: I ?. .a:<7 ?.:: : '.-.::, :\- .:s:::e~~ ;.~ ::.--:_:?.: ::~ :_t ?.>: 7T7:_7 : :"_:-r "7-- 
ent Court House and Jail at Harrisburg, under a contract with the County Court. 

Dr. Mitchell's experience in trade, his extensive knowledge of things in 
general, including chemistry, geology and mechanics, supplemented by his 
extraordinary executive ability, well fitted him for almost any kind of business- 
In i860 he bought a saw mill and added a grist mill : he soon sold this property 
and at once erected a large mill property for grinding, sawing and planing. 
This property was a great benefit to Harrisburg and the surrounding country, 
establishing a market for grain and lumber. Dr. Mitchell was identified with 
the construction of the Cairo & Yincennes Railroad. A special charter was 
granted to this company by the Illinois Legislature in 1867 ; upon the organiza- 
tion of the company the Doctor was made a Director. Green B. Raum was 
chosen President: both he and Dr. Mitchell were at that time living in Harris- 
burg. It was recognized as a great undertaking to finance a railroad line be- 
tween Cairo and Yincennes. 157 miles in length. William P. Halliday and 
Daniel Hurd of Cairo, presidents of the banks of that city, were also directors 
of the company. These four men advanced the money necessary- to set this 
enterprise on foot, and co-operated cordially in securing subscriptions and right 

ay along the line, and in making a contract for the construction of the road, 
which was completed in 1872. Dr. Mitchell and General Rauin built twenty 
miles of the road. After the construction of the Cairo & Yincennes Railroad 
\ r Mitchell became interested in coal mining properties; he now owns the 
two valuable shipping coal mines on that road, namely, the Xew Ledford. near 
Harrisburg. a vein eight feet thick, and the Bald Knob of 500 acres, in Johnson 
County, vein five feet thick ; these are valuable properties and produce superior 

It will be seen from this brief summary that from his boyhood to the present 
time Dr. Mitchell has been actively engaged in business. He has had a wonder- 
fully successful career as physician, merchant, builder, real estate owner, miller, 
farmer and coal miner, he has been successful: all of these occupations and 
enterprises engaging his attention year after year, and all receiving due care 
without haste or worry. He has been a large employer of men. always has 
their good will, and is considerate of their rights and interests- Dr. John \Y. 
Mitchell is a many sided man; his reading is extensive: he is well posted in 
literature and politics, has an insight into the arts, sciences and mechanics; he 
interesting talker, but never obtrudes his opinions, and never makes 
speeches. Those who know Dr. Mitchell best will say that the Almightv made 
him to be a physician; it is in this profession where he has won his highest 





VA^ 



kjUJ^Ijuu^ 



539 



laurels- For years he has met professionally physicians of large ability and ex- 
perience; in conferences his opinion has always been given preference. In 
diagnosing and treating dangerous diseases he has an extraordinary faculty and 
judgment; the cases others deem hopeless recover under his skillful hand. In 
1861 Dr. O. F. Kress became associated with Dr. Mitchell. Dr. Kress was 
a graduate of the University of Heidelburg, and a man of rare skill; they had 
an extensive and successful practice. Dr. Kress removed to Evansville, Ind. ; 
since then Dr. Mitchell has declined general practice, confining himself to office 
prescriptions and practice in the families of a few old friends. 

In politics Dr. Mitchell has been a Republican since the organization of the 
party. He has been too busy a man to seek any important offices, but has at 
all times taken an active part in the politics of his county and district, attending 
conventions and exerting a strong influence in support of the Republican ticket. 
He has been Mayor of the city of Harrisburg several times- Dr. Mitchell was 
a strong Union man during the Civil War and gave his aid and influence in 
raising troops. His activity in supporting the Union cause made him a marked 
man with the large copperhead element of Saline County. They went so far 
as to hold public meetings to denounce him and order him from the county, but 
when it came to the test they decided not to pit themselves against a man of 
such well-known courage and wonderful will. 

Dr. Mitchell in 1864 married Julia Jackson, a native of Hardin County, 
Illinois. She was a charming young woman and had many friends. She died 
in childbirth in 1866. In 1869, Dr. Mitchell married Emma S. Mayville. She 
was born in Bangor, Me. They have had two children, Charles Mitchell and 
John W. Mitchell, Jr. The latter died July, 1886, aged twelve years. Dr. 
Mitchell is a Mason of forty-nine years standing, and a Knight of Honor. 



DANIEL W. MILLS. 

Daniel W. Mills of Chicago, 111., is a native of Warren County, Ohio, where 
he was born February 25, 1838, on his father's farm, near Waynesville. His 
ancestors were early settlers in North America. His maternal great-grand- 
father was Joseph Brown, an English Quaker, who came to this country with 
William Penn, in 1632. His people settled in Ohio at an early day, and his 
mother, Susannah Brown, was born on her father's farm near Cincinnati. In- 
dians were numerous in Ohio at that time, and often made raids into the white 
settlements. At the age of three years, Mr. Mills 1 mother was carried away 
by a band of Indians and for a time held in captivity. Mr. Mills was left an 
orphan by the death of his father, and the family was necessarily thrown upon 
its own resources. Mrs. Mills, the mother, inculcated by example and precept 
into the minds of her children the necessity of industry and diligence in the 
performance of their duties. She was also anxious that her children should 
avail themselves of every advantage of education in their community. 

Young Mr. Mills passed through the common schools of the village of 
Raysville, and also through the High School of Waynesville, before reaching 
the age of nineteen. He accepted employment as a clerk in a general store*, 
learned the business of a merchant, secured the confidence and respect of his 
employers, and was able to save a portion of his small earnings. In 1859, with 
what money he had saved, and by the assistance of a rich Quaker named Oscar 
Wright of Waynesville, Mr. Mills was enabled to embark in trade at Corwin, 
Ohio, on his own account. He kept a general store to supply all the wants of 
town and country, and bought and sold produce. He also engaged in the busi- 
ness of pork packing. In the midst of his successful career as a merchant the 
Civil War broke out. Mr- Mills at once closed out his store and enlisted in 
Company "D," 180th Ohio Volunteers. He served until the close of the war, 
was promoted to the office of Captain, and kept that position until mustered out 
of the service. In the spring of 1866 Mr. Mills concluded to cast in his lot with 
the enterprising citizens of Chicago. He had saved about $5,000, and imme- 

540 





541 



diately engaged in business. He became a manufacturer of candy, and after- 
wards engaged in the lake shipping trade, and finally in the purchase and sale 
of real estate. His financial career since coming to Chicago has been very 
successful. He is now recognized as one of the solid men of Chicago. 

In politics Mr. Mills is a Republican. His Quaker ancestors were anti- 
slavery in their sentiments, and he took the anti-slavery sentiment by heredity 
and environment. Mr. Mills has always felt it to be his duty to participate in 
the political affairs of the city and county, and he has become a strong factor 
in politics. He has served as warden of the Cook County Hospital for four 
years, and filled the position with credit to himself and with great benefit to the 
county. He has twice been elected alderman of the 12th ward of the city of 
Chicago, and represented the 4th Congressional district of Illinois in the 55th 
Congress. 

Mr. Mills is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic ; of the Loyal 
Legion ; is a Knight Templar and a Mason of the 32d degree. He is also a 
member of the Hamilton Club, the Lincoln Club, the Menoken Club and the 
Illinois Club, all of Chicago. Captain D. W. Mills was married December 25, 
1871, to Miss Lucy Morrison, daughter of the eminent citizen ar;l philanthropisf, 
Orsemus Morrison, who came to Chicago in 1833, and was the first Coroner 
of Cook Countv. 



JONATHAN P. MIDDLECOFF. 

Among the well-known citizens of Eastern Illinois is the subject of this 
sketch. His birth occurred near Richmond, Wayne County, Ind., February 20, 
1838. His parents were Daniel and Theresa (Newcomer) Middlecoff, both of 
whom were natives of Washington County, Maryland, where the father was 
born in the year 1800, and the mother nine years later. L T pon their marriage, or 
soon afterward, they removed from that State in 1827 to Indiana, where they 
continued to reside until 1847, when they moved to Cincinnati, in which city 
Mr. Middlecoff conducted a wholesale grocery for several years. In 1861 he 
came to Ford County, Illinois, where his death occurred five years later. His 
widow, who moved to Paxton, Illinois, survived him until 1898. 

When Jonathan P. Middlecoff was a lad nine years old he was taken by 
his parents to Cincinnati, where he attended the public schools. Later he con- 
tinued his education in Woodward College, but in 1857 he accompanied hi$ 
brother Samuel to Illinois, and embarked in the mercantile business in Ludlow, 
Champaign County. Upon the breaking out of the war Samuel enlisted in the 
Federal Army, and was commissioned Lieutenant in the Fremont Hussars. 
While in the service at Warsaw, Missouri, he died and his remains were taken 
to Cincinnati, Ohio, and buried in Spring Grove Cemetery. In 1862 Jonathan 
P. removed to Ford County and engaged in agricultural pursuits, continuing 
successfully until 1867, when he came to Paxton and opened up a hardware 
store, which he conducted for several years. In 1881 he organized the Paxton 
Brick and Tile Company, of which he was elected president and general man- 
ager, and has ever since continued to hold that position. During this period, 
largely through his efforts, the company has built up a very large and successful 
business, which has not only proved profitable to the owners, but has been a 
lasting benefit to the farmers of the vicinity. In 1888 he assisted in organizing 
the Paxton Canning Company, of which he became president, holding that posi- 
tion for five years. He is an extensive real estate owner, owning several farms 
and much valuable city property. He is the leading stockholder and is the 
president of the company owning the Middlecoff Hotel, which was built for 
$36,000 and is named in his honor. It is one of the best hotel buildings in the 
State, outside of Chicago. He is president of the Board of Trustees of the Rice 
Collegiate Institution, president of the Business Men's Association of Paxton, 
and president of the Board of Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Mr. Middlecoff's first vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln in i860. He has 
served several terms as supervisor of Patton township, and during the last two 

542 







543 



years of that period was chairman of the county board. He has filled the office 
of Mayor of Paxton four terms. In 1872 his fidelity and services to the Repub- 
lican party were rewarded by his election to the legislature. He served on 
many important committees, among which were Public Buildings and Grounds, 
Corporations, and County and Township Organizations, and was one of the 
strongest and most useful members of the House. He is the present chairman 
of the Ford County Republican Central Committee. He is a member of the 
Masonic ( )rder. In January, 1864, he married Miss Mary F. Fox, daughter of 
Richard Fox, native of Cincinnati, where she was educated. Three children 
were born to this union, but all are now deceased. Alice and Samuel died in 
infancy, and Addie lived to young womanhood, when she died February 9, 1891. 



THOMAS E. MILCHRIST. 

In the legal profession, perhaps more than in any other calling, success 
comes as a reward of earnest, indefatigable effort, energy well directed, and 
the exercise of sound common sense. There are no chance strokes of good 
luck, no fortuitous circumstance which can possibly take the place of hard work 
and years of persevering labor in the law, and he who ranks well in the estima- 
tion of his colleagues and distinguished members of the profession must cer- 
tainly be the possessor of great ability and knowledge of the law. Environment 
may have had considerable to do with Thomas E. Milchrist's choice of a profes- 
sion ; but man is only endowed with a capacity to learn, and knowledge must 
be acquired through individual effort. Therefore his prominence as a lawyer 
is due entirely to his study, close application, his thorough mastery of the 
principles of jurisprudence and his devotion to the interests of his patrons. He 
was born at Peel, Isle of Man, April 12, 1840, and crossed the ocean to America 
with his parents when but eight years old. They settled at Brimfield, Peoria 
County, 111., and although young Milchrist's early days were passed in hard 
work in breaking the wild prairie or in other ways, he succeeded in acquiring 
a good practical education. 

In August, 1862, when all was tumult and excitement, Mr. Milchrist, feeling 
his duty to his country paramount to everything else, enlisted in Company G, 
f 1 -2th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served three years in the ^'ar of the 
Rebellion. At the time of his enlistment he was nearly twenty-two years old 
and was full of life and ambition. He participated in the East Tennessee and 
Atlanta campaigns and followed General Hood to Franklin, where that des- 
perate and bloody battle was fought. He was also in the battle of Nashville, 
under General Thomas, where General Hood's army made its last stand and 
was practically destroyed. Then the regiment proceeded to the Carolinas, where 
it joined General Sherman. Mr. Milchrist's military record is a very creditable 
one. and he was promoted successively until he reached the rank of Captain. 

Returning home after the war. Mr. Milchrist took up the study of law. and 
in [868 was admitted to the bar. practicing his profession in Henry and adjoining 
counties until [889. In the last named year he came to Chicago with the inten- 
tion of making the second great city in the United States his home, and here 
he ha- resided ever since. lie at once took an active part in polities, and his 
support has ever been given to the Republican party, not from selfish motives, 
but from a deep and abiding conviction that the principles of that party are 

ntial to the highest welfare of the country. Mis friends in the party hnd 
him just the assistanl they need, for he is ever read) to sacrifice personal com- 
fort and his own interests to promote what he earnestly believes is for the 
welfare of his fellow men. lor the past twenty-five years he has been an influ- 
ential figure in Republican politi< :s in [Uinois. For eighteen years Mr. Milchrist 
Attorney for Henry County, and Assistant United States Attorney 
for the Northern District of Illinois for one war. In August. [890, he was 
appointed United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois by Presi- 
dent Harrison, and served until VugUSt, [894, when he was employed by the 

eminent a- special attorne} for about a year, and made a most conscientious 




Jim* *" 



and successful officer. By his unusual ability m every line, his accurate knowl- 
edge oi the law and his strict conformity to professional ethics, he has won a 
most enviable reputation. He has also shown that he is gifted with social traits 
which have won for him many friends. He is a ECnight Templar Mason, a 
member of the Grand Army of the Republic and a member of the military order 
of the Loyal Legion. He is now Senator, representing the 5th Senatorial Dis- 
trict of Illinois. 



EDWIN ALLSTON MUNGER. 

Edwin Allston Munger is a bright example of the self-made American citi- 
zen, and he has, by a laborious career, as well as by natural genius, earned the 
excellent reputation that is accorded him. He was born in Topeka, Kansas, 
February 26, 1869, and now has a pleasant home at 3307 Rhodes Avenue, Chi- 
cago. He is a son of Charles P. and Yestella Channing Munger, and grand- 
son of Darius S. Munger, who founded the city of Wichita, Kansas, and who 
was one of the pioneers of that section. In 1870 the father of our subject 
removed to Osage County, Kansas, on the Marias des Cygnes River, and there 
made his home until about 1875, when he located in Orleans, Indiana. In the 
schools of that village young Munger received the rudiments of his thorough 
education, and there remained until sixteen years of age, spending the time when 
not in school clerking in a grocery store. Having a pronounced taste for sub- 
jects of a philosophical and historical character, much of his spare time was 
spent in reading books that dwelt on those topics, and often when he might 
otherwise have been engaged with profit- 
When sixteen years old Mr. Munger went to Newton, Kansas; engaged in 
the grain business with an uncle for a year and then for a year more was clerk 
in an hotel there. Feeling the desire for a better education, he entered the 
Kansas State Agricultural College, remained there a year and then taught school 
during the following winter. In the spring of 1889 he came to Chicago and 
entered the law office of J. Young Scammon. After the death of Mr. Scammon 
he engaged in the real estate business and for two years attended law school 
at night. At an early age he had decided on law as his chosen calling, and all 
his energies were directed toward securing a thorough training in that line. 
He was graduated from the Chicago College of Law in the class of 1892, and 
from that time until the present he has been actively engaged in his profession. 
Mr. Munger has been highly successful in his general practice and is noted for 
his untiring industry, for his unvarying courtesy toward every one with whom 
he comes in contact, and for his thorough and conscientious discharge of duty 
to his clients. Very few men of his age seem to have so bright a future opening 
before them. 

In his political -views Mr. Munger affiliates with the Republican party. Me 
has never held any public office or other political position, and has rejected a 
number of offers of political preferment. Socially he is a member of the Fourth 
Ward Republican Club, tin- Hamilton Club and the Oakland Culture Club, lb- 
has been twice elected National President of the Young People's League of the 
New Jerusalem Church at their annual conference. He was a director in the 
Hamilton Club for the year [898-99, and elected a member of the Political 
Action Committee of the same club for the year [899-OO. He is a member of 
the New Jerusalem Church and takes an active interest in its affairs. On the 
_?i^t of August, [892, he was wedded to Miss \lcineiia Silke, who was born in 
Chicago- They have a bright little boy now five years old. 



S4f» 




i^Jto^p^ 



GEORGE W. MILLER. 

While hundreds in our great republic have risen from poverty to affluence, 
there are comparatively few who have won tributes of admiration and honor 
by reason of the splendid intellectual achievements which have gained them 
precedence in the world of mental activity as has George W. Miller. He was 
born on a farm near Gilman, 111., January 12, 1869; son of Rufus H. and Ellen 
M. Miller, natives of Ohio and Massachusetts respectively. The parents moved 
to Illinois when young, settled in Marshall County, and in 1868 moved to 
Iroquois County, where they now reside. Five of their eight children are now 
living. 

George W. Miller, the only son. was educated in the Gilman public schools 
and graduated with honors from the High School there in 1887. For two years 
after this he taught school and then came to Chicago, where he entered the 
Union Law College in 1889. After one year in that school he went to Wash- 
ington. D. C. and in September, 1890, entered the law department of the Colum- 
bian University, where he took the two years' course in one year and graduated 
in 1 89 1 with the title of LL. B. He was employed in the Census Office while 
in Washington, and thus paid his way through the university. In 1891 he came 
to Chicago and procured a position in the law office of Hon. James R. Mann, 
continuing in that - position until January 1, 1894- He then became the junior 
member of the law firm of Mann, Hayes & Miller. This firm was one of the 
best known in Illinois and continued until 1898, when it was dissolved by the 
death of Mr. Hayes. Since then the firm has continued as Mann & Miller. 

Politically Mr. Miller is a strong Republican, although his father was and 
is as strong a Democrat. In the fall of 1894 he was elected a representative in 
the Illinois General Assembly from the 3d Senatorial District, including the 
31st, 33d and 34th wards in Chicago. He at once took a leading position in 
the House. He was a member of a number of important committees, including 
Committees on Judiciary and State and Municipal Civil Service Reform. Dur- 
ing this session he introduced and procured the passage of the present Illinois 
Pharmacy Law. the present County Civil Service Law, and also what is known 
as the Torrens Law. In 1896 he was re-elected to the 40th General Assembly 
and was appointed chairman of Committee on Judicial Department and Prac- 
tice ; a member of the Judiciary, Civil Service, Finance, Elections, and Repub- 
lican Steering Committees. In this session he introduced and procured the en- 
actment of the law establishing the Branch Appellate Court ; the bill consoli- 
dating the Supreme Court at Springfield, and again procured the enactment 
of the Torrens Bill — the law of 1895 having been declared unconstitutional by 
the Illinois Supreme Court. His second term expired in the fall of 1898, and 
he voluntarily retired to devote himself to the practice of law. In October, 
1897, he was appointed a Master in Chancery of the Superior Court of Cook 
County, to succeed F. W. C. Hayes. He was at that time twenty-eight years 
old and the youngest master in the courts. He was reappointed in December, 
1897 for two years, and again in December, 1899. In May, 1898, he was elected 
president of the Hamilton Club- This club is Republican in politics, has a 
membership of over 1,000. and is the leading club of the kind in the West. 

In August. 1892, Mr. Miller married Miss Carrie E. Sproule of Chicago. 
They now reside at 9223 Drexel Ave. Although but thirty-one years old, he 
has won an enviable position in politics and at the bar. While in the legislature 
he was recognized as one of the best debaters in the Assembly, and he is known 
at the bar and upon the public platform as a speaker of exceptional eloquence. 
Possessed of strong personal magnetism, he never fails to make new friends and 
rarelv loses an old one. 



548 





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,^Q3 UYVYXaJisisdo 



549 



CLIFTON H. MOORE. 



Clifton H. Moore, one of the oldest and prominent lawyers of trhe Stale, 
was bora in Kutland. Lake County, 0_ October 26. 1817; son of Isaac and 
Flnlena (Bush) Moore, and a descendant: of good old Revolutibnary stock- Isaac 
Moore mas an unusually successful fanner, owning two hnndmed acnes off land, 
most of which he had cleared off himself. On this farm he and his deioted wife 
resided until 1830 or 1S31, when they exchanged it wilh the Mormons for a 
farm in Warrensville. O. This was the first farm bought by the Mormons of 
an unbeliever. John Moore,, the paternal grandfather of Chiton BL was a 
Revolntionary soldier, and was in Fort Stanwrs: when it was besieged by § 
Leger* with his British regulars and Indians, and undoubtedly was saved by 
General Herkimer and his eight hundred "Dratcmiieii" He was with General 
ington in all those masterly movements from Xew York to Yorktown 
that culminated in the surrender of Cbrnwalis. This worthy man came do Ohio 
in 1S11 and made his home in Khtftand and Chester., then in Geauga County* 
until his death, in i&#5. when about ninety-^ve years old. He was a 
777^77 : 1 -~.::z :-— = .---. lt: . r; ::ir. —~~tz. :'. ~- -i', :"_: i:. :r "i: 
ticed to an nude, named Hyde, as soon as large enough to work. He was 
engaged in fighting the Indians and British for ten years, being first with the 
Third Xew York Regiment under Colonel Gansevort. and afterwards with the 
First Regiment, commanded by Colonel Goose Van Sehaick. After his dis- 
charge from the army he made some efiort to find his brothers and sisters* but 
with poor mail facilities and little means he dad not make much headway. He* 
however* found one sister who had niarried a man by the name of Groome* and 
from her he learned that the other children had gone to Vmngfrnmia and Kentucky. 

Cliiton BL Moore spent his boyhood in the manner of most farmer lads. 
": :':: 7.7/7 :ti: :.. :--_-_rf~T.? :: 7. r -. :ir= —.zz : .--r:\ :: .::- nz in: r . . r.- 
sfaine. wholesome food and hard work* he grew strong and robust and sound 
of mind and body. From the age of ten to fifteen Mr. Moore can t n uthful ly 
boast of seeing most of the theological luminaries of that day in Ohio* consist- 
i7£ . :' ?7 7r-7 ■--:.. I i U - : 1 .C- . :.. .-...-; 71 : - : .^:::\-- ;i ::7 :' 7::zi: . 1777; - 
beffl. Joseph Smith. P. P. Pratt* Orson Hyde and Evangelists Bouchard* Finney 
and Foot. The last named could beat Milton. Pollock or Dante in describing 
the torments of the damned- With all these teachings and teachers before him* 
it should not surprise any one that Mr. Moore has not joined any church, 
although he gives liberally to all of them. Up to the age of sixteen he assisted 
on the farm and attended school winters, after winch Ms father ~gave him Ins 
tune." and he attended school at Bedford that summer. Up to 1839 he went 
to school in summer and taught during the winter, and then decided to turn 
his lace toward the West. About the first of May of that year he came to 
Illinois and settled in Pekim. with less than five dollars in his pocket* but with 
an unlimited amount of pluck and energy. He taught in Pekin until the spring 
of 1&40* when he was offered a position to write in the court house at Tremont 
by Ofiicers John H. Morrison and John Albert Jones, both clerks mere. Mr. 
Moore now remembers both with deep gratitude. At this tune he commenced 
reading law with Messrs. Baily & Wifanot. and in 1&41 was admitted to practice. 
Another friend who aided Mam verv materialv with advice and kind acts was 
L:-:::: 7 -,~. 

In August* 1&41. he came to Chnton. DeWitt County* ML. and in 
tion with law carried on other enterprises, for he saw how impossible it 
be for any lawyer, in any of the small county seats, to make more than a decent 
living by the pure practice of law. He invested al ms spare means in land* the 
only thing in winch money could be made in Central Illinois in that early day. 
and has surveved and entered in his time, mostly for others* between seventy 




jrff^^fc 



■*«n^ 




<p t Tty./Ko-irT 



551 



and seventy-five thousand acres of land in Illinois. Iowa and Missouri. Although 
now past his eightieth birthday, the hand of time has dealt leniently with him. 
and he hopes to remain here many years. He thinks Illinois good enough for 
him. He attends to his business regularly and goes to Iowa. Nebraska and 
Kansas once a year to look after his lands and decide upon improvements. 



DAVID S. MYERS. 

David S. Myers of Pontiac. 111., is a descendant of one of the earliest 
settlers in the State of Ohio. His grandfather was one of the pioneers of 
that State. His father. William Myers, was born in 1814 in Brown 
County, Ohio, where he married his wife. Margaret E. Myers- William Myers, 
politically, was identified with the Whig party. He was an anti-slavery man, 
and was ranked as an abolitionist before and during the Civil War. He was 
an earnest agitator for universal freedom, and no man. rleeing from slavery, 
was ever refused assistance in his effort to gam his freedom. Mr. Myers was 
a helper in the "Underground Railway" in the southern part of the State. He 
lived on a farm near Russellville. Ohio, for many years, within one mile of his 
birthplace. He followed the occupation of farming, and teaching in the public 
schools of that county. He taught school for forty successive years, beginning 
his work at the age of twenty-one. Mr. Myers affiliated with the Republican 
party immediately upon its organization and voted the ticket year by year until 
his death in March. 1896. Mrs. Myers, the mother of the subject of this sketch, 
was born and brought up near Georgetown, Ohio, and for a number of years 
was a schoolmate of the late C. S. Grant. She was born in 1823. and died in 

1897. 

David S. Myers was born near Russellville. Ohio. February 10. 1858. and 
his father afforded him every advantage for acquiring a good education. Upon 
reaching man's estate. Mr. Myers followed the occupation of teaching for about 
five years- He then engaged in the real estate business at Pontiac in the year 
: v ^5. and continued that business until February. 1899. During this period he 
was engaged largely in the purchase of swamp lands in Illinois. His real estate 
operations were large, and among these there was the making of seven additions 
to the town of Pontiac. These acreage properties were from time to time sub- 
divided into town lots and sold to prospective home builders. In 1899 Mr. 
Myers made a new departure in business and organized the Pontiac State Bank. 
He was made president of this institution by a unanimous vote of the stock- 
holders. This bank, although new, bids fair to become one of the most impor- 
tant financial institutions of the county. 

Mr. Myers cast his first vote in 1880 for James A. Garfield for President, 
including the whole of the Republican ticket, and has been a staunch supporter 
of the Republican party from that date. Mr. Myers was elected Mayor of Pon- 
tiac on the Republican ticket in 1897. In 1898 he was elected chairman of the 
Republican County Central Committee of Livingston County. 

David S. Myers was married February 9, 1887. to Louise Catherine Slyder, 
daughter of Simon F. Slyder of Pontiac. one of the best-known residents of the 
county, and an old citizen of the county, who has reared a family oi five daugh- 
ters and five sons, all of whom are grown to maturity and are prominent citizens 
of Livingston County. Mr. Myers has had an active, successful career at Pon- 
tiac. and he possesses the entire confidence of the public. 





553 



GEORGE W. PATTON. 

George W. Patton, of Pontiac, 111., was elected Circuit Judge in the Elev- 
enth Judicial Circuit, June 7, 1897, and on the bench is adding to the high repu- 
tation for legal ability which he won at the bar. He was reared on a farm in 
Woodford County, in this State, whither he was brought in infancy from Penn- 
sylvania, in 185 1, by his parents, Samuel R. and Jane Patton. His father was 
a man of broad mind and great force of character. His mother was possessed 
of a remarkable memory, keen wit and strong common sense. 

Judge Patton was educated at the State Normal University at Normla, 
111., finishing the course in 1871- He studied law with the celebrated firm of 
Hay, Green and Littler, at Springfield, and was admitted to practice by the 
Supreme Court in 1875, in the same class with Hon. W. J. Calhoun, ex-Senator 
T. C. Kerrick, of Bloomington, and George Torrance, now Superintendent of 
Illinois State Reformatory. After engaging in teaching and other pursuits for 
several years to procure funds for a home and a law library, he began prac- 
tice in Fairbury, 111., in 1881, but in 1883 removed to Pontiac, the county seat 
of Livingston. Within ten years he was rated as one of the leading lawyers 
of the Eleventh Circuit. He never held any office until his election to the 
bench, and his service as a jurist has been marked by ability and probity. 

His devotion to the law has not prevented him from familiarizing himself 
with good literature and general history. He also has a comprehensive grasp 
of current issues and the concerns of public policy. He is a staunch advocate 
of a protctive tariff along the lines of the present law. He favors the gold 
standard until the great commercial nations agree upon some other, and en- 
dorses our national banking system. He strenuously opposes "asset banking," 
believing it to be unsafe and perilous. He stands for national expansion and 
the retention by the United States of every island, Cuba excepted, where Amer- 
ican valor has planted the flag. 

Judge Patton joined the Republican party in 1886, and was at once put 
into the field as a speaker. Prior to that he was in a sense a "free lance," but 
never supported the Democratic State or National candidates. As a rule, he 
supported the Republican candidates- Since 1886 he has always voted the 
Republican ticket from President down. In the campaigns of 1888, 1892, 1894 
and 1896 he spoke under the auspices of the Republican State Central Com- 
mittee. Of Judge Patton's ability as a political speaker and committeeman, the 
following extract from a letter from Hon. Samuel P. Mooney, of Springfield, 
111., in answer to inquiry on the subject, gives evidence: "1 well remember his 
valuable services as a member of our State Central Committee from 1894 to 
1896. His prompt attendance and active labors as such member, together with 
his earnest and able work as one of our speakers, did very much to bring about 
our splendid victory in 1894. In 1896 I was again placed at the head of our 
Bureau on Speakers, and in making up my list I placed Judge Patton's name 
among the most prominent speakers of our party in the State. He was as- 
signed to speak in a large number of places, such as Tuscola, Lincoln, Aledo, 
Streator, Lexington, Bloomington, Riverside, Englewood, El Paso, Kewanee, 
Princeton, Ottawa, and in Chicago the entire last week of the campaign. I 
received a report from all his meetings, and can say truthfully that we had no 
speaker that gave better satisfaction, and did more, in my opinion, to promote 
our success in that campaign that he did. The earnest, clear, logical and elo- 
quent way in which he set forth the principles of our party and the forcible 
manner in which he showed up the fallacies of the 'heaven-born ratio of 16 to 1,' 
did a great deal to enlighten, strengthen and encourage our Republican friends 
as well as convince many Democratic voters of their error. The Republican 
party owes him much for his grand and successful work, and he did it without 
fee or reward from the committee." 

554 




555 



Judge Patton married Miss Flo Cook, of Fairbury, 111., Sept. 20, 1877. 
They have two children, Marie, aged 16, and Proctor, aged 6. The social posi- 
tion of the family is of the highest. The Judge is a member of the Masonic 
and Odd Fellows' societies, and of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Reared 
amid humble environments, he attributes his success to hard work in his pro- 
fession and the partiality shown him by the common people. 



ISAAC N. PEARSON. 

This eminent member of the Republican party of Illinois was born in 
Centerville, Butler County, Penn., July 27, 1842. His parents were Isaac S. 
and Lydia (Painter) Pearson, both natives of Pennsylvania, whose ancestors 
came from England in 1686, settling in Philadelphia, among the Society of 
Friends. The father of Isaac N. was engaged in mercantile pursuits, and served 
with distinction in the Legislature of Pennsylvania as a representative of the 
Whig party. He died in 1845, leaving seven children, Isaac X. being the 
youngest. Upon the death of her husband, the widow with her family moved 
to Newcastle, Penn., and in 1849 came to Illinois, settling near La Harpe. In 
1858 she moved to Macomb, 111., where she resided until her death in 1872, at 
the age of sixty-six years. Isaac N. Pearson was educated near La Harpe 
and at Macomb, and during his early years did much to assist his widowed 
mother, working on a farm and on the streets, chopping wood, making gar- 
dens, and various other similar labors, with which to secure money to educate 
himself and sustain his mother. 

About the time the war broke out he secured a situation in the office of 
the clerk of the Circuit Court, and upon becoming of age was appointed deputy 
by that official. He was an ardent Republican, and upon the success of the 
Democratic ticket in 1864 he lost his position, and the following spring ac- 
cepted a clerkship in a banking house in Bushnell, where he remained till 
1868. In that year, the Republicans having succeeded in electing their ticket 
in McDonough County, he was given his old position as deputy clerk, which he 
retained for four years. So efficient were his services that in 1872 the party 
honored him by a unanimous nomination for the office of Circuit Clerk, to 
which he was elected by a greater majority than any other member on the 
ticket. In 1876 he was renominated by acclamation, and was again elected by a 
greater majority than any other on the ticket, running three hundred votes 
ahead. In June, 1880, before his term of office had expired he was elected 
cashier of the Union National Bank of Macomb, which office he occupied until 
January, 1883, when he resigned to accept the office of representative in the 
Thirty-third General Asembly from the Twenty-seventh District, composed of 
the counties of McDonough and Warren, having been elected the previous 
November. Upon his resignation of his position as cashier, he was elected vice- 
president of the bank. In the Legislature Mr. Pearson introduced, among 
other important measures, the original bill for the appointing of State In- 
spectors of Coal Mines, out of which grew the present excellent law on that 
subject. During the session he was chairman of the Committee on Fees and 
Salaries, a member of the Committees on Corporations, Banks and Banking, 
Finance, and several special committees. In 1886 he was nominated by ac- 
clamation for the office of State Senator, and was elected over the Democratic- 
Greenback candidate by 581 majority. During the session of the Thirty-fifth 
Assembly he was chairman of the Committee on Mines and Alining, and mem- 
ber of the Committees on Appropriations, Banks and Banking, Railroads, Fees 
and Salaries, Military, State Library, Roads and Highways, and several special 
committees. In the State Convention of 1888 he was a candidate for Secretary of 
State, the opposing candidates being General J. N. Reece, Hon. W- F. Calhoun, 

556 




557 



ex-Speaker of the House, and Hon. Thomas C. McMillan. After an exciting- 
contest Mr. Pearson was nominated on the fifth ballot. He immediately resigned 
his office as State Senator and entered into the State campaign with great spirit, 
and was elected by a majority of 25.28?. the largest given any candidate on the 
ticket. In Januarv, 1889, he assumed the duties of Secretary of State, and made 
an efficient and popular officer, with the people of the State, and extremely 
popular in the ranks of his party. In 1892 he was renominated with little, if any. 
opposition, receiving 1.081 votes out of 1.235- The Democrats carrying- the 
State that vear. he with all other Republican candidates was defeated, but his 
populari: shown by his running- nearly 6.000 votes ahead of the Presi- 

dential ticket. Upon the expiration of his term of office he returned to Macomb 
and devoted his time in looking after his various business interests. 

In 1894 he was united in marriage to Miss Jennie M. Robinson, a daughter 
of Honorable J. C Robinson, deceased, a former prominent Democratic poli- 
tician of the State. Mrs. Pearson lived but a few months after her marriage, 
dying the September following. Mr. Pearson is one of the stockholders and di- 
rectors of the Macomb Pottery Company, and of the Macomb Electric Light 
and Gas Companv, and a stockholder in the Union National Bank of Macomb : 

- also a large land holder. He is prominent in secret society circles, being 
a Mason and Knight Templar, a member of the A. O. U. W. Knights of 
Pythias and Odd Fellows, in all of which organizations he is active and is a 
popular member and speaker. He is a man of excellent business ability and of 
strict integritv. In person Mr. Pearson is tall, dignified and polished in his 
manners, sociable, temperate and generous, and there is no charitable object, 
nor public enterprise, but what secures his hearty and active support- 



EMERY B. MOORE. 

E. B. Moore of Austin. Chicago. 111., is a descendant of Revolutionary 
stock. His ancestors came to this country at an early date, in search of religious 
and civil libertv. His great-grandfather. Xoah Bardwell. was an officer under 
General Washington during the Revolutionary War. 

E. B. Moore was born in Massachusetts, and was educated at Wilburham 
Academv. He was employed as a bookkeeper at twenty-one years of age. and 
when twentv-four was at the head of the firm of I. S. Parsons & Co.. Florence. 
Massachusetts. His health being somewhat impaired, he decided to take a rest 
and come west and seek a wider field for his enterprise and energy. He reached 
Chicago in 1875. and permanently located in Chicago. Mr. Moore has built 
up a very large business, and is now the largest individual manufacturer of wood 
carpet and parquet fioors in the United States. He has brought to bear upon 
his business a high style of art, both in the design and construction of this class 

;.rk. and now produces in large quantities in numerous designs, beautiful 
floor material for public and private buildings. He is also a large manufac- 
turer and dealer in hard lumber for flooring. 

Mr- Moore has been a lifelong Republican. He has never held an elective 
office, although he has been frequently urged to become a candidate : he prefers 
to remain a worker in the ranks. He never fails to render substantial aid to 
the partv at all times. He was president of the Board of Education. District 
Xo. 2. in the Town of Cicero, from 18 2 ^96. 

E. B. Moore was married November 28. 1867. to Susan Ella Smith, of 
Northampton. Mass. Mr. and Mrs. Moore have a beautiful home at Austin, 
and have a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. They dispense a generous 
hospitalitv. and are both earnest and diligent in church work. 







lymW' 




559 



GEORGE RECORD PECK. 

George R. Peck, lawyer, born near Cameron, Steuben County, N. Y., May 
15, 1843, was tne youngest son of Joel M. and Amanda (Purdy) Peck; his 
earliest American ancestor was William Peck, who came from England to Xew 
England in 1637. His parents removed in 1849 to Jefferson County, Wis., set- 
tled near Palmyra, where he remained at home, alternating work and study, 
until 1861. He was fond of study, and early manifested a keen love for litera- 
ture, reading every good book within reach, and at the age of fourteen he 
entered the Palmyra high school. Two years later he became a teacher, and 
in 1859 entered Milton College, at Milton, Wis. 

On the outbreak of the Civil War, he left college, and enlisted as a private 
in the First Wisconsin Heavy Artillery, of which he soon became a lieutenant ; 
and finally was promoted to a captaincy in the Thirty-first Wisconsin Infantry. 
He was with Sherman's army in its march to the sea, and was engaged in all 
the important battles and sieges of that eventful campaign. In the spring of 
1865 he participated in the grand review at Washington, and, having been mus- 
tered out of service, returned to Janes\ille. Wis., where he began the study of 
law. In 1866 lie was Clerk of the Circuit Court, this being his first and last 
elective office. 

In 1 87 1 Mr. Peck removed to Independence, Kan., in company with George 
Chandler, afterwards Assistant Secretary of the Interior, and there practiced 
his profession until 1874, when he was appointed by President Grant United 
States District Attorney for Kansas. His first great case was an action on 
behalf of the government for the recovery of 960,000 acres of land in Kansas, 
including a large proportion of the counties of Labette. Xeosho. Montgomery, 
Allen and Wilson. He was reappointed to the position by President Hayes, but 
resigned three years later to form a partnership in Topeka, with Hon. Thomas 
Ryan, who was later United States Minister to Mexico, and is now (1900) As- 
sistant Secretary of the Interior. In 1879 ne was retained by the Atchison, To- 
peka & Santa Fe Railroad Company, and for fourteen years from 1881, with 
the exception of a few months, was General Solicitor of its entire system of 
railways, extending through thirteen States and Territories. 

His skillful defense of an injunction suit in 1891, brought against the com- 
pany by a stockholder of the St. Louis & San Francisco Railway, a part of the 
Great Atchison System, which they were atempting to purchase, gave him a 
reputation among the foremost railroad lawyers of the country. In 1892, his 
successful defense of the Trans-Missouri Freight Association, which had been 
arraigned by the United States Attorney General, under the Anti-Trust Act, 
again brought him prominently before the country, as an able and eloquent 
advocate. He removed from Topeka to Chicago in 1893, and when the Atchison 
System went into liquidation in December of that year, he demonstrated his 
ability to deal with the difficult problems of the receivership by entering on a 
policy which effected reorganization in a marvelously short period. He re- 
signed as general solicitor of the Atchison System in September, 1895, to be- 
come general counsel of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company, 
and also formed the firm of Peck, Miller & Starr, which has been concerned 
in reorganization proceedings and general legal business for several of the 
largest railroad corporations in the country. 

Mr. Peck has been a life-long Republican, and has always been a prominent 
factor in politics. Upon the. death of Senator P. B. Plumb, in 1892, he was 
strongly urged to accept election as United States Senator from Kansas, but 
declined, and has since confined his political services to making speeches in 
behalf of Republican National and State candidates, and to the duties of delegate 
to several conventions. He was widely mentioned as a Presidential possibility 
in 1896, but declined to allow his name used. 



560 




M/(-/Ut 



561 



Socially, he enjoys a wide popularity and influence. He is a member of 
the Chicago, University, Marquette and Union League Clubs of Chicago, and 
is a moving spirit in the Loyal Legion, of which he has been commander. He 
exerts wide influence in behalf of patriotism, good government, sound morals 
and practical Christianity. He has repeatedly made orations at university, pub- 
lic and educational celebrations, and is reputed one of the most eloquent men 
in the West. He believes in the widest and highest possible education, and 
that the state should provide it. He abhors avarice and the thousand social 
ills to which it leads- He shows his faith in his principles by adorning his life 
with deeds of kindness and generosity. He is justly considered one of the fore- 
most citizens of the West. In 1866 he was married to Miss Arabella Burdick, 
daughter of R. S. and Abbie Burdick of Janesville, Wis., who died at San An- 
tonio, Texas, March 5, 1896. 



GEORGE H. MUNROE. 

George H. Munroe resides in Joliet. Will County, where he has become 
prominent in business and politics, and has been one of the leaders in building 
up that large and prosperous city. He was born in Brownville, Jefferson 
County, X. Y.. September 24, 1844, an d came to Will County with his parents 
in 1849. They settled upon a farm south of Joliet, where they resided until the 
fall of 1862, when they removed to Joliet, his father having been elected Sheriff 
of the county. Mr. Munroe served as Deputy Sheriff under his father. 

In 1865 he entered into partnership with his father, George Munroe, under 
the firm name of G. Munroe & Son, the firm doing a retail and wholesale 
produce and grocery business for upwards of twenty years. Mr. Munroe's 
principal business now, however, is the mortgage loan and real estate business, 
in company with his only brother. Major Edwin S. Munroe. under the firm name 
of George H. & Edwin S. Munroe. Mr. Munroe has filled many positions of 
trust to his credit and to the advantage of the estates and trusts placed in his 
care. He is interested in farm lands, and his farm, known as "Hotel Munroe 
Farm/' near Joliet, is one of the well known farms of Will County- He is a 
director and vice-president of the Western Stone Company of Chicago, and also 
a director in the Joliet National Bank of Joliet. 

Mr. Munroe has ever been an earnest Republican, taking an unusual interest 
in clean politics, but has never been an office seeker. In the fall of 1894, when 
his party tendered him the nomination of State Senator, he gladly accepted the 
honor and did his part in joining his colleagues in a thorough canvass of the 
county, every candidate on the Republican ticket receiving unprecedented majori- 
ties, his own majority being over 2,500, although four years before the Demo- 
crats had elected their Senator. In the Democratic city of Joliet, where so many 
laboring men reside, Mr. Munroe's majority was over 1,100. In the Senate 
he was placed upon the leading committees, and was one of its hardest workers 
and most efficient members, being the author of a number of important bills, 
which became laws. All worthy measures received his support. 

Many of the unfortunates of the State have good reason to remember the 
hard work of Senator Munroe. It was owing to the tact and persistence of 
Mr. Munroe that the following institutions were established: The Woman's 
Relief Corps Home, located at Wilmington: the Female Prison in Joliet; the 
Home for the Incurable Insane located at Peoria, now nearing completion, all 
these bills having been introduced by him in the Senate. At the end of his term 
Mr. Munroe declined to be considered as a candidate, feeling that he could not 
longer neglect his private affairs. 



562 




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S63 



Willi a:: p. peirce. 

Hon. William P. Peeve of Hoopeston. Ill . was bora in \HHenova. Chau- 
tauqua Co.. X. Y.. March 25. 1830. He is a son of Austin Peirce of New York 
State, a man of recognized standing in public affairs and a noted physician and 
?-.:r^e:r. 7>.r ?•:':;::: :z z'zis -:-::\ ~ :- - .:.:■.-.- : 1: -..:-. .-.:;. .-:\\-/ z \- 

State Xormal School at Fredoniau X. Y. He devoted some years to teaching, 
preceding his study of medicine and surgery, and was finally graduated at the 
V: \r, : in z'r.-t J:: ;:' . t V : r"«: in :*it :".iii : : : r : _ H: : t: n: t :r : 'zis 
native state to Coldwater. near Holly Springs. Miss., where he practiced his 
profession. At that time the agitation of the slavery question began. Dr. 
s~z- 7-.v.z:::-i 1: "::;i::: :":: ::.- ; -t.-:r ~iz in :L-r f;:.:"-i" :■: :f = : ~e ir- 

._-..-." Ln :::":a ;; : : ::: _ 

then prevailing in the south, that a great collision at arms between the south 
and the government was imminent in the near future. Being under an un- 
;.ri5in: ±?z: zm^r *: 7 reii :zl :•::::= :ziz±z-:-'-z±- Ynim ?±~zizzz±zzz? ;.: i":ir.i:r.ri 
his lucrative practice in Mississippi and removed to Lisbon. Kendall Co.. IIL 
On December 18th. 1856. he was married to Mary, eldest daughter of Levi H. 
Rood of La Salle Co. Dr. Peirce took an active part in the Republican cam- 
paign of 1856,. making many public speeches for Fremont in Xorthem Illinois. 
H: --;- rvei z::re z.:z - in : e* : :nen: in :::.-: ? r: : :~ : : L:n::ln in : > •: mi 
created a sensation by repeating in northern Illinois the substance of a speech 
he heard made by Senator Henry S. Foot at Holly Springs. Miss. 

On the breaking out of the rebellion. Dr. Peirce offered his services as a 
medical officer, but on learning that three hundred and forty-six applicants were 
awaiting examination, he at once commenced raising a company, and on the 
15th day of July. 1861. Company *""D.~ 36th Illinois Volunteers was enrolled 
and he was commissioned captain. He served in the command of his company 
until he was appointed Surgeon of the 88th Illinois Infantry, more commonly 
known as the "2nd Board of Trade Regiment."" 1 r \\t :- -r if 1 

Brigade Surgeon under General Wuham A. Lytic. Dr- Peirce was then de- 
tailed for service on the Operating Board of the 2nd Division. 4th Army Corps, 
and served in the sanguinary engagements at Chattanooga. Missionary Ridge. 
Resacca. Dallas,. Kennesaw Mountain, and Atlanta. He was afterwards chief 
operating surgeon of the division until the close of the war. During his mil- 
itary service of four years he was accountable for large quantities of govern- 
ment property, valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars, yet. at the dose of 
the war. he was in a few weeks able to settle with the Auditor of the Treasury 
and obtain his receipt in full for every article which had passed through his 
hands. 

In 1866 he was elected to represent his county in the State Legislature and 
served with faithfulness and integrity. Two years later he declined a re-nom- 
ination. In 1869 he was almost unanimously chosen a delegate to the conven- 
tion of 1869 and 1870. called to revise the State Constitution. In that body his 
faithfulness, industry, and skill in debate gave him prominence, and many 
clauses and sections of that instrument were written by his pen. The questions 
relating to the power of municipalities to vote aid to. or take stock in rail- 
road or other corporations, were, after weeks of angry debate, settled by him 
in a brief speech proposing a separate submission of the question to the people. 
The "Peirce section." now a part of the State Constitution, denies to all muni- 
cipalities the right to vote aid for. or make donations to. or become a stockholder 
in. any railroad or other corporation. His most remarkable public document, 
as chairman of the committee on Federal Relations, was on the power of a state 
to limit, or restrict, or deny, by constitutional amendment or otherwise, the 
power of the State Legislature to act upon proposed amendments to the Consti- 
tution of the L'nited States. He denied such constitutional authority. 






565 



In 187© he was elected to the state senate, and took a leading part, serving 
on the most important committees. Dr. Peirce was recently first vice-presi- 
dent of the Illinois State Medical Society and chairman of its committee on 
Surgery, and has written largely on surgical topics. His services have alv 1 5 
:z-:\ ;}...- : ::r .:: :-:".:::_m". :^::::2_t.> in : he hi? ^ilir.:" =-.:f:i:r.tI :.r.i :e- 
fended the principles and policy of the Republican party. His voice has been 
heard in several counties of Northern and Eastern Illinois, pressing the claims 
of the Republican standard bearers from Fremont to McKinlt; 

1 - }-.-:- ':zn ' :::: :".:- :::irr:r: Hi? hr~: : ir~ — r ;-? ;:.:~ :::.;. Zr. 
1879 ne 10rBS married to Miss Ella Anderson, and to them were born four sons, 
William P. Peirce. Jr., June 26, 1880, James Garfield Peirce, Sept. 12, 1881, 
Gurdon Lamartine Peirce, July St 1884, and John Logan Peirce, May 2, 1887. 
It will be seen from this brief sketch of Dr. Peirce, that he has had an interesting 
and eventful career. He is a man of great influence in the community in 
which he lives, a recognized leader in the thought and action of his people, 
a Physician, Surgeon, Soldier, and a Stalwart Republican Orator, he stands out 
in the history of the state of Illinois as an interesting, unique personal 



HENRY D. NICHOLL S 

Xo one knows better than the trained politician how valuable to his organ- 
:z'\ ;-: : Z :: :hr ?_:::t5~:\h i:::r.:z'ls'zzr.±r.z :: 1 lr~i ? li::vf zzzzzrz- :? :he 
:r-: :: :he .::::-:::::r::v: ':.:: 1: It :::.: ~r:_ z: 7hf '-1 yizzz :*: ::::' ::r 
counsel, young men for action,*' is very true, but in the case of the subject of 
this sketch it has been reversed. Henry D. Xicholls was a good man for coun- 
sel, although he was young when he was in politics, but being young, he was also 
available for action. The valuable services he rendered his state and his party 
were far-reaching in their effect, and will not soon be forgotten. Mr. Xicholls 
has been a stalwart Republican all his life, and he served his party well, both in 
office and out. He came from the land of the Quakers, being born in Phila- 
delphia, March 13. 1846. His education was received in the high schools of 
his native city, where he spent his boyhood and youth. The sturdy thrift of 
hf r: : ; •: :-. ;.:::7 : :hi: :hr :z. z-:_ ?h: -.:". Z r .::: ~ ;: - z r:h:i :.t :ri ir :r : : :.:- 
pation. and accordingly when young Xicholls completed his schooling he at 
once transferred his energies to the carpenter's bench, to which he devoted 
himself for several years, and in which he attained a thorough knowledge and 
proficiency. 

In 1865, the fever that drew men out into the West almost against their 
wills took possession of Mr. Xicholls, and he forthwith crossed the plains and 
spent three years on the frontier. He then returned to Philadelphia and became 
foreman of Disston & Sons' famous saw manufactory. His technical skill and 
adaptability kept him in the foremost ranks of the men whose special talents 
were building up that great business, and in 1872 he was given the responsible 
charge of establishing a department of the Philadelphia house at Chicago. 
With characteristic energy Mr. Xicholls devoted his entire time and talent to 
the successful accomplishment of this project, and in this he succeeded beyond 
the expectations of the men he represented. Under his careful management 
the Chicago branch developed into a large and profitable property. Mr. Xich- 
olls conducted it for eighteen years and only resigned control in 1900 to assume 
charge of the Cincinnati branch of the same firm. In this new position Mr- 
Xicholls is meeting with the same success as he won in Chicago, and no doubt 
will duplicate the good work he did there. 

Mr. Xicholls* political career has been confined to a term in the Illinois 
Legislature, to which he was elected on the Republican ticket from the 15th 
District of Chicago. His work as a member of the 40th General Assembly was 





HENRY D. N1CHOLLS. 



56* 





mie mi Txlra.':Le. in.: i- ~i r ever-/ m:i:j:" :>•: 

;«!- K: -: t: : 7 . lii :"..- . .". ^ .."_ 

- - 7 " 

in gnfitrirs, and he accordingly withdrew to- private Ii£e r where 

'-_ : --j-..:t- .. r~: :r:~ - .; : -. ; :r _:a.i :--" imirrri; 







jacob newma: 

Jacob Xewman was boot Xo vember iz. 1853. His parents settled on a 
iarm m Bntler Connty r Omoy. where their son remained with diem ior some 

X: ,-— r: ::- ::-:-:-" ;.:.-_..;. :i i.it 

-rii'i iz.:l-;c. mzeili^m:^ mi ■-.Kr^t"zrir. ■:t. 
---- :•: in : . : rv t mm ::. : i^sf 
He settled at XooJesriDJe^ InfSana, where lie itfmiinrd six: years. In r 867 
- -7- t_ :: 7- ;i.: ----- :- iiLi ra :•= -_.-• ;:rmaien: n:~e I 7 
stn*ry fee prepared htmselt ior college, and by in i lnsti i and economy 
able to iwiiiawnJilii die expenses ot a collegiate coarse. He entered the ITni- 
ircrsaT o£ Chicago, and was a dn%ent student. He added to 
by earnings node ocflsEefe of school honrs* and gradnatet 
class of 1&73. 

Mr. Xewman. after the nsnal exannnatien ior the bar r was licensed to 
the Smanane Comrt of mmois. He formed a partnership with 
~: \i7 --7: :: irrmm: mi iV-~m -:«:r_ v-iin- -.- r ii .vn:~-r. 
had a soccessttil liw^inrTT career. Some years later Jndge 
- i"_;i^: m: :-~; --■: :: ::t iir V,\<- }£_- iV--~m « :. ; : : - ::r^ 
:-ri: ;: :.:t :n .;.;- Mr ::::■:.::-;: :c ::t :a.rm-rii::: H": 

to retain Ens old clientage and- acfcl materially to it. In 
i88e Mr. Xewman formed a partnership- with Adoflph Mose - Z one of 

-7 ~; : - ;- : = -.--.'.: m: r ;: — ;.._ i'v; r r- n :i: -7 ::t The ::n ;: i i . r - i :•: 
. :■--— jn :i: i :^::_; :..::7::::_ :arc-rr mi .'.tirnmc-; :.: rmr ; 7i: ; Vr 
Xewnran. rs an all rocrad lawyer; it any be weB said that he is a specialist 
nalas branches. In tike preparation of his eases for the court and ior trial, 
:•- : .--:--.- - :: t"-^- 77- .rm.r-rm- m; mi:im '_e :■;;:: ::r t.::;t~ .17 
is a splendid trial Sawyer. Mr. Xewman has been identified with many im- 
portant cases in OncagOL His identification with the Chicago Gas Trust Irtx- 

and has a wide circle of frieinds and acqnahitances. In pontics Mr. Xewman 

of the partv-. and gives the partr and its candidates his m—Em U ^ snpport fro m 
a EnEgh sense of pnb&r duty. He b a member of tke Union League CInb r Chi- 

- _ - -::-::i. ro:i-r- _m: :~ ~ -.- - ,-: - .::i :: _- -. ;: --7 ;:r H - :- iii<: 1 
of the MasonV Frateran 

Xewman was married May 30. t8SS. to Miss llimne Goodman. 
of HngD Goodman, one of die early and snbstantial settlers of Cbt- 

•1^- Mrs. Xewman is a lady of intelligence and education, and makes the 

:: :.r- riscan.: 1- i~-- ta'-'.- 0.1:- ::r :i:c:r vi.ie - 






569 



FERDINAND W. PECK. 

The old Peck homestead was located in the very heart of the present city 
of Chicago, where the endless £ trade .and commerce ebb and flow and 

where human achievements will roll on until the end of time. Here in the 
city of his birth and where he is known the best, are laid the scenes of his great- 
est triumphs and are found the fruition of his brightest hopes. He was born in 
: v _^ at the old homestead, and received his education in the city schools. He 
early began a business \r :r. and from that time to the present has been con- 
stantly identified with the wonderful growth of the city and the earnest pro- 
moter of enterprises having for their object the commercial supremacy of this 
great inland city. His alert and receptive faculties, his enthusiasm for local 
public enterprises his invincible integrity and his high character and conspicu- 
ous ability contribute to make him one of the foremost citizens of Chicago. 
It would be difficult to enumerate the benefits which have resulted from his 
enterprise and public spirit. Few parts of the city have escaped his watchful 
attention and earnest care. He has contributed immensely to the beauty and 
advancement of the city, and many great enterprises remain monuments to his 
courage and gen Among them is the Auditorium Building, which was con- 

ceived and carried to completion by Mr. Peck. The structure is owned by a 
corporation, of which he is president, and contains the largest and most noted 
opera house in the world. He was for four years a member of the Board of 
E cation and vice-president of that body. He was vice-president of the Co- 
lumbian Exposition and not a little of its splendid success was due to his efforts 
and intelligence. He was a member of the commission sent to Europe by 
the government in the interests of the exposition in 1891. He was the main 
support of the movement which culminated in the erection of the splendid 
monument over the graves of the Confederate soldiers buried here. In many 
other ways he has been connected with the large commercial and public move- 
ments of Chicago, and now stands before the world and before the people of 
this western metropolis as one of its most representative and public spirited 
citize: is. 

He is unostentatious and wholly approachable by persons of all stations, 
is democratic and sympathetic in heart, is exceedingly fair, frank and just, 
and blessed with a personality that sparkles and charms and casts a glow of 

:-me upon all who approach him. He has been heard to say a hundred 

s that he respects infinitely more a man who attains position through merit 
than through riches. He possesses wonderful energy and unquailing deter- 
mination and nothing within the range of human possibility seems to daunt 
him in the least when once he prepares his plan to act. He is eminently fitted 
for the responsible position which he now fills- He never has been a candidate 
for office, and was not for that of Commissioner General to the Paris Exposi- 
tion of 1900. The office came to him as a recognition of his distinguished abili- 

::om President McKinley. The labor which fie performed in preparing the 
exhibit of the United States at the exhibition was enormous, but it was con- 
ducted with such excellent taste and with such a close observance of individual 
claims and rights that not a ripple was caused in the preparation for the great 
show. It is safe to say that the United States was well taken care of at Paris in 
1900. Mr. Peck is the head of a most happy family, having a wife, four sons and 
two daughU 



f\- 






■dr/TjicA, 



\ 



571 



MAX 7 A M. 

_ r born in the Empire ifcria, July 

EEe - . rarents when two years old. He 

:i in th: . ::cago. and upon 

. - . ■ - ■ . i took op a collegiate cou. : - - : : study, 

entered upon tfc - in the offie - 

Lose B - ■ : - ; the HE .r by the Supreme Court 

L year .-. . Moses, having an apprecia- 

I - a partnership, and the firm 

Moses r I and continued for eight 

- Mr. F i - 1 himself with Charles H Donnelly, 

tnsde : ■ - i : fc Donnelly. Later on Edward T. Glennan, Harry 

-.. - - I 7 . - Hugo Pam were admitted to the firm, which con- 

-" - : : I :...-_; _ inelty k jlennan, when Mr. 

Donne iecte - - - - - - : rom the firm, where- 

--.------- ; e : - known as Pam. 

Mr. Pam : : rty-fbe - ge ind yet is at 

- i C 

Mr i ."-'."- :»ner: b- i:e counsellor, thoroughly pre- 

- . .n the West. Among his 

- . ■ . ■ - - rgest raflr ter corporations of the coun- 

" . " Ameri stee ire C .iipany. Federal Steel 

-. - - . 7 7 - ■ - ■ Baltimore. Maryland 

~ . " Lake Shore & 

-c. L. Railroad Company 

Plate L 7 maha, Kansa - 

7 . : npany _ rinecting Railroad Com- 

- - - 1 . Pitt - . . : - ■ Railroad Company. Dav- 

- 7 - - : - : - " 7 .-..'.: v. . . 

. . " E ■ ■ . 7 - He adhe res - :7ie politi- 

- - . i ' ' ' "he maintenance 

- He is i member of the Hamilton Club and 

- - ' Virile he is a genial 

his profession has so strong 
eian. 



FAMES H. PADDOCK. 

\ :. in Lockport. Illinois : his 

- ■ - - . . I John W. Paddock, was 

----- ir : he practiced in the courts 

ies. In I& _ - - . - : the 113th Regi- 

- Lieutenant Colonel : he 

:ent. P7 a the 

- - •-— :ce he was much 

- iter - - - : that great 

Memphis Tenn., where 

Bather, James 

>. - Warner, 

7 Mr. Paddc': - rd a common school 

-.---. - mate. 

- greatly influenced 





573 



his after life. He was a fine looking boy, with pleasing address, attentive to 
his duties and accommodating, and he made many friends. In 1869 he was 
made Assistant Postmaster of the Senate. From this time forward his ad- 
vancement was constant and rapid. Few men in the history of the State have 
been so closely and continuously identified with that important branch of the 
Legislature. In 1859 Mr- Paddock was elected Assistant Secretary of the 
Senate; he held the position until the close of the session of 1875. In 1877 
he was chosen Secretary of the Senate, and was re-elected in 1879 an d 1881. 
In 1895 he was again elected Secretary of the Senate and re-elected in 1897 and 
1899. After his experience with the legislative branch of the government, he 
was appointed Chief deck in the office of the Secretary of State in 1881, and 
held that position until 1889. when he was appointed Secretary of the Railroad 
and Warehouse Commission ; he performed the duties of this office for four 
years. 

In 1893 Mr. Paddock was appointed by Governor Altgeld as a member 
of the State Board of Lire Stock Commissioners, as the Republican represen- 
tative on the board. He held this position during Governor Altgeld's term of 
office. When Governor Tanner took the executive office he reappointed Mr- 
Paddock on the board, and in 1897 he was made chairman, which position he 
now holds. In all the varied positions occupied by James H. Paddock he has 
shown remarkable aptitude for public affairs: he is a man of fine judgment and 
splendid executive ability. He has a verv wide circle of acquaintances, and is 
probably as well known as any man in the State. His success in public life 
shows that he is popular, capable and efficient. 

In 1873 Mr. Paddock married Mary L. Crawford, of Kankakee. They 
have two children, a son. Harrv W. Paddock, and a daughter, Frances C. 
Paddock. 



CHARLES S. RANNELLS. 



The life of Charles S. Rannells, chairman of the Republican State Commit- 
tee, is in some respects a very interesting one. It is a life that exemplifies all 
those qualities which form the character of the self-made man, and as such, it 
conveys its own lesson to everyone who may read it. and this article will com- 
mend itself to all as an honest, if imperfect, attempt, to tell something of the 
career of one who. under all circumstances, has striven conscientiously to do his 
whole duty, and in so doing has reached a high degree of success- Like many 
others who have made a success of life. Mr. Rannells was born and reared on a 
farm, his birth occurring in Morgan County, Illinois, December 5, 1857. After 
receiving a good practical education in the common schools he entered the Il- 
linois College at Jacksonville and graduated from that institution in June, 1879. 
Xor did he leave the farm at this juncture, but returned to it and has since been 
activelv engaged in tilling the soil and in cattle feeding. 

His active pursuits on the farm did not cause him to lose sight of his duties 
as a citizen, and several times he was a member of Morgan County Republican 
Committee. In 1894-96-98 he was elected to the State Committee from the 16th 
Congressional District, and in 1894 was appointed by Chairman Tanner a mem- 
ber of the Executive Committee and Chairman of the Finance Committee. In 
the year 1896 he was appointed chairman of the Executive Committee by 
Chairman Hitch, and in 1898 was elected chairman of the Republican State 
Committee. The vear previous to the last named date he was appointed a 
member of the Railroad and Warehouse Committee by Gov. John R. Tanner. 
With a clear and well trained mind, qualified by nature and improved by culture 
to a high degree of susceptibility, Mr. Rannells will still continue to meet the 
cordial approbation of those with whom he has business relations, and will en- 
large the alreadv wide circle of his acquaintances and will occupy even a larger 
place and gain a firmer hold upon the public confidence and esteem. 

574 




a^VA,^A.^-^>d 



575 



Was born in Monmouth, EL. and was there reared and educated, finishing 
'.: '.'.: wr.: ::i: 1 lien: 1: : ::: '/..::. .:-.:..::\ /.- ""if _. ; mime: 'villi 
honor. His literary ability was shown while he was in the college, and he be- 

: ill: o: - t - i:::r :■: il: 7 : : ileu: _- ;. - -_: H: :::.-: :';- 

_ -.::-. Tliei.1 s . S-; lin 1:1 i ~ if :.:::; 7 : : : :•: lie: :::: i: nil :ui;;i:.r.t issue-: 
that organization, and a little later was elected general secretary of that fra- 
ternity in the United States. Like his father, CoL Rankin has ever been a 
fii.v. 1.1 ir.t; : : 1-iir. ::';:":::::::::;:..: :n ill ; : : ; :: ::::.-.: 7. i : : fi- 
nis fealty to that organization. His father was a personal friend of Abraham 
Lin : : .:: 

_':l:'rl r.i'1-zin if f :ar:rl" : . : : : : rHe^r "lieu lie :euiri :: :il:: in 11:: 
1:: :u ;:..:.:- ini .:: 11 -- 1; f rxliTiiiei luis :e~ ■:::::: :: if irr Se^trii 
times at the State Republican Conventions he served as one of the secretaries, 
in: in ileese : : ::-.- i: 1- fill fimlie: enliir. :t-: ins nimnim if : :-:zr in :l:e 
Repnbfican ranks. He held the position of City Clerk of Monmouth for two 
terms. A little later he was elected Clerk of the Circuit Court of Warren 
County and was re-elected twice, serving in all eleven years, each succeeding 
7 7 ;:; : :: e I inn: 1 iur^er ni : :::; :iiin :::re :lie lis: : - ~: liiu: - :■«: vines 
ahead of his ticket. He served as secretary of the Association of Circuit Clerks 
::l...:\ - ..:i. .:: i-iee. :i: i:::..: 1 : in i.:ii :: 1: itii 1I1: :•: sinns- 
tership of Mornnouth tendered him by President Harrison in 1S91. In June, 
: : - 1 r if i 7 7 in 7 :: : ::: :1it 5 :::t :: Illiuiis : : : lie Mini mil i :: m::: i : :: :■: 
Republican League Clubs at Cleveland, O. In 1806 he was one of the leading 
candidates for the Republican nomination for Secretary of State of Illinois 
ceiving 273 votes in the state convention. 

?r:m :i eirly f:i^e in l::s 11:771 i:e l:if ii: ::r_r.r::r: i:l: :!:: iress :■: 
:ie ui: H: ; u:u: :::::-;::.:::: in 1 i :: : 14 ;: " : : :::ii Lr:Vin: lin:- 
i tii in: Tin: :e 5: 1:.::- ill : t-I 7::: : in: i::l :lie IV- Vrl: rVrili 
He was for four years a member of the executive committee of the National 
Editorial Association, and was a delegate to the conventions of that organiza- 
tion held at San Francisco, Chicago and Asbury Pari The honorary 
\ :.'.:. ;: Affifin: Ai_ ; i:n: Vneml : : 1 .::: : - :u: .:: :u :: 1:7 nil: :■: 
Colonel, was held by hhn for four years. He was a delegate from this S 
to the Xational Convention of the National Guard officers convened at Washing- 
ton in 1890. He has been secretary of the Warren County Agricultural Society 
for twenty-three years, and is the present Treasurer of the Business Men f 
sociation of Monmouth. He is also secretary of the Twilight Onb, the famous 
social organization of Monmouth. 

V - several ; eirs lie iiis i:::: 1 n:;': 7: ::" :r_e Vir_ 1 LoV: :•:' :l:e S:i:i 
I. O. O- R, and is one of the directors of the I. O. O- F. Orphans' Home. In 
1856 he was elected Grand Master of the 75,000 Odd Fellows and Rebeka 
Illinois. He was a member of the World's Fair Committee, and was on the 
staff of Grand Sire Cnderwood. He is treasurer of Lodge No. 160 and a mem- 
' --' :: '.'-'-- V" rl:il: m i I:: : ir.i : ei: L : in:~ in 1 : : n::::in lin: : : 1 1::: :: i': 
- 5 He is also a member of Monmouth Blue Lodge, Warren Chapter, G 
burg Conrmandery, Medinak Temple of Chicago, the Knights of Pythias. Mu- 
tual Aid, Home Forum, etc. He is editor of the Monmouth Republican- Atlas. 
and president of the Illinois Bankers Life Association of Illin 

He was elected to the 41st General Assembly of Illinois in November, 1898. 
and was chairman of the committee on Military Affairs, and member of the 
committees on appropriations, canals, education, finance, fish and game, print- 
ing, public charities and state and county fairs. He was also member of the 

"-.'-. r.frTtr. It I Uuil:: I I.It IllirVlr 111". II. 1 IT. lilr 11 1 7 I I lilli I 7.S I I !' 

it iliirni'i.T ::n:.:.::. I if 



-•': 





577 



LYMAN BEECHER RAY. 

Lyman Beecher Ray of Morris. Grundy County, 111., was born August 17, 
1831. at Hinesburgh. Vermont. His parents, John Ray, and Annis Beecher 
Ray were people of high standing: and were descendants of pioneer settlers in 
Vermont. Lyman was raised on a farm, and was taught the handicraft of that 
avocation. He received a good English education in the district schools of 
Vermont, and the village academy. He taught school several winters, and had 
an experience oi one year as merchant's clerk. Cpon reaching his majority 
in 1852. he came to Illinois and settled in Kane County, where he secured em- 
ployment in a general store. He continued in this employment for about three 
years, when he removed in 1855 to the town of Morris, his present home; here 
he engaged in the mercantile business on his own account- Mr. Ray was a 
successful merchant, he carried on his business as a merchant in the town of 
Morris for 33 years, retiring from trade in 1888. 

Mr. Ray was not content to confine his entire energies to the hum-drum 
career of a merchant in pursuit of wealth ; at an early age he decided to perform 
his full duty as a citizen in respect to the political affairs of his County and State. 
In 1856 he identified himself with the great movement in Illinois in opposition 
to the Kansas-Nebraska Bill. He was one of the men who organized the Re- 
publican Party in Grundy County in 1856. In that memorable canvass Mr. Ray 
gave earnest support to Gen. Fremont tor President and Col. William H. Bissell 
for Governor. He also took an active part in the Douglas-Lincoln campaign of 
: 858, and in i860 he was an earnest supporter of Abraham Lincoln for President, 
and Richard Yates for Governor. Mr. Ray became a well known and popular 
man in his County ; he has been habitually selected as a delegate to Republican 
State Conventions during the past thirty years. In 1872 Mr. Rav was nom- 
inated as a Republican Candidate for the Legislature, and was elected. He 
served during the sessions of 1873 and 1874. In 1882 he was elected to the 
State Senate, and served with great credit for four years. But still higher po- 
litical honors were awaiting him : in 1888 Mr. Ray was nominated by the Repub- 
ilcan State Convention of Illinois as a candidate for Lieutenant Governor, and 
was elected with a great majority on the ticket with Governor Fifer. Governor 
Ray performed the duties of this office with ability and dignity: as a presiding 
officer of the Senate he gave entire satisfaction to his colleagues and upon re- 
tiring from the office left a record of which any man might be proud- Gov- 
ernor Ray was re-nominated to the office of Lieutenant Governor by the Re- 
publican State Convention in 1892. on the ticket with Hon. Joseph W. Fifer, who 
was nominated for Governor. The Democrats carried the State of Illinois that 
year and elected Governor Altgeld. 

Mr. Ray was a conspicuous figure in the Republican State Convention of 
1880. He was a member of the Senate in 1885, during the memorable contest 
over the United States Senatorship, and was one of the 103 members who voted 
for and elected Gen. Logan to the Senate. He presided over the State Senate 
in 1891 when Gen. John M. Palmer was elected to the L'nited States Senate. 
Gov. Ray was President of the "State League of Republican Clubs'* of Illinois 
in 1894. He was also a member of the Xational Convention of Republican 
League Clubs and was a member of the Committee on Resolutions. There 
was a strong disposition in the Committee to report a resolution in favor of the 
free and unlimited coinage of silver. Gov. Ray's strong opposition to this 
movement influenced the committee against making such a declaration. 

Gov. Ray is a member of the Hamilton Club of Chicago. He was married 
December 20. 1858. to Julia X- Reading, daughter of Judge James X. Reading. 
Gov. and Mrs. Ray have but one child, Julia E., now the wife of Clifton W. 
Jordan, of Toliet, Illinois. 



578 





S3. /?« 




579 



C W. RAYMOND. 



: - : : - ~ - r:::= : : - : - : ■ .. : - : : r _"r vz= : ' ~i _: I . : " " '. t ~ ; . :u~ v:>t:* : 

■ ' . . ~: ■ . - - — i-jir-: 1" 

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lj: :: t xxx n Xt E * -- E~ ..■ pxaxxi: t =dl iirxxitr xx-7..-r: nir -~.~- 

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-_■:■: r:ir_\ : T E t^j li-sir L^ : 7Ex- ■ : - - - e " : x .x . : nif :•■ ■ — sj n. 

i baxb-EiDT l member :•:' rm llimaif dr^isj.'ix :i ":■: _ :. --.-run. >:mf 





a 



0^<j4A^i^x^<y^^L^ 




581 



JOHN F. RECTOR. 

The father of subject, Abraham Rector, was a native of Albany, N. Y., born 
April 12, 1809. He was drowned at sea oft Sacramento, California, by the 
wreck of the schooner, Bunea Day, on which lie was a passenger, February 11, 
1851. His wife, formerly Miss Joannah Cadwell, was born at Janesville, N. Y., 
November 7, 1810, and died at Cairo, 111., December 28, 1887. Her second hus- 
band was Robert Thompson, whom she married at Rising Sun, Ind., in 1857. 
Little is known of subject's paternal ancestry beyond the fact that his grand- 
father, John Rector, came from Leipsig, Germany, about 1790. The maternal 
great grand-father was Miiton Cotton, a soldier of the Revolution, who was with 
Washington's command when the latter reached 'West Point just after Arnold's 
treason was discovered- Family tradition says that he witnessed the execution 
of Major Andre. The maternal grandmother, Clarissa Cotton-Cadwell, was 
born at Rutland, Vt., in 1787, and died at Canton, Ind., in 1879. The maternal 
great grandfather was Able Cadwell, of Massachusetts, who died near Syracuse, 
N. Y., in August, 1840. The maternal grandfather was Matthew Cadwell who 
died in 1847, aged sixty-two years. The Cottons trace their genealogy direct to 
the famous Cotton Mather. 

John F. Rector attended the common schools at Rising Sun, Ind., four 
winters only, having to leave at the age of twelve to assist in the support of his 
mother, two sisters and a younger brother. He learned to set type in a print- 
ing office, clerked in a store, etc. Notwithstanding this he managed, through 
the gentle influence of his mother, to acquire a fair education in the English 
branches. Born January 1, 1842, he was fourteen years old when he was taken 
by his step-father to a farm near Golconda, 111. Here he experienced very hard 
work that robbed boyhood of much of its charms. At the breaking out of the 
Rebellion he enlisted with his mother's consent, but against that of his step- 
father. He became a private in Company F, Twenty-ninth Illinois Infantry at 
Camp Butler in July, 1861. On January I, 1864, he veteranized. He par- 
ticipated in many arduous marches, bloody battles and exhausting campaigns, 
and was mustered out at Springfield November 30, 1865- He fought at Fort 
Henry, at Fort Donelson (where he received a gunshot wound through the 
hand), Pittsburg Landing, or Shiloh, siege of Corinth, last great battle of Cor- 
inth ; was captured by VanDorn at Holly Springs, Miss., and paroled, was ex- 
changed and served in part of siege of Vicksburg, siege and capture of Mobile 
and the campaign in Texas, was promoted through all grades, becoming Second 
Lieutenant in September, 1864, and near the close of the war was commissioned 
captain, coming home in command of his company. He served on the staffs of 
Generals Brayman, Lawler and Mower; served as Assistant Provost Marshal at 
Natchez and Millican, Tex., receiving at the latter place tons of munitions of war 
and the paroles of many of Kirby Smith's disbanded troops in the summer of 
1865. His whole military career was characterized by steady persistence, gal- 
lantry in action and pronounced loyalty to the Federal cause. 

After the war he engaged in farming ; was married on February 2, 1868, to 
Miss N. E. Bozman, of Allen Springs, 111., a descendant of the Pryor family of 
Kentucky, born near Golconda, 111., September 1, 1845; moved to Anna, thence 
to Cairo in 1870, where he went to work as a printer. After eight years his eye- 
sight failed, when he clerked for several years in dry-goods stores. He then re- 
sumed newspaper work, and for eight years was editor of the Cairo Daily Tele- 
gram, serving at the same time as correspondent of half a dozen metropolitan 
newspapers. He served four years as surveyor of customs at Cairo under ap- 
pointment of President Harrison in 1890- In 1894 was elected County Clerk 
by an immense majority, but resigned the office in February, 1898, to become 
Postmaster at Cairo by appointment of President McKinley. His first connec- 
tion with the Republican party was in a boys' marching club during the Fremont 

582 





583 



campaign in 1856. Since that time he has been a member of the Republican 
party. He has served as a member of the County Central Committee for twenty 
~. was chairman for four years. Is a member of Warren Stewart Post G. A. 
R . is an Odd Fellow and member of the Military Order the Loyal Legion. He 
is a Universalist. His children are Susan T. and John F. Tr. 



WILLIAM BARRET RIDGELY. 

William Barret Ridgely was born July 19. 1858, in Springfield. 111. His 
ancestors were among the earliest settlers in America, he being directly de- 
scended from Richard Warren, who came over on the Mayflower, and Simon 
Huntington, who sailed with the first expedition to Connecticut, but died at sea, 
leaving a widow and nine sons wh "ere the founders of the well known family 
of the name. The Ridgely s settled in Maryland and Delaware in the 17th cen- 
tury, and the Bar: ■-.:• b : mother's ancestors were members of the original Lon- 
don Company, who sent the sts :: Virginia, settling there as early as 

Mr. Ridgely" s grandfather Nicholas H. Ridgely. came West from Balti- 
more in 1824. and entered the United States Bank ; : St Loois. He remained 
in that city some time, and finally removed to Springfield. 111., where he opened 
a private bank. Mr. Ridgely conducted his business as a banker with so much 
skill and prudence that whatever depression or panic might occur in the general 
business of the country, the Ridgely Bank maintained an unshaken credit. When 
the National Banking law was enacted this private bank was converted into a 
Xational Bank and has continued so ever since. The family have been engaged 
continuously in banking since that date. Mr. Ridgely being the third generation 
who have been officers :f the Ridgely Xational Bank at Springfield. 111. His 
father, Charles Ridgely, grew up in the bank, and became one of the best known 
and most successful business men in Central Illinois. As a banker his standing 
was not exc riled, and he instilled into the minds of h: the importance :: 

thoroughly qualifying themselves for business. The Ridgely Bank was one :: 
the Illinois Banks which, in April. 1861, made Bex : - : rrnor 

Yates of a loan of S600.000 to the State at the beginning of the war. Charles 
Ridgely married Jane M. Barret, the mother of William Barret Ridgely. 

William received his early education in Springfield, but later went to the 
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, at Troy. N. Y. He was a close and sue 
ful student, graduating in :r _ \ pith a deg: ~'ivil Engineer. This careful 

training laid the foundati 3 a foi s g - in the management of large 

manufacturing and mining industries. Having finished his education. Mr. 
Ridge red at once into an active business career. He became manage 

the Springfield Iron Co.. a large manufacturing enter hich has been in 

1 operation for a number of years, and a : ry much to the pros- 

perity and business activ 5j ■ringneld. These sue finally consol- 

idated with the Republic Iron and Steel Co.. and Mr. Ridgely was appointed 
Manager of the Northwestern District, with headquarters in Chicago. His 
broad experience in the former company, and his marked ability for executive 
administration won for him the resj ect F his ass aates and their confidence in 
his judgment. 

Mr. Ridgely first became actively interested in politics in 1888. He organized 
protective tariff clubs, and participated with enthusiasm in the campaign. Since 
. he has been an active r on the Sangamon County Republican Com- 

mittee, taking part in the campaign which I in Sangamon County being 

carried by the Republican tickr: me in : ry. Mr. 

Ridgely hcan League, having held this | 

In Ma ~ - -ingfield, 

111. He held this gning to be -me the District Ma: 

of the Republic Iron and Steel 




} n, 




TV JAM 






aW 




585 



Mr. Ridgely had an extended experience in connection with the military es- 
tablishment of the State. He served five years in the Illinois National Guard, 
and was for three years Lieutenant of the Governor's Guard at the State Capitol. 
He was also two years on the staff of Brig. General Reese; in all of these posi- 
tions he performed his duties with intelligence and fidelity. 

He was married October 24, 1882, to Ella Cullom, daughter of Hon. Shelby 
M. Cullom, now United States Senator from Illinois. Mr. Ridgely is a member 
of the Sangamon Club of Springfield, the University and Technical Clubs of Chi- 
cago, the Iron and Steel Institute of Great Britain, the American Institute of 
Mining Engineers, and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. 



THOMAS J. ROBINSON. 

This gentleman, so well known in Rock Island and elsewhere for many 
years, but who passed from life recently after a long, honorable and active career, 
was born in the town of Hope, now Appleton, Maine, July 28, 1818- His par- 
ents were John and Polly (Dillaway) Robinson, both of whom were also natives 
of the State of Maine. At the age of twenty years, or in 1838, Thomas J. Robin- 
son came west to Whitehall, Greene County, Illinois, but remained only two 
years, returning to the State of Maine. Five years later he again 
came to this State via the chain of great lakes, Chicago, Joliet, 
LaSalle and the Illinois River, and for two years was en- 
gaged in teaching school in the vicinity of Whitehall. Succeeding this 
he found employment for four or five years as a deputy in the offices of the 
County Treasurer and County Clerk of Greene County. About this time he 
purchased a farm on Rock River near the present town of Hillsdale, and after 
farming upon the same for two years he moved to Port Byron and engaged in 
merchandising and milling. He continued at these occupations until 1853, when 
he removed to Rock Island and assumed charge of the ferry between that city 
and Davenport, Iowa, and continued operating it until his death in 1899, either 
in the capacity of Master of the boat or President of the company. He became 
widely known in this occupation, an old and faithful landmark that will be greatly 
missed. But his active business operations were not confined to the manage- 
ment of the ferry. He engaged in other pursuits among which were the follow- 
ing Rock Island enterprises : A glass company, a quilt manufacturing com- 
pany, a street car company and a watch company. All these various organiza- 
tions gave him abundant opportunity for the exercise of his excellent capacity for 
business. They were not ail assumed at once, but were taken on as the years 
rolled round and his varied business opportunities suggested the wisdom of such 
a course. In 1871 he was one of the leaders in the movement which led to the 
organization of the Rock Island National Bank, taking a large block of its stock 
and becoming its president, which office he Held for many years and until the 
time of his death. His prominence in business, his strict probity, his urbanity 
and fair dealing under all circumstances made him one of the most prominent 
and influential characters in this part of the State. 

In his earlier years he took an active part in politics and was one of the 
strongest of the advocates of anti-slavery principles in his section of the State. 
He was originally a Whig, and following the same tendency he became a Re- 
publican upon the organization of that party, in the ranks of which he was ever 
after to be found. He never lost his interest in politics, but his numerous bus- 
iness occupations so engaged his time in later years that he was unable to take 
an active interest in public affairs. He chose the Whig and the Republican par- 
ties because of his avowed hostility to the aggressions of slavery. He did much 
during the war to facilitate the enlistment of volunteers for the Federal service 
and in other ways to advance the cause of the Union. As chairman of the board 
of supervisors during the war he did everything in his power to influence the 
county to a course of liberality toward the raising of money and the procurement 

586 




^%0^ 





5& 



of supplies to aid the troops. As Rock Island was a central point of great im- 
portance to the army, these efforts were of great usefulness in encouraging en- 
listments and in discouraging the action of the copperheads. Beginning in 1849 
he served two terms as e of the county. He served as delegate to 

al conventions of hi- party was a member of the Methodist church, a 
Mason, becoming a Knight Templar, Everts r ommandery. Xo. 18. 



MORRIS ROSENFIELD. 

Among the many foreigners who have attained distinction and amassed a 
competence in this country is the subject of this sketch. He was born in Mueh- 
ringen, Germany, December 18, 1841, and is the son of Jacob and Ellen Rosen- 
field, respected citizens of that country. He passed his youth in the usual fashion 
of boys of that country, and after completing his education in the high school of 
his native town at the age ::' sixteen years he ::>und himself at liberty to go 
where he wished, his time after that date being his own. He was not satisfied 
with the opportunities afforded young men in his native country, and at last con- 
cluded to cross the ocean to the United States in the hopes of bettering his con- 
dition. He landed a: New York with scarcely a penny to his name, and came 
west to Rock Island receiving some :ce from his uncles. Joseph and 

Mayer, who were engaged in the wholesale hardware business in Rock Island. 
They gave him employment for a considerable length of time as an errand boy 
and assistant in their store. In the meantime he continued his studies, much of 
the time at night, taking up the mastery of English and paying particular atten- 
tion to the form of government under which he had come to live and form a 
part. In this way he soon understood English as well and even better than 
many of the natives, and had become familiar with the fundamental principles 
the government, having thoroughly studied the Constitutions of the United 
States and of the State of Illinois. He made himself so useful to the firm of his 
uncles that after a few years he was taken into the partnership. 

He was industrious, honest, intelligent and faithful to every trust, and ad- 
vanced rapidly in the confidence of his bus:: ess associates Before long, believ- 
ing he saw better chances in other directions, he sold his interest in the store and 
purchased a small wagon and blacksmith repair shop at Moline, 111., and en- 
tered into partnership with J. A. First under the firm name of First & Rosen- 
field. They began the maufacture of wagons on a small scale, having at the start 
only two men employed in the works ; but with all the energy of which he was 
capable and with a fixed determination to succeed he set diligently to work un- 
der many discouragements to build up the factory and to realize something on 
the little capital he had managed to save. The firm thrived, and in the early 

.ties he bought Mi 7:rr: s interest, and took into the partnership Charles 
A. Benson and changed the name of the establishment to The Moline Wagon 
Company. Thus they continued until Mr. Be - n*s leath in 1885. after which 
Mr. Rosenfield continued alone. He steadily increased and expanded the busi- 
adding this and eliminating that, until it stan Is be s a splendid monu- 

ment to his industry, integrity and executive ability, employing ^ :o men. He 
became identified with other branches of business vice-president of the 

First National Bank of Moline, besides being a director and stockholder in many 
other industrial enterprises. He was, of course, president of the Moline Wag 
Company which he had built up and marl Ful. 

From the commencement of his interest in the public affairs of this coun- 
try he affiliated himself with the Republican party, to which he remained faithful 
during the balance of his eventful life. He was not an aspirant for political 
-ring to aid in piloting the party craf harbor and 

cargo. However, he served as delegate to the Republican National Convention 
which nominated James G. Blaine for the Pr and also to the conven- 



*•** w 





589 



tion which nominated Benjamin Harrison for the second term. For a number 
of years he served as chairman of the Rock Island County Republican Club. He 
was an ardent member of the Masonic order and a charter member of the local 
chapter. He was married November 12, 1874, to Miss Julia E. Ottenheimer of 
Cincinnati, Ohio. In August, 1895, he was taken seriously ill and was advised 
to go abroad. There he suffered a relapse and died Jan. 25, 1899, in Germany. 



LEONARD F. ROSS. 

The father of subject was Ossian M. Ross, a native of Duchess County, X. 
Y., and the mother Miss Mary Winans a native of Xew Jersey. They came to 
Illinois in 1820, and to Fulton County in 1821, the father engaging in farming 
and trading with the Indians. He became proprietor of Lewiston, and of 
Havana on the river ten miles distant. He had been a soldier in the war of 
1812, and his grandfather, Capt. Thomas Lee, in the Revolutionary War in sev- 
eral New York organizations. In 1829 Ossian M. Ross removed from Lewis- 
town to Havana, where he engaged extensively in farming, stock raising and 
merchandising. He also kept hotel and operated a ferry across the Illinois 
River, and so continued until his death in January, 1837. 

Leonard F. Ross assisted his father in the various occupations mentioned 
until the latter's death, and the succeeding four years attended the common 
schools of the county, and finally spent one year at Illinois College, Jacksonville. 
He then read law with Davidson & Kellogg, Canton, and was admitted to the bar 
in December, 1844. In 1845 ne began practicing, and in November of the same 
year married Miss Catherine M. Simms, daughter of Col. R. C. Simms of Lewis- 
town. In May, 1846, he enlisted as a private in Company K, Fourth Regiment 
Illinois Volunteers, commanded by Col. E. D. Baker, for the Mexican War, went 
to the front, and on September 4, 1846, was promoted to the First Lieutenantcy 
of his company. He commanded his company at the investment and capture 
of Vera Cruz in March, 1847, an d at the battle of Cerro Gordo three weeks later. 
In January, 1847, ne was the bearer of important dispatches from General Scott 
to Generals Taylor and Paterson, and with an escort of twenty men traversed 
the enemy's country from Matamoras to Victoria, a distance of 300 miles, cov- 
ering the distance in less than six days. He commanded the body-guard of Gen. 
Shields and Col. Baker and Maj. Harris while they made the dangerous recon- 
noissance of the enemy's lines immediately before the battle of Cerro Gordo. In 
June, 1847, he was discharged and came home. 

In August, 1847, ne was elected Probate Justice of Fulton County for two 
years, and was then elected, without opposition, County Clerk for four years- 
Before his term expired he began farming and stock raising south of Lewistov m, 
and was also interested in a mercantile establishment at Ipava, 111. He was a 
delegate to the Democratic National Convention at Baltimore in 1852, and to 
the same at Cincinnati in 1856, working at both Conventions in the interest of 
Stephen A. Douglas. He was present at the Baltimore convention of i860, but 
was not a delegate, and on this occasion many Southern statesmen declared to 
him that "if either Lincoln or Douglas should be elected he would have to make 
his way to the White House through seas of blood, sah ! — seas of blood, sah !" 
whereupon he replied, "Whoever is fairly elected must be the President if he 
does have to go through 'seas of blood.' " 

When the Rebellion broke out lie raised a company at Lewistown and 
tendered it to the Government. It became Company H, of the Seventeenth 
Regiment, and when that regiment was organized he was elected Colonel. He 
at once prepared it for service, and was the first Douglas Democrat to take com- 
mand of a regiment of Illinois soldiers. During 1861 he served mainly in Ken- 
tucky arid Missouri; in 1862 in West Tennessee and Northern Mississippi, and in 
1863 in Arkansas and Mississippi. His record is a part of the record of his 
regiment. After the surrender of Yicksburg and the re-opening of the Missis- 
sipi River, believing the war to be virtually at an end, he resigned and came 

590 





Qj^\ 



h 




591 



home to attend to his private business which had suffered greatly in his absence. 
In 1862 his wife died and he married again to Miss Mary E. Warren of Monroe- 
ville, O. In March. 1866. he settled on a farm near Avon. 111., and for sixteen 
years devoted himself to farming, stock raising and dairying. 

He served as collector of internal revenue for tfirec fears, ran as a Repub- 
lican for Congress in 1868. but was defeated, in 1872 was a delegate to the Na- 
tional Republican convention at Philadelphia, in 1874 was an independent can- 
didate for Congress, but was defeated, and was otherwise very prominent in 
politics. He has given his hearty support to all the Republican candidates for 
the Presidency from Gen. Grant to McKinley. In 1882 he removed to two farms 
near Iowa City. la., and engaged extensively in importing and breeding fine 
stock and dairying. In 1884 he visited England and Scotland to examine the 
fine herds of that country. He has made four trips to California and in one of 
them visited Oregon and Washington. In January. 1898. he visited Florida and 
the Island of Cuba, and while he was in Havana on the 15th of February, the 
Maine was destroyed. Soon afterwards he visited Mexico, reviewing some of 
the scenes of the Mexican War. 

He was the first secretary and afterward the president of the Fulton County 
Agricultural Society. He was one of the promoters and first president of the 
Avon Agricultural Society, and while in Iowa was president of the Red Polled 
Cattle Club of America, for nine years, and served as president of the Johnson 
County Fine Stock Association. He is a Mason, an Odd Fellow, member of the 
G. A. R., Society of the Army of the Tennessee. Loyal Legion. Sons of the Revo- 
lution, and Good Templars. He came from Iowa in 1894 and joined his brother, 
Hon. Lewis W. Ross, and others in organizing the First Xational Bank of Lew- 
istown and served two years as vice-president and president. He has seven 
children living — five sons and two daughters. One son. Frank F.. is a soldier 
in the Philippines, another. Willis W.. is in the gold mines of Alaska, and one 
daughter, Adele, is devoting her life to art. 



ANDREW RUSSEL. 

Andrew Russel. the eldest son of William and Emily Gallaher Russel. was 
born June 17. 1856, in Jacksonville. Morgan County, Illinois, where he received 
his education in the public schools and at Illinois College. At the age of 
eighteen, he began his business career as bookkeeper. — afterward teller in the 
Jacksonville Xational Bank, where he remained until December. 1890. leaving 
there to become a member of the new banking firm of Dunlap. Russel & Co.. 
which started in business Januarv 1, 1891. In 1887, for the first time in the his- 
tory of the city, the treasurer was chosen by election. Andrew Russel being the 
successful candidate, — which office he has held four times. 

His grandfather. Doctor Andrew Russel, a surgeon of Glasg Scotland, 
removed with his family to Illinois in 1834. Espousing the cause of the Whigs ; 
at the formation of the Republican party in 1856. he naturally became one of its 
founders : holding so strictly to its political principles to the time of his death. 
in 1 86 1, that not one of his descendants has ever departed from his teachings. 
The maternal grandfather. Rev. William Green Gallaher, a Presbyterian min- 
ister, came to Illinois from Tennessee about 1830. Both grandfathers having 
always opposed slavery showed their political principles by prominent connection 
with the Underground Railway. The father. William Russel. one of the oldest 
and most esteemed citizens of Jacksonville, has. with his sons, — lived up to the 
religious and political principles of the family, being both a Presbyterian and a 
Republican. 

The subject of this sketch has been a member of the County Central Com- 
mittee several times : Chairman of the City Central Committee : was candidate 
for Circuit Clerk in 1888. being defeated by a majority of twenty-three in a 
strongly Democratic County : and is the present candidate for State Senator from 
the Thirty-fourth District. He is also a prominent member of the Independent 

592 




QAA.d^UK^^O^- 



593 



Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen of America; 
one of the trustees of the Jacksonville Public Library and a member of the Art 
Association. 

In 1 89 1 Andrew Russel was married to Clara, daughter of Rufus Putman 
Robbins of Cairo. Illinois. They with their five children reside at present in 
Jacksonville. For cleanness of life and sterling integrity, both socially and polit- 
ically. Andrew Russel has never been questioned. 



WILLIAM RUSSEL. 

William Russel of Jacksonville, Illinois, is a native of Scotland. He was 
born in the year 1823 at Whiteclough. in the parish of Crawford-John. He is 
one of the two surviving sons of the late Dr. Andrew Russel and Agnes Scott 
Russel. When he was but a few years old the family removed to Rothsay, on 
the beautiful and picturesque Isle of Butte, where they lived until their removal, 
in 1834. to the United States- In those early days the trip across the Atlantic 
Ocean was not what it is to-day on the splendid steamships that cross the ocean 
in a week. Dr. Russel and his family made the trip across the Atlantic in a 
sailing vessel- They came West by canal boat and stage, and at the end of a 
slow and tedious journey arrived in Morgan County, and settled about ten 
miles southeast of Jacksonville, where the doctor entered a large tract of land 
and pursued the business of farming. This land, well improved, remained in 
the possession of the family until a recent date. Dr. Russel was a man of fine 
education, had graduated at the medical college of Edinburgh and began his 
professional career as a surgeon in the British Army, after which he prac- 
ticed medicine and surgery in Glasgow, Scotland, in partnership with Dr. Burns, 
a member of the Burns family, founders of the Cunard Steamship line. On 
coming to this country. Dr. Russel gave up the practice of medicine on ac- 
count of ill health and turned his attention to farming. He was a public spir- 
ited man, anxious to see the country developed. He was one of the large 
original stockholders of the Jacksonville. Alton & St. Louis Railroad, now the 
Chicago & Alton Railroad. In politics he was a Whig. He was an anti- 
slavery man, and was in sympathy with what was known as the "Underground 
Railway." He never refused shelter and aid to a slave fleeing north for his 
freedom. Mrs. Russel, his mother, whose maiden name was Agnes Scott, be- 
longed to a prominent old Scotch family, and was a first cousin of the Right 
Honorable William E. Gladstone. 

The education of William Russel, the subject of this sketch, was begun 
in a school in Rothsay. and completed under a private tutor in this country. 
After having spent a few years on his father's farm, in 1849 ne came to Jack- 
sonville and took a position in Gillett's dry goods store. Two years later, he 
and his brother Andrew opened a retail store for the sale of dry goods and 
general merchandise, from which he retired in 1888. In 1891 he became one 
of the partners in the banking house of Dunlap, Russel & Co- He married 
Emily Gallaher, daughter of the late Rev. William Green Gallaher and Sarah 
Kautz Gallaher. in the year 1853. Rev. William Gallaher, a Presbyterian min- 
ister, was born and raised in Tennessee and came to Illinois in its early set- 
tlement. In politics he was a Whig. He was especially interested and very 
active in the "Underground Railway." Andrew Russel, the eldest son of Wil- 
liam Russel, is one of the partners in the banking house of Dunlap, Russel & 
Co.; William G. is a farmer: James G., a Presbyterian minister, and Thomas 
Scott holds a position in the bank. Of the six daughters, four are engaged 
in teaching: Jane and Margaret in the School for the Deaf, at Philadelphia; 
Mary, in Oklahoma ; and Elizabeth in the public schools at Jacksonville, while 
Catherine and Isabel are at home. 

Mr. Russel is a strict Presbyterian, having been brought up in that church 
from earliest infancy. He has been an elder in the Westminster Presbyterian 
Church at Jacksonville during its entire history. He has been a Republican 

594 



: 







/5s^; ^-^ /^^<f 



595 



since the beginning of the party, previous to which time he was a Whig. He 
voted for the hrst Republican candidate for President. He was one of the 
original stockholders of the "Young Ladies' Athenaeum" of this city, and also 
of the Jacksonville Gas Company. He is a constant reader and is a great 
Bible and history student. Is tall, slender, with brown hair and clear blue 
eyes He is the typical Scotchman in appearance, as well as in character and dis- 
position. The influence of his life, his diligence, firmness, benevolence, unright- 
nesSj and kindness, have been felt by all those who have come in contact with 
him- 



GEORGE A. SANDERS. 

The West is full of men of Eastern birth, ancestry and education, who 
have distinguished themselves in public affairs, and among them is the sub- 
ject of this sketch. He was born July 4, 1836. in YVilliamstown. Mass.. his 
parents being Anthony and Celinda B. Sanders, both of whom were of English 
descent. The father was a thrifty farmer, and to himself and wife were born 
a family of fourteen children, eleven of whom grew to maturity. Subject first 
attended the town schools and later entered Wliliams College, and. taking the 
regular classical course, was duly graduated with distinction and with the de- 
gree of Master of Arts. While thus securing an education he contracted debts 
which he afterward paid by teaching school. 

Leaving college in 1861 he soon afterward came to Centralia. Illinois, 
where he was employed as principal and in grading the common and high 
schools of that city. While thus engaged, though the work was difficult and 
exacting, he found time to commence his legal studies by mastering the lead- 
ing text-books on the fundamental principles of law. and after his work in 
bringing the local schools up to a high degree of success had been brought 
to a gratifying finality, he entered the office of Sweet & Orme. of Bloom- 
ington. 111., then one of the most distinguished firm of lawyers in the State, 
and continued in a more thorough and systematic manner to still further per- 
fect himself in the law. He was examined regarding his legal requirements 
by a committee appointed by the Supreme Court and was duly licensed in 
December. 1863. to practice in the courts of the State. Later he was licensed 
to practice in the L'nited States District and Circuit Courts, and in 1881 he 
was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of the L'nited States. He first 
formed a partnership for practice at Centralia with Hon. Richard Xelson. and 
after the latter's death became associated with Gen. Erastus X. Bates, at the 
same place, and so continued until 1868. when the latter was elected State 
Treasurer- Mr. Sanders served under Gen. Bates for two terms as Assistant 
State Treasurer, and was continued in the same position by his successor, Hon. 
Edward Rutz. for two years. 

From the organization of the party he had been a strong and unflinching 
Republican, and since reaching manhood had taken great interest in the suc- 
his party. He had a liking and a special fitness for the uncertain 
game of politics, and his position of Assistant State Treasurer had brought 
him wide acquaintance in Illinois and an intimate knowledge of its political 
affairs. He was therefore brought forward by his friends before the Repub- 
lican State Convention for State Treasurer, but failed to secure the nomination 
by three votes. He served as City Attorney and as Elector of the Republican 
ticket in 1872. but aside from these positions has preferred and confined him- 
self to the practice of his profession. However, he still continues to take 
great interest in the success of Republicanism, and has taken an active part 
as an effective speaker in every State and Xational campaign. 

Mr. Sanders is a great student of art. science and general literature : has 
made many contributions to the current literature of the day on those topics. 
and has written several books which are of great interest on the subjects 
discussed. He has traveled much over the country and is familiar with our 

596 




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597 



social and political surroundings an H 

and was one of the organizers the Authors Qui oi S\ rirjgfieldL He has 

served as dir greg inarch choir of Springfield for 

thirty consecutive years. Ass riated with Mm in the practice of law have heen 
Frank R. Williams, Ralph W. Hayn.es and W. R. Bowt .- .-. . - 

large in the line of railroad ; rpo ration 

of a satisfactory and profitable character. He is a member 5tate and 

National rasa rfeg . the convention of the latter 

at Detroit in 18^7. In College Ferred upon him the d-. 

of Doctor of La 5 



NATHANIEL C. SEA? E 

Judge Sears was born at Gallipo.:- \ August 1 } -_ 
xt Nc 2465 Kenmore Avenue. Chicago. III. K.- -:-.:-- 

tionary stock. His great grandfather - : : vet . : eve 

and served under Washington: his father A~: • - : . :.- -. :■: Ver- 

mont is was Ens mother. Susan A. Davis. They married^ came west rrtttted 
at Elgin. 111., and resided there for nu rs '..: >ear? 

the academy of that place Mrs Sears c jsnrnent in educational and 

benevolent work. These good .. - are sfi ngandrr- - eh the Jndge 

m Chicago. 

Judge Sears, as it wi 
for acquiring an education- H 7 1 through his father's academy at KTgnm, 

studied at Knox College, and at .Amherst e :-ed the mm--:- :: Berlin,. 
Germany, and studied there for some :. .. finally e,rie 

i :he class of 1875 ~- T received :he iegree :: A V :: 
::~~ and the degree :: UL. D. in 187&. 

After completing has ies Zhkagc He had no ac- 

quaintances here, and without introduction, immediately went to work seeking- 
a position as law clerk with good firm, and was employed in the law 

office of William H. King, a practitioner of high repute at that day- Remain- 
ing with Mr. King for one ye ; rl the necessai examination 
before the Supreme Court of Illin • ? ■? : - e .-. 
once entered into a partnership with I s 1 3 ; Adams, under trie firm name of 
Sears & Adams and began the practice Trie busi: me firm grew 
and in a short time Mr. Lieb's na : : . ■ :.- £rn: :::. v.- Mr ^-ar- 
continued the active and 5 : law. In iSSi r upon a dissolution 
of the old firm, he continued the business name € S 
and later on. in 1887. the firm was changed to 
Arend. 

Air. Sears was electe 2 - oerior Cc art Took Conn: 

" and was s 'tidge of the Appellate Court 

oi the first district of Illinois - 

of law, while Judge Sears . 'levoted his attention al- 

most entirely to the trial practice, and ha- rrninently • -VuL He was 

the principal counsel for the dense in man" .-."". ses As an achro- 

men at the Chicago Bar have been - : c ~ e : : b ■ e and so suceessfuL 

In g has been a Republican from his majority. His 

father was retired from the political field he 

naturally identified himself wit the Republican par :hainel C. Sears, 

ther tlrrough the early teachings of his father. 

He took an active part in the political campaign of 1884, making: a number of 
r Blaine and Logan. In 1897 Jndge Sears was nominate*! 
by the Republic:. Candida Chicago. In that campaign 

arty, unfortunat ■ the Democratic party was solid for 

their candidal 
in th r J. Irving Pier g :-n Hesing and John M. Har- 





xV^vu^i^ C . &l 



CjlA* 



IV— ^ 



599 



Ian. As a result of this division, judge Sears was defeated. Judge Sears has 
never been a candidate for any other political office. 

Judge Sears is a member of the Union League, Hamilton, University, and 
Marquette Clubs. He is a Mason, Knight Templar, Shriner, and an Odd Fel- 
low; in all these clubs and societies he takes a deep interest. He served for 
one year as president of the Congregational Club ; is a member of the law 
faculty of the Northwestern University; has been president of the Amherst 
College Alumni Association, and of the D. K. E. Alumni Association. He is 
a member and trustee of the North Shore Congregational Church. 

While devoted to the duties of the bench, the Judge has a warm side for 
the sports of the field and stream, and is noted for his success in bringing 
down big game and catching trout in the streams of the Rocky Mountains. 
Nathaniel C. Sears was married May 26, 1887, at Elgin, 111., to Laura Raymond 
Davidson, daughter of Orlando Davidson, well known as one of the early set- 
tlers of Illinois, and as a man of strong, sterling character, and a leader in 
Republican politics in his county from the organization of the party. Mrs. 
Sears was educated at Vassar, and is a lady of rare intellectual and social char- 
acter. She is not excelled by her husband in fondness for fishing and hunting. 
Judge and Mrs. Sears have an elegant home and a wide circle of friends- 



NICHOLAS SENN. 

Dr. Nicholas Senn is a native of Eastern Switzerland. He was born in 
the Canton of St. Gaul, Oct. 31, 1834. His father was a farmer, and when 
Nicholas was eight years of age he came to America for the purpose of giving 
his family the greater advantages of the United States. He settled in Wash- 
ington County, Wis. Young Senn attended the district schools, where he ac- 
quired his earlier education. He also attended the grammar school at Fond 
du Lac, from which he graduated with honor. He taught school for several 
years, and in 1864, under the encouragement and tutelage of Dr. Munk, of 
Fond du Lac, began the study of medicine. Two years later Mr. Senn came 
to Chicago and entered the Chicago Medical College, from which he grad- 
uated with honor in 1868. He was appointed as resident physician to the Cook 
County Hospital, upon a competitive examination, and served a year and a 
half. After leaving the service of the Cook County Hospital, he removed to 
Ashford, Fond du Lac County, in 1869, and entered upon the practice of his 
profession, where he remained five years. 

Seeking a wider field for his life work, he removed to Milwaukee, and 
soon became attending physician to the Milwaukee Hospital. Dr. Senn's 
practice was largely confined to surgery, and he became greatly in demand in 
important cases- He was either attending or consulting surgeon in nearly all 
the important cases of the county, and his reputation as a surgeon extended 
throughout the Northwest. The doctor continued in Milwaukee for a number 
of years. In 1878, animated by a desire to have the experience of foreign 
investigation and study, he went abroad, and studied for a year in the Uni- 
versity of Munich, from which institution he received the degree of M. D. 
Upon his return to the United States, he was elected by the College of Physi- 
cians and Surgeons to the chair of Practice of Surgery, and Clinical Surgery, 
which he held for three years, after which he accepted the chair of Principles 
of Surgery in Rush Medical College. Since 1891 he has ocupied the chair of 
Practice of Surgery and Clinical Surgery. 

His field of usefulness became broader and broader. He is professor of 
surgery in the Chicago Polyclinic, attending surgeon to the Presbyterian Hos- 
pital, and Surgeon-in-Chief at St. Joseph's Hospital. He has served as Presi- 
dent of the American Medical Association, is ex-President of the American 
Surgical Association ; an Honorary Fellow in the College of Physicians (Phila- 
delphia) ; a life member of the German Congress of Surgeons ; a correspond- 

600 





601 



ing member of the Harveian Society (London) : and Honorary Member of 
La Academie de la Medicina de Mexico ; an Honorary Member of the D. 

Hayes Agnew Surgical Society (Philadelphia) : a member of the British Medi- 
cal Association, and of the prominent national, state and local societies. Dr. 
Senn is also Surgeon General of the National Guard of Illinois, ex-president 
of the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States, and in the late 
Spanish-American War was Chief Surgeon of the United States Volunteers 
and Chief of operating staff with the army in the held. He received official 
recognition from the War Department for meritorious service in surgical work 
during the Cuban campaign and for scientific study of typhoid fever among 
the troops. A mere mention of Dr. Semi's publications will indicate to some 
extent their scope and value. Among them are the following, all of which are 
accepted, not only in America, but also in Europe: "Principles of Surgerv." 
"Experimental Surgery." "Tuberculosis of the Bones and Joints." "Surgical 
Bacteriology.'" "Intestinal Surgery," "The Pathology and Treatment of Tu- 
mors," and "Tuberculosis of the Genito-Urinary "Organs." At present he is 
engaged on a voluminous work entitled "Practical Surgery." 

Dr- Senn has conferred a lasting beneht on Chicago and the West gen- 
erally by bis presentation to the Xewberry Library of the famous Senn col- 
lection of rare medical works. A large share of them were gathered by him- 
self, but the most valuable portion of them constituted at one time the library 
of the celebrated Dr. William Baum. late professor of surgerv in the Uni- 
versity of Gottingen. and one of the founders of the German Congress of Sur- 
geons. This collection of rare books, the result of half a century of careful 
accumulation, were saved from the fate of a public auction by Dr. Senn. and 
were donated, together with his own extensive library, to the Xewberry 
Library. where they are separately shelved and catalogued and known as the 
"Senn Collection." Recently he purchased and presented to the Xewberry 
Library, the library of the famous physiologist. Du Bois Raymond, of Berlin. 
Germany. Dr. Senn has received recognition for his great attainments in medi- 
cine and surgery, and is noted as an M. D., LL. D.. and Ph. D. Dr. Senn is a 
resident of Chicago. 



ALBERT LAVINGTON SERCOMB. 

Albert L. Sercomb is a man whose native abilities have elevated him to 
the first rank among business men in this country. He is of pleasing address 
and knows how to gain and retain the friendship of all with whom he comes 
in contact. He has just attained his majority as manager of the Western 
branch of the Meriden Britannia Company, for it was in 1878. a little over 
tweuty-011 : years ago, that he came to Chicago from Xew York, where he 
had held a position with the same company from 1875- He has now been ap- 
pointed general manager of the International Silver Co.. which is comprised 
of sixteen of the largest silver companies in the United States. Mr. Sercomb 
was born in Milwaukee. Wisconsin. August 22, 1847, mit * s ot " English ancestry, 
his parents, John and Emma Sercomb. both being natives of that country, the 
former born in Exeter and the latter in Yeovil. Soon after their marriage 
Mr. and Mrs. Sercomb crossed the ocean to America and settled in Milwaukee. 
where they were among that city's pioneers. John Sercomb established the 
first foundry and machine shops in Wisconsin, and was an active and enter- 
prising business man. He was an ardent Democrat until the formation of the 
Republican party, when he. like many others of the Democratic party, used 
all ln's exertions to elect John S. Fremont, the first nominee of the Republican 
party for President. From that time up to his death he remained a staunch 
Republican. Much of the push and energy of this most worthy man has de- 
scended to his son. Albert L. The latter received his scholastic training in 
the public schools of Milwaukee and then, while still comparatively young, en- 
tered upon a clerkship in the commission house of Thomas Whitney, then the 
president of the Board of Trade. 

602 





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When the call tor volunteers came in the early sixties, young Sercomb was 
filled with a patriotic desire to aid his country, and nothing could prevent him 
from enlisting. He was really too young to be eligible, but he succeeded in 
joining the ranks of the 30th Wisconsin Volunteers and served most faithfully in 
the ranks- After the war he returned to Milwaukee and entered upon a clerk- 
ship in a commission house. A few years later he purchased an interest in the 
crockery business, which was known as Sanford & Sercomb, and met with more 
than the ordinary share of success. However, he sold out his interests and 
went to Xew York as a general salesman tor the large dry-goods house of S. B. 
Chittenden & Co. At the end of three years he was obliged to give up his 
position on account of ill health and later he associated himself with the Meriden 
Britannia Companv, which is the largest silver-plating establishment in the 
world. With this he has remained, as manger of the Western business, for the 
past twenty-five years. 

Among fellow jewelers at Chicago he is well known and well liked. He has 
been president of the Chicago Jewelers' Association, and was chairman of the 
Reception Committee appointed for the last banquet. Socially, he is a member 
of the Masonic Fraternity, having joined that order when twenty-one years old, 
and has gone up the ladder, attaining some of the highest degrees. He became 
a member of the Grand Army of the Republic in 1866, and is now a member of 
Columbia Post Xo. 176, Chicago. Mr. Sercomb is a man of many clubs. He 
has been president of the North Shore Club, is a member of the Union League 
Club, the Citizens' Commercial Association and the Marquette Club. He is an 
extensive traveler, having been all over the United States from the Atlantic to 
the Pacific, and has also traveled abroad through the British Isles, France, 
Germany, Belgium and Holland. He selected his wife in the person of Miss 
Georgia Adams, a native of Westport, Conn., and their marriage was celebrated 
in Xew York. Mr. and Mrs- Sercomb are the parents of two sons, Albert 
Adams and Henry Hiland Sercomb, the former taking his college course at Wil- 
liams College, Williamstown, Mass., and the latter his preparatory course at 
St. Paul's School, Concord, New Hampshire. 



ELIJAH B. SHERMAN. 

Elijah B. Sherman of Chicago, is well known in the city and throughout the 
State, his conspicuous services in the Legislature, to which he was elected in 
1876, and again in 1878, and his close connection with the Circuit Court of the 
United States in Chicago during the past twenty-one years as Master in Chan- 
cery, have brought him in contact with most of the prominent men of Illinois and 
adjoining States. During his service in the first Session of the Legislature to 
which he was elected, he was Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, and being 
familiar with the over-loaded condition of the Supreme Court docket, and the 
importance of relieving the pressure of the Judges of that Court, he assisted 
largely in securing the passage of the act establishing Appellate Courfs through- 
out the State. This law has met with universal approval, and brought the relief 
so much needed to the Supreme Court. During his second term, Mr. Sherman 
was Chairman of the Committee on Corporations, and was also a memebr of the 
Judiciary Committee. The re-organization of the Illinois National Guard, and 
the establishment of an improved military code, was largely promoted by his 
efforts. As a recognition of these important services he was commissioned 
Judge Advocate of the first Brigade, with the rank of Lieuteant Colonel, and 
served in that position until 1884. Mr. Sherman was appointed Chief Super- 
visor of Elections for the Northern District of Illinois, by Judge Drummand in 
1884. The elections held in Chicago in 1884, 1888, 1890, and 1892, were super- 
vised by him. The impartiality and fairness with which he performed the im- 
portant duties of this position gave entire satisfaction to the managers v of both 
great political parties, and drew from them expressions of hearty commend- 
ation. 

604 



0% 





60S 



Mr. Sherman was born June 18, 1832, on his father's farm at Fairfield, Ver- 
mont. His ancestors were among the earliest English settlers in America. He 
is a descendant of Rev. John Sherman, who came with Capt. John Sherman, his 
cousin, the one was also the ancestor of those distinguished men, General W. T. 
Sherman and Senator John Sherman, the other was the ancestor of Roger Sher- 
man, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Air. Sherman's father was 
Elias H. Sherman, a substantial citizen of Vermont. His mother, Clarissa 
( Willmarth) Sherman, was a grand-daughter of Rev. Peter Wordan, a patriot 
and preacher of distinction, whose services are duly recorded in the early his- 
tories of Massachusetts and Vermont. Until he reached his majority, Mr. Sher- 
man resided with his parents on a farm, and divided his time between cultiva- 
ting the soil and obtaining an education. His ambitions and experiences dur- 
ing this period may be said to be the same as other intelligent and ambitious 
Xew England boys. 

After reaching the age of manhood he was employed for a year in a drug 
store at Brandon, then for the purpose of fitting himself for college, he attended 
Brandon Seminary for a year, and Burr Seminary, at Manchester. In 1856 he 
entered Biddlebury College, and during his course taught school part of the 
time to defray his expenses. He was a fine student and stood high among his 
fellows. He graduated with honors in i860, he then taught school at South 
Woodstock, and in 1861 he was appointed Principal of Brandon Seminary, of 
which five years previously he had been a student. As an evidence of the es- 
timation in which Mr. Sherman has been held by his Alma Mater, he was se- 
lected to deliver the address of honor for Commencement week, and in 1883 re- 
ceived from the College a rarely bestowed honor, namely: the degree of LL. D. 

In May. 1862, when the Civil War was raging, Mr. Sherman enlisted in 
Company "C," 9th Regiment, Vermont Infantry Volunteers, and was commis- 
sioned Lieutenant. His regiment met with the great misfortune of being cap- 
tured by the Confederate Army, at Harper's Ferry, Va., in September, 1862. 
These prisoners of war were shortly afterwards paroled by the Confederate Gen- 
eral, and reaching the Union lines were sent to Camp Douglas, Chicago, to 
await an exchange of prisoners. After reaching Chicago, Mr. Sherman decided 
to enter the legal profession; in January, 1863, he resigned his commission in the 
army, and at once entered the law department of the University of Chicago. 
Here he devoted himself assiduously to his studies and graduated in 1864, was 
admitted to the Bar by the Supreme Court of the State, and at once entered upon 
the practice of his profession. Mr. Sherman soon acquired a good practice, and 
established a substantial reputation of being an able lawyer in the preparation 
and the trial of his cases, and an eloquent and forceful advocate in presenting 
them to both courts and juries. Mr. Sherman became a successful corporation 
lawyer ; he was employed by the Auditor of State to institute proceedings against 
a number of irresponsible insurance companies conducting business in violation 
of law. These prosecutions were carried forward with so much vigor and suc- 
cess that a number of the companies abandoned their business. Some of the 
cases, however, were taken to the Supreme Courts of the State and the United 
States where decisions were rendered sustaining the laws providing for the 
exercise of State control over corporations. 

Mr. Sherman was a resident of Chicago at the time of the great fire in 1871. 
He immediately grasped the immensity of the catastrophe, and the need of 
prompt relief; while the fire was still raging, Mr- Sherman issued a call to the 
Odd Fellows of the United States for assistance. The response was immediate 
and generous. A Committee, of which he was the Secretary, distributed $125,- 
000 thus raised, to the victims of the fire. Mr. Sherman is a Republican in 
politics, thoroughly versed in and earnestly devoted to the principles of the 
party. Mr. Sherman was one of the founders of the Illinois Bar Association, 
in 1877, was its President in 1882, and delivered the annual address. He is also 
a member of the American Bar Association and for several years has been one of 
its Vice Presidents. He is a member of the Union League Club, Grand Army of 
the Republic, Veteran Club, and the Illinois Commandery of the Loyal Legion. He 
is a 32nd degree Mason, a member of William B. Warren Lodge, Chicago Com- 
mandery and Oriental Consistory, also a member of the Odd Fellows Fraternity, 

606 




Illinois Association of the Sons of Vermont, of which he has been President, the 
Oakland and Saracen Clubs, and has been President of the National Association 
of the Delta Epsilon Fraternity. 

Mr. Sherman is a man of fine literary culture and taste- He is a popular 
speaker, and his addresses are always interesting and instructive. Mr. Sherman 
was married to Hattie G. Lovering, daughter of S. M. Lovering of Iowa Falls, in 
1866. Mrs. Sherman is a lady of intelligence and education; in social life she 
is popular and exerts a beneficial influence. Mr. and Mrs- Sherman have one 
son, Bernis W. ; he entered Middlebury College in 1886, graduated in 1890, 
studied law in the Northwestern University College of Law, and was admitted to 
the Bar in 1892. 

WILLIAM SOMERVILLE. 

€apt. William Somerville was born at Hollidaysburg, Pa., August 15, 1837. 
His father, James Somerville, of Scotch-Irish descent, was born at the same 
place, May 26, 1800. His mother, Susan Stover Somerville, was born near 
Frederick, Md., in 1809. She was of Dutch descent. Capt. Somerville was 
raised on his father's farm, and was engaged in the business of farming until 1861. 
He received an excellent English education in the common schools of Illinois. 

When the civil war broke out, he decided to do his part in the suppression 
of the rebellion.' On May 9, 1861, he enlisted in Co. "D," 16th Illinois Volun- 
teer Infantry, and was mustered into the service as a Sergeant, May 24. The 
regiment had a brief service in North Missouri in 1861, chasing Guerillas- In 
January, 1862, the regiment was ordered to Cairo, 111., where it formed a part of 
General Pope's army. The regiment was engaged in the movement against 
Island No. 10, New Madrid, and Tiptonville, and later in the siege of Corinth. 
The regiment garrisoned at Tuscumbia, Ala., until Sept., 1862, when it was 
transferred to the Army of the Cumberland, and marched to Nashville, forming 
a part of the garrison of that place until July, 1863. The regiment was sta- 
tioned at Bridegport in September. The regiment re-enlisted as Veterans 
December 23, 1863, and upon their return from Veteran Furlough was assigned 
to the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 14th Army Corps, then at Rossville, Ga., and 
remained in this organization until the close of the war. Thfs regiment be- 
came a part of the great army of Georgia, which under the leadership of General 
Sherman fought its way to, and captured Atlanta, pursued General Hood when 
he marched Northward, made the great march to the sea, captured Savannah, 
and in January, 1865, entered upon the campaign of the Carolinas, which brought 
about the final surrender of General Johnston's army. Capt. Somerville was 
promoted to 2nd Lieutenant December 7, 1861, 1st Lieutenant, September 7, 
1862, and Captain, December 31, 1864. He participated in all the campaigns of 
his regiment, and on March 19, 1865, at the battle of Bentonville, North Caro- 
lina, was severely wounded. This ended his military career. His resignation 
was accepted May 9, 1865, on account of wounds received in battle. Just four 
years to a day from his enlistment. Capt. Somerville was a thoroughly com- 
petent man for the command of troops, took care of his men, maintained dis- 
cipline, inspired his soldiers with coolness and courage, and was ever ready to 
perform the most arduous service- Entering as a private, he was four times pro- 
moted, leaving the service with a Captain's commission, with the capacity and 
experience to command a regiment. 

On May 1, 1865, before Capt. Somerville' s resignation was accepted, he was 
tendered the office of Deputy Collector of Internal Revenue, by Collector Jackson 
Grimshaw. The Captain accepted this position, and remained in the service 
of the Quincy Collection District for ten years, under Collectors Grimshaw, 
Cahill, and Tilson. He was then appointed Chief Clerk in the office of the 
Supervisor of Internal Revenue at Springfield ; he held this position about two 
months, and was appointed Revenue Agent by Commissioner Pratt. In May, 
1876, he resigned the office of Revenue Agent to accept the office of Chief Clerk 
in the Chicago Internal Revenue Office, under Collector J. D. Harvey. On 
November 28, 1878, Capt. Somerville was appointed Revenue Agent by Commis- 

607 



sioner Raum. and held that position until October. 1883, when he was appointed 
Chief Clerk of the Bureau of Internal Revenue at Washington, D. C. which he 
held until July 5. 1885. He was re-appointed by Commissioner Miller as 
Revenue Agent and performed the duties of that office until January. 1893. when 
he retired from the Internal Revenue service to engage in private business. 
Capt. Somerville served almost twenty-eight years in the Internal Revenue Serv- 
ice, under Commissioners Lewis. Orton. Rollins. Delano. Pleasanton. Douglas, 
Pratt. Raum, Evans. Miller, and Mason, and by all of these Commissioners he 
was recognized as a man of splendid ability, of sound judgment, an earnest 
worker, and of undoubted integrity. He is now Superintendent of the Illinois 
Soldiers and Sailors Home at Quincy ; he was appointed to this position by Gov- 
ernor Tanner soon after his inauguration. It is needless to say that he is per- 
forming the duties of this office with intelligence and fidelity, and to the satisfac- 
tion of the Governor and the Board of Trustees. 

Capt. William Somerville was married January 28. 1864. at Eaton. O.. to 
Helen If- Alexander. Mrs, Somerville died April 10. 1871. leaving two children, 
James A. Somerville, now employed with the C.. B. & O. R. R. at St. Louis, and 
a daughter. Carrie Somerville. who still resides at her father's house. Capt. 
Somerville was married a second time to Mary J. Thompson, his present wife. 
It will be seen that Capt. Somerville has been a very busy man from his early 
manhood, and has been constantly occupied with important business for the gov- 
ernment, but he has not neglected his other duties as a citizen. In politics he 
has always been a Republican. He supported Abraham Lincoln in i860, cast 
his first Presidential vote that year, and has been an earnest and influential Re- 
publican to the present time. Capt. Somerville is a man of good social qualities ; 
he is a member of the Masonic bodies, and of the Grand Army of the Republic, 
and is at present Commander of John Wood Post Xo. 96. at Quincy, 111. 



ABNER SMITH. 

This distinguished member of the Chicago bar was born at Orange, in the 
Old Bay State. August 4, 1843. anr l was reared and educated at Middlebury, 
Vermont, whither his parents had removed when he was a lad. He supple- 
mented the usual town education with a full collegiate course at the college in 
Middlebury, from which fa - graduated with distinction in 1866. He taught 

school for a year, and in 1867 came to Chicago, which city was then full of 
possibilities for young and enterprising men. Determined upon pursuing the 
profession of law. he entered the office of J. L. Stark, and under his guidance 
took a full course of study and was duly admitted to the bar. He was first 

viated in the practice with his instructor under the firm name of Stark & 
Smith, which partnership was continued to the advantage of both until the death 
- ark. after which Mr. Smith continued the practice alone, winding up the 
affairs of the firm and settling his deceased partner's estate. He continued 
alone until 1877. when he formed a partnership with J- M- H. Burgett. under the 
firm name of Smith & Burgett. which relation was sustained until 1887. By this 
time Mr. Smith had become one of the foremost lawyers in the city, indeed, in 
the West- He was a hard student, not only m the law. but in all fields of sci- 
ence, literature and art. He believed that law, the most learned of all the pro- 
- - should be rounded out with the widest learning on all subjects: that a 

-:r could not know too much, and that every item of knowledge thus ac- 
cuired could be good advantage in active practice. He has thus from 

that day to this stored his mind with an incredible amount of useful information 
on countless subjects, and has thus earned the reputation of being one of the 

• erudite of the great jurists of Chicago. He has gathered around him a 
library of general and useful knowledge second to but few in the State of Illinois. 
The result of all this earnest study and investigation Has been to place him on the 

of the most cultured scholars, as well as jurists, in the central part of the 

United Sr 

After the dissolution of the partnership of Smith & Burgett. Mr. Smith con- 
tinued the practice alone and soon had a large clientage which yielded him a 

608 






609 



satisiactoiy revenue. Manx of the most important cases of that day were placed 
- - H: 7 t ■.:■.-. 7 - - - ■ . - £ - - - .- .:■'-. - si Tin coun- 

- rtors in the adjudication of 

- - - ; t Known became his purity and 

.-■-''-_ .._;.:- :ch he had always 

been an active and carmen member, selected him for a arc: z - -hip. a fitting 

recognition of Ins sterling reputation and professional qio if ns. He was 

- - .. - :t::".1" I'd enthusiastic campaign in the fall 

: - : : - - - - - ■ - t : - — : : . . : oo if « in December of the same 

:i; C:o ■■- :« _ : - . : : r_: = stir: - : : .:: - ::' ::: o: _oo:.o it:::. : ::o: z:-? : -_t 1 = 
: r : : : :± o. o: o o . . o - '-" - : : o . . : 1 '. i :o :::: : :o : ' ". : o: : ::::trr:"o :.:. 
aMEtr of its JHsdlges. This popnlarity is due to his nnif orm fairness and impar- 
tiality to 'Opposing ommsel, to Ins marvelous capacity of reaching correct con- 
::".s::-r_; :: : . : : ::...- :e.L:oo::to :r. r-.r. oo:o : :o: .-\ :o =:r:::l; :.:•::: :::t_r :::'::• 
rzzzz: . .- ;: " :i : z i o n. He is a magnetic and a 

- ■■•■-• :i "z~zz - tndships and rare conxersational powers. 
"! z '. root: - :o»: ::t ~ : • _::_:: t: .:: r_:irr_igt -•-:::: ICo -. o I ." :::.::: o:o> 
:t: :: Sot:,: 5r__ :: ::::::::i:: Vt:::oo. 



7? ZDERICK A. SMITH. 

::i: "to::, oo may possess m did dually, or how fortunate he 
:: ::to:o o:.:.o:.oo :::o:to :: ::.: Or: o o o:ot: : :_o 
: a] :o:: T:: t . - ; o :.:.--. ?n demands a high order of ability 
::':l::.: . t o ; o . : ::::::.:e and industry. The suc- 
. : : .: : o ::o otr.: _: irt o o: :: : : ::_!- oooo i :: r_:r:t ::t ::.-:"" t 
t s: 7:7 ;: _.~or:oo:o7 ::: :o -o.ro -.0 ool::::.o::o o: 10: 
■-. ■ - i ■ 0-0:17:7::. ation that will enable him to cope with 

- z zzz: z - _ 7 .- : 00 :o : . " 7 . : . : t :t : mined with accuracy the points of law. 
: - ;.:- . :::o. 00: : o qualities are characteristic of the 
:::o.::: :o::: :: r.oo.-.o _-_ S "::::: "00 st 00:00 ::o-ll- 0:0 t:oo""- 

7 o : .0 - 1: rd him prestige among Chicago lawyers, and today he is num- 
0-7: ::: 0:0 00 :. 00000 :o 00:0007 1:07:0 o :: 0000: _LL::oo 

Mr. Smith mas born in Xorwood Pa:.- o: County. Illinois, February 11, 

1 o . ■ : : o. o looi - ::.d Susan P. (Pennoyer) Smith, both of whom 

7-7 " -;:.:.-: 7:: o o ::.: :: 00 7: ::: ::o .00 7 o 1 "t" Too: 1:: i 00 0:0: 

: 0:000: - 7:o :i::.t: ::::.7 _:•: •: ":::.:: C:o :: : : - = iroltiotrti 

"7 1 "-::: 7:: : :o :: ::: :o :.::::. 7 r::... :o. ; C: Co o ::::; ; 0:0 

manhood, attended the public schools of Chicago, and in i860 

the Chicago Un: ; reparatory department. Two years later he 

:.: :: :. 7 V:_""t:.-o; •:::::. :::t:t .:::o! :o - 1: _ :::t:: ::::: - 

1:07 ..: ■;:•: 1: :oe: i; 1 : rivatf ir the :■_:.: regiment Illinois volun- 

• — ing in Missouri and Kentucky- until the regiment was mustered out of 

■ o- _. Z:_: 7 r: ::g the uniTersit}- again he graduated from that institu- 

:::■:. o oorr. :o : o> > ::. : 00:: ::o _zzz _o .010 :: Law :o — the o" o- 

partment ctf tthe Northwestern UmTersity, in 1867. He was admitted to the 

lliinnis bar Angnst aa, 11867. Entering upon his professional career he became 

- - - : firm of Smith & Kohlsaat, ^4th which he continued until 

- - - :;-o::td alone until o : 5 At that date the firm of Mil- 

enior member being S. M. INIillard. That part- 

and the iol . g ear Mr. Smith became senior 

ot~oo ' : o: z—~ o' o::.: r":.:. :r :; :.':.:::: .^ .: o 7 :!.:: ::::.: 7 .0. 0:7 

chang e in the inn has occurred, that being in 1 8Q5, when H- W. Price became a 

partner, the firm name then becoming Smith, Helmer. Moult on & Price. Mr. 

- ■ ■ - : o of law. arid his legal lore embraces a thor- 
:~z ~ - ~ ~ principles of jurisprudence in all departments. His 

-00: 7 :: ; "'77- ::' o .::>o::': :;oro;:eT and he haf n the laurel in many 

iorcnsic oonmats over old and tried com: 

o.: 





611 



His high standing in professional circles is indicated by the fact that in 1887 
he was chosen president of the Law Club, of Chicago, and in 1890 was made 
president of the Chicago Bar Association. In 1891 he was made president of 
the Hamilton Club. In his political views, Mr. Smith has ever espoused the 
cause of the Republican party and has been unvarying in his support of the 
principles of that party. In June, 1898, he received the nomination for the posi- 
tion of one of the judges of the Superior Court. He is a man of scholarly at- 
tainments, versatile genius and broad knowledge, and is deeply interested in ed- 
ucational matters, his service being very effective as a member of the board of 
trustees of the new Chicago University, which position he has occupied since 
the organization of the institution. He is also a member of the board of trus- 
tees of Rush Medical College, and in addition to the Hamilton Club is also a 
member of the Marquette Club and the Union League, three of the leading polit- 
ical organizations of the city. Mr. Smith was married in 1871 to Miss Frances 
B. Morey, of Chicago. 

WILLIAM M. SMITH. 

This well known and prominent citizen, who resided at Lexington, 111., for 
so many years and there left the imprint of his spotless reputation upon public 
and private affairs, was born near Frankfort, Ky., on the 23d of May, 1827, and 
there thirteen years of his boyhood were passed- During this time he secured the 
rudiments of an education at the neighboring schools. About this time his 
father moved to St- Louis County, Mo., where William M. worked on a farm 
until he had attained the age of nineteen years, in the meantime attending school 
during the winter months, securing a considerable addition to his previous 
meager education. He then came to Selma or Pleasant Hill, McLean County, 
111., and made his home with his uncle, Milton Smith, in whose employment he 
remained for a period of three years, working on the farm for from $10 to $12 
per month. In 1849, having saved from his earnings the sum of $102.50, he 
rented forty acres of land from the government at $1.25 per acre, which small 
tract formed the nucleus of his subsequent large holdings. He was attentive to 
business, industrious, honest, and soon exerted a strong influence for good 
throughout the entire neighborhood. By good business management he con- 
tinued to add to his landed possessions until he finally owned about 800 acres. 
In 1857 he engaged in a general mercantile business in Lexington, but continued 
his agricultural pursuits, engaging extensively in the rearing of Short Horn 
cattle, taking great pride in having the best in that part of the State. He be- 
came prominent throughout the State as one of the most successful cattle breed- 
ers in the West, and became a member of the State Agricultural Board and 
finally served as its president for several terms. 

In 1858 he began to show great interest in politics. It was a time when all 
citizens were wide awake on the great questions which were dividing the two 
great sections of the country. Upon the formation of the Republican party Mr. 
Smith had warmly espoused the cause of the anti-slavery movement, and did not 
hesitate to openly declare his views. In 1858, during the ever memorable and 
historic campaign, he attended the famous Republican convention which met at 
Decatur and placed Abraham Lincoln in nomination. He brought home with 
him from that convention a picture of Lincoln and a rail which had been split by 
him, and later had the rail made into a picture frame in which the picture of Mr. 
Lincoln was placed. Today that old frame and picture hang on the wall of the 
old home, and is prized above almost anything else by the family. During the 
war he was loyal to the Federal cause and did much to prosecute it to a successful 
conclusion. In 1866 he was elected to the House of the legislature, and con- 
tinued to serve for three terms with honor to himself and satisfaction to his con- 
stituents- His prominence in the legislature is shown by his selection for Speak- 
er during his last term. Later he was appointed railroad and warehouse com- 
missioner by Governor Cullom, on which board he served for eight consecutive 
years, six years as its chairman. He was an ardent Republican from principle, 
and became the leader of his party in his community and one of its strongest 

612 




cy*-&4y 



613 



supporters in the State. So strong was his influence in this section he was often 
referred to by the Chicago newspapers as "The Duke of Lexington." 

He was a member of the Methodist church, and was a liberal contributor to 
all worthy charitable objects. He is said to have declared on more than one 
occasion "I wouldn't give much for a fellow's religion or sympathy that did not 
touch his pocket-book." While a young man he was united in marriage with 
Miss Nancy Hopkins, a daughter of Patrick Hopkins, and grand-daughter of 
Gen. Joseph Bartholomew, of the Tippecanoe battle fame. One child was born 
to this union — Emily, now Mrs. Sheridan VanDolah. After an honorable and 
useful life, Mr. Smith passed away March 25, 1886, leaving a competency and a 
spotless name. 



WILLLIAM HENRY STEAD. 

This gentleman resides at Ottawa, Illinois, and is an attorney-at-law. He 
was born in LaSalle County on a farm, July 12, 1858. His father's name was 
Henry Stead, and his mother's Sarah Elizabeth Stead, both of whom are living. 
They came to LaSalle County nearly fifty years ago, settling on a farm twelve 
miles southeast of Ottawa. The grandfather of subject was Rev. Henry Stead, 
of the Methodist denomination and of considerable prominence in Xew York. 
Old settlers of the vicinity of Troy and Albany speak of him with great venera- 
tion and respect. He was a presiding elder for many years. 

William Henry Stead spent his youth on his father's farm, attending district 
school until after fifteen years of age, when he entered the Seminary at Onarga, 
Illinois ; after which he taught school and worked on the farm until he was 
eighteen years of age. He then attended the Normal College at Ladoga, Ind., 
and subsequently entered Asbury University, at Greencastle, Indiana, and be- 
gan the classic course. In his sophomore year he was obliged to leave col- 
lege owing to some serious trouble with his eyes, and for two years thereafter 
was unable to read and compelled to remain in the house. However, during this 
time, by exercising great care he managed to complete his college studies and 
was greatly assisted by his mother, who read to him regularly every day. Pre- 
vious to this he had determined to become a lawyer and expended all his energies 
with that object in view. He read law for two years with Washington Bushneil, 
formerly Attorney General of Illinois, and was admitted to the bar in the spring 
of 1883. He began practicing at Ottawa the summer of that year, and has con- 
tinued there since with the exception of one year. At first the number of his 
clients was small, but he steadily won friends and patronage until his clientage 
was of satisfactory proportions. At the present time his income, from his prac- 
tice amounts to as much as that of any other lawyer in the State, outside of 
Chicago. He is now associated with Judge B. F. Lincoln. Mr. Stead is the 
trial lawyer of the firm, and they are retained in all the important cases in the 
county and have a large practice in adjoining counties. Mr. Stead is particu- 
larly skillful in preparing his cases ; he is also very persuasive and extremely 
powerful in his arguments to juries. He never gets tired, and never gives up. 
He was recently employed by the Canal Commissioners to test the right of the 
State to the so-called ninety-foot strip along the Illinois and Michigan Canal- 

He has always been a Republican, and cast his first vote for General Garfield. 
He has acquired a wide reputation as an able and skillful campaign orator. He 
is not an office seeker. He has been City Attorney of Ottawa; chairman of the 
Republican Congressional Committee of this district, and in 1896 was elected 
States Attorney for LaSalle County; he is the present president of the States 
Attorneys Association of Illinois, and was one of the commissioners of the 
Omaha Exposition under appointment from Governor Tanner. He has been a 
Mason and Knight Templar for fifteen years. On September 12th, 1883, he was 
united in marriage to IMiss Ida Martin, her family being one well known and 
prominent in the State of Indiana. Her brother, Parks M. Martin, is one of the 
leading Democratic politicians of Indiana, and is the present chairman of the 
Democratic State Committee. 

614 




<<AriiMr&l 



615 



JOSEPH STOCKTON. 

General Joseph Stockton of Chicago, 111., was born at Pittsburg, Pa., August 
10, 1833. He came to Illinois and settled in Chicago before twenty years of 
age, and was first employed in the commission house of George A. Gibbs & Co., 
South Water street. He remained with this company for several years, then 
was employed as a clerk in the office of the American Transportation Company. 
He afterward accepted a position in the freight office of the Pittsburg, Fort 
Wayne & Chicago Railroad, where he remained until the Civil War broke out. 
He enlisted in the first Board of Trade regiment, which was organized July, 
1862, as the 72d Illinois Volunteers. Mr. Stockton was commissioned First 
Lieutenant of Company "A," and was shortly afterward promoted to the position 
of Captain. A few months later he was promoted to the office of Major, upon 
the resignation of Major Chester. The 72d Illinois Volunteers was assigned 
to the 17th Army Corps and marched and fought with that great organization, 
which was a part of the Army of the Tennessee, under the command of Generals 
Grant and Sherman- The regiment was in the campaign of Vicksburg, the 
campaign of Meridian, and also under General George H. Thomas in the cam- 
paign against Hood, including the battle of Nashville. Colonel Stockton was 
wounded in the battle of Franklin, November 30, 1864, but returned to his com- 
mand within a month, and continued until the close of hostilities. 

On May 2.2, 1863, Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph A. Wright was mortally 
wounded on the assault of the works of Vicksburg. Major Stockton was pro- 
moted to this place, and when Colonel F. A. Starring was detailed on detached 
service, Lieutenant-Colonel Stockton assumed command of the regiment and 
retained it until the close of the war. He was brevetted Colonel and subse- 
quently Brigadier-General for meritorious service in the field. "In 1866, after 
General Stockton's return to Chicago, he became agent of the Empire Trans- 
portation Company, which position he has held during the past thirty-four years, 
and has become thoroughly familiar and identified with the transportation busi- 
ness of Chicago. 

General Stockton has been an active person in civil life. From 1869, for 
twenty-four years, he was a member of the Board of Commissioners of Lincoln 
Park, and devoted much time and study to the development and improvement 
of that park. He was identified with the location and erection of the Grant 
Monument in the park, which was dedicated October 1, 1891, and, as a recogni- 
tion of his great service in connection with this work, he received from the 
trustees of the Grant Fund a handsome testimonial. General Stockton is a 
lifelong Republican, and, although he steadily refuses to become a candidate 
for an elective office, he has always taken great interest in the success of the 
Republican party. General Stockton has been Chief Marshal of every Repub- 
lican procession in Chicago since the Civil War, including that grand demon- 
stration preceding the election of President McKinley in 1896. General Stock- 
ton was Chief of Staff to General Sheridan on the occasion of the reception of 
General Grant from his tour around the world. He was also Chief of Staff 
to General Forsyth during the procession on the occasion of President Garfield's 
funeral. He was on the staff of General Miles at the unveiling of the Grant 
Monument, and also during the civic parade at the opening of the World's Fair 
in October, 1892, and he was also Chief Marshal in the Peace Jubilee parade 
in the fall of 1898. 

General Stockton is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and of 
the Loyal Legion ; also a member of the Union League Club and other similar 
organizations- He is a highly respected citizen, a man of great integrity and 
fine social qualities and a general favorite with the people. He has had a suc- 
cessful career in business, as attested by his long continuance at the head of an 
important transportation company. 



616 




617 



JOHN SANBORN STEVENS. 

This gentleman, who is one of the prominent citizens of Illinois, is well 
known in his section of the State, where he has attained prominence as a lawyer 
and a Republican. He was born in Bath, Xew Hampshire, September 16, 1838, 
and is at the present time a resident of Peoria. 

Mr. Stevens received the usual common school education, supplemented 
bv several terms at the higher schools where his father resided, and after having 
prepared himself for a collegiate career, he applied for admission to Dartmouth 
College, passed the examinations successfully and entered upon a full classical 
course. He encountered many discouragements in securing his education, but 
being blessed with a strong mind and a retentive memory he succeeded in stand- 
ing among the leaders of his class, and in 1862 graduated with honors. Suc- 
ceeding his graduation he secured a certificate, and taught school for two years 
to secure money to fit himself for a professional career. Even before he entered 
college he had made up his mind to study law; accordingly at the expiration 
of his two years of teaching he began the study of law, and in June. 1865. was 
admitted to practice in Chicago, I1L Soon thereafter he opened an office in 
Peoria, where he has resided ever since, practicing his profession continuously. 
He is well known in the Central and Southern portions of the State, particularly 
to the legal fraternity, among whom he is reckoned one of its ablest and broadest 
minded members. He has been identified with some of the most important 
cases ever adjudicated in the courts of Peoria- 

From the start Mr. Stevens has been a Republican, and in many campaigns 
has done much to further the interests of the Republican party. In recognition 
of his eminent service to his party he was appointed postmaster of Peoria in 
1876, and occupied that position with credit and to the satisfaction of the citizens 
until 1880. In June, 1868, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah M. Bartlett. 
His parents were Joshua and Abigail (Walker) Stevens. 



CHRISTOPHER C. STRAWN. 

Colonel Christopher C. Strawn of Pontiac, I1L, is a member of that old, 
large and influential family of Strawns, who for nearly seventy years have been 
citizens of Illinois. It is a notable family, whose physical and intellectual 
endowments have made an extraordinary impression for good in the State. 
The Illinois branch of the family sprang from four brothers, who were natives 
of Pennsylvania, emigrated to Ohio, and in the early "30*5 removed to Illinois. 
Joel Strawn settled near Ottawa; General John Strawn near Lacon: Jeremiah 
Strawn near Hennipen and Jacob Strawn near Jacksonville. Their Scotch 
ancestors settled in America prior to the Revolution, and were descended from 
William Strahan. statesman, lawyer and scholar, who removed to England and 
was several times a member of the House of Commons. He translated from 
the French, for the English Bar, "Domat's Civil Law." The brothers bought 
land in Illinois, cultivated farms, and raised stock- Jacob Strawn attained 
wealth and national distinction as a cattle producer. The descendants of the 
Strawn family are found in all the avenues of life, many of them having obtained 
distinction as advocates and jurists. The late Ruben S. Strahan, Chief Justice 
of Oregon, was a member of this family. 

Colonel Strawn was born August 22, 1844. at Ottawa. I1L ; he is a grandson 
of Jeremiah and Hannah Strawn, and a son of Eli and Eleanor Strawn. late of 
Ottawa, I1L His mother was a daughter of Captain Lunsford and Xancy Broad- 
dus; she was born in Caroline County. Ya. Her father, detesting slavery, left 
Virginia in the early "30*5. and settled near Lacon, where he died in 1865. 
The Broaddus family is widely known throughout the South. The famous 
pulpit orator. Andrew Broaddus. of Virginia, and Andrew Broaddus. of T- 
the noted lawyer, are of this family. The Broaddus family is of Welch descent, 
and has been in this country since Colonial times. Colonel Strawn's education 








619 



was begun in a log school built 1 form and presented to the 

---:: 7 ' : ~.r-: : . :. :'.- :tz • :.: .■:: >:-.. -.v.:-.:: ;::■.::: t '. 1 7.::- ':; ■■■■'.:: :v. A'.:::?.:::r .; 7:5 
7 uring >chool hours as an 

77- - - "ere manner, and his 

readiness to inflict punishmer :>f the m '.red in the estab- 

lishment of the most perfect order and obedience in the school. Mr. Murphy 
was a typical old-si ster He taught his pupils spelling, reading, 

And established for them a sure 
:■:-_::: la:: : r. ::: in : 7: :a:: : :: 71 r : r:;: I"::-.".:! a 7s:r:;: f 7 1. : 7. : :: .::? ri::l 

: with whom he lived during the term. 

r7 :7 i::f"iri :7r 7:^:7 «:7:7. ir. 7:.: . -.-. :..". i 1.- -t . ::7 7~ <ri: : 7i:7rr 

7r:i77:s. He : 7e::::narv. Herr y :iwn was 

-;•:-. ; ;';: . 7..:--. r. ' t ie Xorthwesterr: 7":::" rr~.:; i: 7' -ins: : :: 7 : " 'i 7: 

: _ - -. 7-; : : ' r7 : : i ; : " I rnt : .:."" i: .-7" :::;-. . ". V :•:: ! :7rr" ir : s:u lie . 

law with Hon T. Lyle Die S the 4tfi Illinois Cavalry, and Judge 

. H. L. Wallace. Judge Dickey's 
son-in-law and law partner, who afterward became a f ral in the Union Army 
and fell at Shiloh. 

V . _ -:::. n .-.:..-:.-'. i: :. : :;: 7 -:::-: - :■ ;::':: : ::: 1 : /n; _:::;- 
"I" of the nth Dlinc>7 jmmande . eel W. H. L. Wallace. At 

the expiration of his term his ... but lie jffered himself for 

re-enlistment for a tcrv three ing the war, and was rejected as 

caliy unfit for n He .1 his law studies, and for a time 

hi the law office :: the firm icago. In June, 

1863, he the Si reme ^ourt [Illinois He practiced law in 

Chicago until 1865; removed to C tt* ind remained one year, visited Omaha 
and Columbus with a view : g a and remained there until the 

summer of 1867, when he rr: - and located at Pontiac. 

! 7:n7 :7rn :: ' a - :::ir~ : I ] 7v: 7: _ : 7 - : 7. an 7raa. ; ■-- I : ::::•::: 
She is a daughter of the late Maj r John B. Bouvrain, a survivor of the Old 
Guard of the first . :oIeon. He cam r tot m France with Joseph 

Bonapan after Xa ind banishment to St- Helena, 

7.-.T - naparte estates at Water- 
town _ Her mothrr was also a native of France. Major Bouvrain 
hth the 7uard to Mosc >w and was g . . in ail of Xapoleon's 
battles, including Waterloo. Mr. an 7 - . had four children — 
Christopher C. IL r and Virginia 7.. now dead, and Major Louis Francis and 
Roscoe Belmont, wh : At the break: ig . Spanish-American 
^ Colonel Strawn recruited a regiment of infantry in Livingston and sur- 
t ::r_ 7r_g :::::- 1:: : :::.7:7. :7r ?a:::r : 7 nr: :;r 7_...rr :•::": -"as :::::- 
>ned Colonel, bi beyond the National 
.:.- :7r r _ : :: : - :: :: :a7r:: ::_: : :7e service 

Colonel — - in politics during the campaign of i860 were 

he been . o doubt, would have 

nan, but the - - - : -f the Civil War 
were such that he could not identify himself with the Democratic party as it 
was then organized. He became a Republican and has been a stalwart and 
earnest supporter of Republican principles and Republican can 7 lates from that 
day to the present. His first vote for President w - rneral Grant in i 

"_ and favored his nomination for President in 
1880. He is a ripe scholar. The pr Eession of the law is his mistress. He is 
a safe counsellor, one of the .:- it the Illinois Bar. He has been 

- ;■ very successful lawyer. He has 

been twice endorsed rty f or the Republican nomination for 

■ - . .nd in the winter of 1900 he was favorably 

-■• -.--V "- : '. : r :'.::■ 7 -; v' '■.:;-.:: a. ana:' :: 7 : "- : vernor, but would not permit 

his name to be used in that connection- He is thoroughly versed on the political 

-s of the r "aration of war again Spain and endorsed 

the action of the Governr g Porto Rico and the Philippine Islands 

.- :7-- 7^:7 - - •'-. : :■. --■■-■■■■- lr "-" .. believes that every interest : f 

the people of those islands will be advanced by their connection with the United 

: 





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621 



States : he also believes that to turn the administration of this country over to 
the Anti-Expansionists would be a national calamity. Colonel Strawn is a 
charter member of the T. Lyle Dickey Post, Xo. 105, of the Grand Army of 
the Republic. He also belongs to the Masonic Fraternity. 



LOUIS FRANCIS STRAWN. 

Major Louis Francis Strawn was born in Omaha, Douglas County, Ne- 
braska, and now resides at Pontiac, Livingston County, 111. He is the oldest 
son of Christopher C. and Clara F. Strawn, who also reside at Pontiac. Major 
Strawn is of the fourth generation in Illinois of that notable family of Strawns 
who were natives of Pennsylvania. During the seventy years of their residence 
in this State they have been deservedly recognized as one of the leading families 
of the State. The grandmother of Major Strawn was Eleanor Broaddus, a 
daughter of Captain Lunsford Broaddus. a member of the distinguished Virginia 
family of that name ; and his mother. Clara F. Bouvrain, was a daughter of 
Major John B. Bouvrain. of Napoleon's Old Guard, and marched under the 
Eagles from Moscow to Waterloo. 

Major Strawn is of a composite stock; Scotch, Welch and French, and 
probably amongst the early members of the Pennsylvania family a strain of 
German. The Illinois family of Strawns have all been successful men. Jacob 
Strawn. who settled in [Morgan county, became a great land holder and a large 
stock raiser, and was well known on both sides of the Atlantic as one of the 
most successful breeders of cattle in the world. He was a staunch supporter 
of the cause of the Union during the war, and at one time gave his check for 
$10,000 to the National Sanitary Commission. Captain William Strawn. a resi- 
dent of Odell, was a prominent free state man in the days of "Bleeding Kansas." 
He organized and equipped a company at his own expense, in Livingston County 
and LaSalle County, and went with them to Kansas, to defend free state settlers 
against the aggression of the "Border Ruffians." In 1862 he joined the 104th 
Illinois Volunteer Infantry, was commissioned First Lieutenant and served with 
the regiment ; was engaged in many of the great battles of the war and served 
until the surrender of Lee. He was twice elected to the Illinois Legislature, and 
served with distinction. He is a son of the late Jacob Strawn, Sr. Lieutenant 
Milton Strawn, a young and promising lawyer residing at Ottawa, also enlisted 
in the 104th Illinois Infantry, was commissioned Lieutenant and was killed in 
the battle of Hartsell, Tenn. While the older members of the Strawn family 
engaged largely in farming and stock raising, the younger members have 
engaged in all branches of business, and the learned professions with marked 
ability and success. A more extended account of the ancestry of Major Strawn 
will be found in this book, in the biographical sketch of his father, Colonel 
Christopher C. Strawn. 

[Major Strawn was given every opportunitv for acquiring an education. 
He attended the city schools of Pontiac, studied in the Wesleyan L T niversity 
at Bloomington. and the Northwestern Lniversity at Evanston, and completed 
his studies at the U. S. Military Academy at West Point. He studied law in 
his father's office at Pontiac, and was admitted to the practice of law December 
7. 1893. He opened a law office in Pontiac and soon had a paying clientage. 
Later he was admitted to the firm of Strawn. Funk & Strawn. Major Strawn 
has risen rapidly to the front rank of the profession. He prepares and tries 
his cases well before judge and jury, and is an advocate of splendid ability. 
He has been connected with all the important railroad and criminal litigation 
in his county, and has a splendid legal career open before him. 

In politics Major Strawn is a Republican. He first identified himself 
directly with the party by voting for Benjamin Harrison for President in 1888. 
His military education gave him a taste for military life, and he became a mem- 
ber of the Illinois National Guard, and May 12. 1896, he was commissioned 
Lieutenant of Company "F," 3d Regiment. When the Spanish War began and 
the 3d Regiment was called upon to volunteer, he enlisted with his company 
and regiment and was commissioned First Lieutenant. 3d 111. U. S- Vol. Inf., 

622 




623 



May 7, 1898; saw service in the field in the Porto Rico campaign under General 
Brooke, and distinguished himself for true soldierly bearing and bravery in 
action at Arroyo, Guayama and Cayey. Upon the return of the regiment and 
its reorganization in the spring of 1899, he was the unanimous choice of the 
reorganized company for Captain, and received his commission May 16, 1899. 
At the annual encampment at Springfield in 1899 he was elected Major of the 
3d Battalion, to fill the vacancy caused by the promotion of Major RicKings 
J. Shand to the position of Lieutenant Colonel, his commission dating August 
15, 1899, and he is now one of the most efficient and popular field officers in that 
veteran regiment. May 19, 1898, after the arrival of the regiment at Chicka- 
mauga Park, Lieutenant Strawn was appointed acting Commissary of General 
Compton's Brigade, which position he filled until his regiment was chosen for 
duty in Porto Rico, when he was relieved and returned to his company for 
service on the firing line in Porto Rico. In the invasion of Porto Rico, his 
regiment acted as escort of honor to General Brooke, commanding the 1st 
Division, 1st Army Corps. He is now Commander, with the rank of Colonel, 
of Fred Bennit Camp, No. 20, Spanish-American War Veterans, at Pontiac, 111. 
He was married to Miss Esther Marie Tracy at Rochester, N. Y., July 26, 
1895. To this union has been added a son, Christopher C. Strawn, III., born 
July 14, 1896, at Pontiac, 111. Miss Tracy's father served in the Union Army 
throughout the War of the Rebellion, with credit to himself and value to his 
country. Summing up, Major Strawn gives promise of a brilliant career at the 
bar, and distinguished services to the State, Nation and his party. He is an 
earnest, convincing, pleasing and popular speaker on the platform and stump — 
one of the best in the State. 



CLARENCE E. SNIVELY. 

Clarence E. Snively of Canton, 111., was born in Ellisville, Fulton County, 
Illinois, July 4, 1854. At ten years of age he entered the office of the Rushville 
Times to learn the trade of a printer. He stuck to the business until he be- 
came a master of the trade. Realizing from the outset that a printer must be an 
educated man, he devoted much of his time to acquiring an education. In 1875 
he bought a half-interest in the Carlinville Democrat, a Republican newspaper- 
In 1878 he purchased the Canton Weekly Register, and two years later he issued 
a daily paper in connection with this journal. Mr. Snively was now recognized 
as one of the leading men in connection with the country press of Illinois. The 
Canton Register was made one of the best papers in the state. Typographically 
it was a clean, attractive sheet, and its editorial columns were ably conducted. 

In 1885 Mr. Snively was appointed Postmaster at Canton, by President 
Arthur. Mr. Snively has been identified with the Illinois and Michigan Canal 
for some time. Governor Fifer appointed him a member of the Canal Board, 
and he was made its secretary ; he was afterwards made President of the Board 
of Canal Commissioners. Mr. Snively has been identified with the Republican 
party of Illinois from his earliest manhood, and has been a strong party worker 
for many years. He was alternate to the Republican National Convention of 
1884, and was a delegate to the Republican National Conventions of 1888 and 
1896, and was secretary, on both occasions, of the Illinois Delegation. During 
the last twenty years Mr. Snively has been secretary of the Fulton County Re- 
publican Committee, and has had charge of the organization of the party in the 
county for the greater part of the time. The perfect organization and energetic 
work, connected with the influence of the Canton Register, finally changed the 
political status of Fulton County from Democratic to Republican.' It is due to 
Mr. Snively to say that this result must be attributed to his intelligent and ener- 
getic efforts. For nearly twenty years Mr. Snively has been a conspicuous 
figure in politics in the state, and he is recognized as a Republican, true and 
trustworthy. 

Mr. Snively is a member of the L O. O. F. ; is a Knight of Pythias, and be- 
longs to the Order of Red Men. Mr. and Mrs. Snively have eight children, and 
have a pleasant home in Canton, Illinois. 

624 





625 



CHARLES P. SWIGERT. 

Hon. Charles P. Swigert was born in Baden, Germany, November 27, 1843 ; 
his parents were Philip and Caroline Swigert. In 1848 his father was a sympa- 
thizer with the Revolutionary element, many of his people were active partici- 
pants in the Volunteer Revolutionary Army, and after the close of that stirring 
event the country became very uncongenial for those men who had dared to 
assert their rights for political liberty. In the general exodus that followed, 
when such men as Hecker, Seigel, Brentano, Schurz and many others left their 
native country, the parents of the subject of this sketch also emigrated and 
sought a home in free America. They came to Chicago, where a brother of 
Philip had located in 1836. Here Charles got his first schooling at the Scam- 
mon School. In May, 1854, the family moved to Kankakee county, Illinois, 
and settled on a farm. 

In July, 1 861, at the age of seventeen, he enlisted in Company "H," Forty- 
second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, for three years, or during the war. On the 
night of April 4, 1862, he was one of the twenty heroic men who volunteered 
to run the blockade at Island No. 10 on the Gunooat Carondelet, landing at 
New Madrid, Mo., forming a junction with General Pope and the Army of the 
Mississippi. After an engagement of two days between the gunboat and the 
Confederate land batteries, in which all their guns were either spiked or de- 
stroyed by landing parties from the boat, the entire army on the island, numbering 
seven thousand men, with a large supply of stores, arms and a number of trans- 
ports, were captured, with no loss on the Union side. On the 9th day of May, 
1862, in an engagement at Farmington, Miss., while making an advance on 
Corinth, Mr. Swigert lost his right arm, having it torn from the shoulder joint 
by a six-pound solid shot. In going to the rear he was picked up in an exhausted 
condition and placed in an ambulance with another desperately wounded soldier, 
and had the exciting experience of being run away with over a corduroy road 
that the army had hastily and roughly constructed. He survived the wound 
and the ride, but his military career was ended. Air. Swigert was discharged 
from the service and returned to Kankakee county in January, 1863. In Sep- 
tember, 1863, he entered Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College in Chicago, 
where he learned to write with his left hand, and took a full commercial course, 
graduating in June, 1864. During the summer of 1864 he sold a history of the 
Rebellion in Kankakee and Will counties, meeting with great success. During 
that winter he taught a district school. 

In the spring of 1865 he secured a position in the Chicago Postofhce and 
served eighteen months ; resigning that position, he entered the County Clerk's 
office at Kankakee as deputy under Captain William F. Kanaga, who had been 
elected to that office upon his return from Fort Blakely, Alabama, minus one 
leg. In September, 1867, Mr. Swigert, entered the Illinois Soldiers' College at 
Fulton, Whiteside county, Illinois, intending to take a four years' course, but 
in November, 1869, the Republicans of Kankakee county elected him as County 
Treasurer, which position he held until November, 1880. While holding the 
office of County Treasurer he was elected to the City Council from the Second 
Ward in Kankakee, where there was a close contest. He served two years. In 
May, 1880, he was nominated for State Auditor by the Republican party, by the 
most remarkable and dramatic convention that ever assembled in this or any 
other State. It lasted three entire days, with two all-night sessions. General 
Green B. Raum was the chairman and demonstrated remarkable ability as a 
presiding officer ; it required patience and forbearance, as well as firmness and 
knowledge of parliamentary law and usage, to preside over that body. ''Long 
John" Wentworth was a conspicuous figure in that convention, and contributed 
much to Mr. Swigert's nomination. The Republican State ticket was elected 
by over 42,000 plurality. Mr. Swigert qualified as Auditor of Public Accounts 
and Superintendent of the Insurance Department, January 10, 1881. He was 

626 





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62; 



thoroughly competent for the place, and the honors were only a just recognition 
of his services to his adopted country. In 1884 Mr. Swigert was renominated 
and elected to the same office. 

During Mr. Swigert 's administration of eight years as Auditor and ex- 
officio Insurance Superintendent, much important legislation was enacted relat- 
ing to the better supervision of life insurance companies and societies, and for 
the better protection of the interests of the insured, for which he is entitled to 
no small share of credit. Xo man ever left the Auditor's office with a better or 
cleaner record than Mr. Swigert. After retiring from office he spent some time 
on Puget Sound. He was interested in a town site at Port Townsend, Wash- 
ington ; the building of an electric street car line ; the organization of a State 
Bank, and various other enterprises. Since March, 1. 1900, he has been the 
Government Agent for the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, 
with an office at Chicago. He is considered "the right man in the right place," 
having suffered the hardships and endured the privations of a soldier's life, he 
can thoroughly sympathize with the unfortunate old soldiers. 

In politics Mr. Swigert is and always has been a Republican. He cast his 
first vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1864. He is an Odd Fellow, a member and 
Past Grand of Howard Lodge Xo. 218 at Kankakee, and a member of George 
H. Thomas Post Xo. 5. Department of Illinois. G. A. R.. having been quarter- 
master of that post for the last four years. He is and always has been a Meth- 
odist. On December 25, 1869, he married Lavinia L. Bigelow, a native of Ver- 
mont ; they have had five children, all boys, of whom three survive. All are 
married and reside in Chicago. 



JAMES W. TEMPLETON. 

Hon. James W. Templeton of Princeton, Bureau County. Illinois, was born 
at St. Clairsville, Belmont County, Ohio. His father, William Templeton, was 
born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, and married Sarah Tidball Wilson, who 
was born in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. They removed to Ohio. Young 
Templeton received his education in the public schools of his native town. 
When a boy he went to Philadelphia, and obtained employment in a wholesale 
drug store. In 1863 he removed to Illinois and settled permanently at Prince- 
ton, where he was employed for a time as a druggist. In 1865 he was appointed 
deputy county clerk. He was elected clerk of the County Court and served 
four years from 1869. In 1875 ne was appointed postmaster of Princeton and 
served until 1887. He performed the duties of this office with entire satisfaction 
to the public, and became an exceedingly popular man in his county. 

Mr. Templeton has always been a Republican, and identified himself with 
the party immediately upon reaching Illinois, and has been a constant and earnest 
advocate of the principles of the party from that time until the present. In 
1894 he was nominated as a candidate for the State Senate by the Republicans 
of the 31st Senatorial District, composed of Whiteside. Bureau, Stark and Put- 
nam counties, and was elected. He was re-elected in 1898. Mr. Templeton has 
taken a high position as a legislator, and has exercised a great deal of influence 
in the legislation of the State. As a result of this he has a first-class standing 
in his district- 

James W. Templeton was married December 2, 1870. to Miss Mandana 
M. Stevens, whose parents, Justus Stevens and Lurena M. Stevens, were early 
settlers in Bureau County, from the State of Xew Hampshire. They have two 
children, a son, Justus Stevens Templeton, who is a student at Princeton Uni- 
versity, Xew Jersey, and a daughter, Gladys Wilson Templeton, who at this 
writing is in her last year at the Princeton, Illinois, High School. 



628 




M<tAT^^^J2U^ 



629 



JOHN THOMAS. 

Col. John Thomas was born in Wythe County, Virginia, January n, 1800, 
of poor parents. His father, John Thomas, was a blacksmith and had a large 
family and a very small farm, surrounded for miles by large planters and slave- 
holders, who sent their children to eastern academies and colleges to be edu- 
cated; nor were there any common or local schools at which the children of 
the poor might be educated, consequently our subject was deprived by slavery 
of all means of education except what he received from his mother, who taught 
all her children to read and write. In order to escape the pernicious influence of 
slavery his father resolved to move into a free State, and accordingly, on April 
28, 1818, the family arrived in St. Clair County, Illinois, at or near the present 
village of Shiloh and set up a blacksmith shop. 

John Thomas worked for his father until he was twenty-one years of age, 
after which he went out for himself, not worth a dollar. The first year after 
attaining his majority he divided his time between working and going to school. 
In June, 1822, he married Isabella Kinney, a daughter of Lieutenant Governor 
William Kinney, and commenced farming on a small scale on rented ground. 
By thrift and industry he was enabled within six years to buy and stock a farm, 
and from that time forward he bought land as fast as he was able until he had 
accumulated about 3,000 acres of the finest farming land in the county. In the 
early part of his life he was much devoted to military pursuits. In 1832 he 
was elected to the command of a regiment in the Black Hawk War and served 
in that campaign with Abraham Lincoln, John J. Hardin, Edward D. Baker and 
other subsequently noted men of Illinois. 

He became interested in political questions at an early day. In 1824, when 
the Legislature submitted to a vote of the people the question of the admission 
of a slavery clause into the Constitution, he took a most active part in opposition 
to the proposed measure. In 1854, when Congress passed the Kansas-Nebraska 
bill, he took a very active and zealous part in forwarding the Republican party 
in opposition to that measure ; and since that he has been an active and con- 
sistent Republican. In 1838 he was elected to the State Legislature, and served 
in the last session of that body held at Yandalia, and the first at Springfield. He 
was elected to the Legislature in 1862, 1864, 1872 and 1874. In 1878 he was 
elected to the Senate. His large experience and general intelligence rendered 
him a most efficient and useful legislator. He served with distinction upon 
several of the most important committees and was very frequently .called upon 
to preside over the deliberations of the House in committee of the whole and 
in the absence of the Speaker. 

He was an accomplished parliamentarian and a gentleman of large and 
varied information, whether political or social, and exercised a very considerable 
influence in his county. He was the friend of the free and unsectarian schools, 
and believed that in the education of the masses lie the hope of the Republic- 
In 1856 he was virtually drafted as a candidate for Congress and ran against 
Col. J. L. D. Morrison, the Democratic nominee, and beat him over seven hun- 
dred votes in the county where both resided, and which had for years previously 
given about one thousand Democratic majority. He also ran ahead of his oppo- 
nent about seven hundred votes in the adjoining County of Madison, but the 
other seven counties of the district — in some of which a "black Republican" 
scarcely dare speak in public — elected Col. Morrison. 

His first wife died in the '6o's, and he afterward married Magdelena Hold- 
ner, a widow, daughter of Jacob Yon Euw. a native of Switzerland, and moved 
to Belleville, 111., where he died December 15, 1894. His son, John E. Thomas, 
born November 7, 1862, was elected to the Legislature from this County by the 
largest vote ever cast in the district for that office. He was appointed post- 
master for the city of Belleville, 111., August, 1898. Mrs. Carrie Thomas- 
Alexander, daughter of Colonel Thomas, was nominated for Trustee of the Illi- 
nois University on the Republican ticket in 1900. 

630 




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631 



THOMAS FOSTER TIPTON. 

The parents of subject were Hiram and Deborah (Ogden) Tipton, who 
became the parents of five children, two of whom died in infancy, and three 
of whom are still firing, to-wit, Thomas R, John and Mrs. Jane Turtle, the 
latter two firing at Saybrook. The parents were regarded as educated people, 
-;:.: :±-z ::t:: :::.:": in: :-::::n =:.:::: ::::::::: in :7t t :n:n::on :■: :77r 
children- In religion the father was a IJmversalist, and led a life of singular 
purity. He was a strong Whig, and denounced slavery as a wrong and a crime. 

Thomas Foster Tipton was born near Harrisburg, Ohio, August 29, 1833, 
and is a descendant of ancestors who settled in Frederick County, Md., previous 
to the Revolutionary War. 5 - Tipton, grandfather of subject, was the 

son of Thomas Tipton, and removed from Maryland about 1790 to the North- 
west Territory, settling temporarily at Chilficothe, Q., and later removed to 
Franklin county; he there followed school teaching until nearly eighty years 
of age. Joshua Tipton, his brother, moved to Eastern Tennessee, where in 
1793 he was murdered by the Indians.'- The support of his family was thus 
thrown upon his son John, then but seven years of age. In 1807 the family 
removed to Harrison County, Indiana, where they bought a farm of fifty-five 
acres, paving for the same by splitting rails- In 1809 he joined the "Yellow 
Jackets"" commanded by Captain Spencer, became ensign, and served through 
the campaign, which terminated in the battle of Tippecanoe, November, 181 1. 
Li :r.::^ : :.f : : ::7. :: '.:- i :. : : - '.- i : : :7~ ; : ::::::;, :: i :£ :lir ::::;:::: :n T ifa:>. 
of the captain, and later was promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General of 
Militia- In later life foe occupied many positions of trust and responsibility, 
•:r \: ^ ■■-.: i: :..r.::\ :: :■: :: in i 'zl\z~~ ::: ::: : : ;::;;-£ 77e :i:y ::' J :.:"':: 5 In.:.. 
was located upon -his land, and for a time was called Tiptonia in his honor. 
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His wife was formally Mary Stark, niece of General Stark of Revolutionary 
fame. His sons were Captain Thomas, Jonathan, John and Hiram. Jonathan 
removed to Knox County, IE., but early in the fifties removed to Washington 
County, Ta... where his descendants still live; and where his son Basil has repre- 
sented his county in the Legislature. Thomas, brother of Jonathan, passed his 
life at his home vicinity, dying in September, 1864. John, the third brother, 
moved to Fulton County, HL, where he was accidentally killed by a tree falling 
:: ".:.::: H.r^:: zzt ; :n~rf: - : in: :':: :i:7er ; : :nt -.It:: :•: :':;- ?ke::h. 
was born in Franklin County, O., in 1802, and devoted his life to agricultural 
pursuits. In 1827 he was united in marriage to Deborah Ogden, and in 1837 
moved to Pickaway County, Ohio, and seven years later to McLean County, 
"I ::::.:: in .:.:: if .:::::: 1.5 V:nrv:rrr"-: 7: ::rin; —Litre :7e tinier ::el 
i Ltr;t .::!. : : :nt ::'__: it -,r 

Thomas F. Tipton passed his early life at hard work, and with but few 
advantages, beginning work on his own responsibility at the age of twelve years. 
His tastes led him from the farm to an indulgment in books, and accordingly 
he took up the study of medicine, but became dissatisfied with that and dropped 
it : began the study of law, and was admitted to practice in 1891, being then in 
Iris twenty-first year. He opened an office in Lexington, where he practiced for 
seven years, winning distinction by his ability and determined efforts. In i86£ 
he removed to Bloomington, and became associated with Judge R. M. Benjamin, 
and in 1868, with Hon. Lawrence Weldon, who afterwards became one of the 
judges of the United States Court of Claims. In 1866 Mr. Tipton was appointed 
State's Attorney of the Eighth Judicial District, and in 1870 was elected Judge 
::' :"--: 7n; .::: 7 : :i v>, 7::::;-: fin :n Lit L:7 I -_:::::*. :^~ 7 . : f- 1 7 - 1- eLe ::e : 
to the Forty-Fifth Congress, where his services were characterized by that 
sterling- wisdom shown so emmently in his professional career. Upon his return 
from Congress he resumed the active practice of law, and in 1891 was again 

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elected Circuit Judge, for which office his high talents so emiently qualified him. 
At present the name of the firm is Tipton & Tipton, the junior partner being 
Thomas W., son of Thomas F. 

Judge and Mrs. Tipton are the parents of seven children, two of whom 
died in infancy. Harry V. died at the age of twenty-seven years- Belle E. is 
the wife of E. E. Van Schoick of Hastings, Neb. ; Helen F. is the wife of William 
R. Bair of Bloomington; Thomas W., who married Alice Searles, and now 
resides at Normal, 111., and Laura B., at home. Judge Tipton has an extensive 
practice in Central Illinois, and either as Circuit Judge or Counsel has tried 
forty-seven murder cases and many other important contests. 



HENRY L. TURNER. 

Col. Henry L. Turner of Chicago was born August 26, 1845, m Oberlin, 
Ohio. He has had an eventful and interesting career- When the Civil War 
closed in 1865 he was not twenty years of age, and yet he had graduated at 
Oberlin College with honor, and had served in two regiments during the war, 
as first Lieutenant in the 150th Regiment, Ohio Volunteers, and afterwards as 
first Lieutenant and Adjutant of the 1st Regiment United States Colored troops;, 
he had participated in the engagements of Fort Stevens, siege of Richmond, sec- 
ond battle of Fair Oaks, Gen. Butler's attack on Fort Fisher, the capture of 
Fort Fisher by Gen. Terry, the capture of Wilmington, and the surrender of 
Gen. Joseph E. Johnston's Army. He was a veteran soldier of many battles 
before he was old enough to vote. Upon leaving the army he settled in Chi- 
cago. His first business was in connection with the "Advance" newspaper. 
He then went to Philadelphia in connection with the great banking house of 
Jay Cook & Co.; he remained with the firm until their failure in 1873. He 
returned to Chicago and was again identified with the "Advocate." He pur- 
chased this paper, managed it for two years, and sold it. 

In 1874 Col. Turner turned his attention to Chicago real estate ; he formed 
a partnership with his brother-in-law under the name and style of Turner & 
Marsh- Mr. Marsh soon retired from the firm to accept an important mission 
to Europe. Col. Turner then associated himself with W T illiam A. Bond, and 
from May, 1875, f° r sixteen years, the firm of Turner & Bond conducted a 
large and successful real estate business at 102 Washington street. In 1892 
this firm negotiated the sale of the premises occupied by them to' the Cook 
County Title and Trust Company. They then changed their location to 175 
Dearborn street. Col. Turner retired from the firm and established a banking 
investment business at 92 Dearborn street ; this he conducted with success. In 
1899 he removed his office to 100 Washington street, to the building of the 
Chicago Title and Trust Company, where he is now engaged in business. Col. 
Turner was elected President of the Real Estate Board in 1888. He is a mem- 
ber of the Illinois Commandery of the Loyal Legion. Some years ago he was 
elected Trustee of Oberlin College. 

Col. Turner was long identified with the Illinois National Guard, and was 
Colonel of the 1st Regiment. When war was declared against Spain, and a call 
was made upon Illinois for troops, Col. Turner, decided to enter the United 
States service- His regiment, the 1st Illinois National Guards, was reorganized 
and mustered into the United States service, Col. Turner commanding. The 
regiment was ordered to Santiago, Cuba, where they participated in the bloody 
and spectacular assault and siege of that place, which finally surrendered to our 
forces. Col. Turner is a man of fine business qualifications and is a highly 
respected citizen of Chicago. His splendid military career in two wars attests 
his patriotism and valor and gives him an enduring hold upon the affection and 
gratitude of the people. 



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JOSEPH W. VANCE. 

meral Joseph W. Vance was born at Paris, Edgar County, 111., May 21, 
1841. His great-grandfather, Lieutenant William Blackburn, of Campbell's 
Regiment of Virginians, was killed at the battle of King's Mountain, X- C, 
during the Revoluti : nary War. His grandfather. Samuel Vance, was a pioneer 
settler in Illinois, locating in Edgar County: he owned the land upon which 
Paris, the county seat, was located. He donated this land to the county, which 
includes the public square upon which the Court House was erected. Samuel 
Vance was a man of enterprise, energy and great public spirit ; he was highly 

scted by all who knew him. The father of General Vance was William 
Blackburn Vance, who was also an early settler in Edgar County. He served 
as a soldier in the Seminole War. before coming to Illinois, and was a soldier 
in the Black Hawk War in 1832 

General Vance was educated in the public schools, the Edgar Academy and 
at the United States Military Academy. West Point. Upon the breaking out 
of the Civil War he was commissioned May 8. 1861. as First Lieutenant, Com- 
pany "F." 7th Congressional District Regiment of Illinois, and by general orders 
of the Adjutant General's office of Illinois, he was assigned to the duty of Tactical 
Instructor of said regiment, upon the suggestion of Captain U. S. Grant, mus- 
tering officer. On June 28. 1861, he was appointed First Lieutenant of Com- 
pany "F." 21st Illinois Volunteers, with rank from May 8. 1861. In July, 1861, 
upon the recommendation of Colonel U. S. Grant, he was detailed by Brigadier 
General John Pope to organize and instruct two Missouri regiments at St. 
Charles, Mo. He commanded Company "F." 21st Illinois Volunteers. October 
21, 1861. at the battle of Fredericktown. Mo. He was Acting Assistant Adjutant 
General to General Rosecrans in the Tullahoma campaign in 1862, and partici- 
pated in the battle of Farmington. Miss- He commanded the post at Bards- 
town. Ky.. from October. 1862. to January. 1863. and successfully defended the 
place against an attack of General John Morgan's Cavalry. He was Assistant 
Inspe:::r general, 2d Brigade. 2d Division. 20th Army Corps, from March till 
::pating in the battles of Liberty Gap. Tenn.. and Chicka- 
mauga. Ga.. receiving special mention in the report of Brigadier General Carlin 
for servi :-e ; in said engagement. He was Aid-de-Camp on the staff of Brigadier 
General Carlin from October. : ; : : : : July. 1864. and was in the battle of Look- 
out Mountain and Missionary Ridge, in November, 1863. He was in the cam- 
paign of a - : " >m Chattanooga to Resaca and Kenesaw Mountain. 

General Vance's military education and his extensive experience in the army 
during the ~ . :. War, pointed him out to the Governor of Illinois as a suitable 
person to aid in the organization of the Illinois National Guard service. He 
was commissioned Captain of Company "D." 9th Infantry, Illinois National 
Guard, in 1876. and Captain of Company "C." 17th Infantry. September 9. 1878. 
He held this position until February 3. 1881. when he was commissioned Major 
and Inspector G : [884, he was promoted to the office of 

Brigadier General and Adjutant General of Illinois. Among the important 
red during the seven years he occupied this position, was com- 
piling and publishing eight 1 : Illinois War Reports, from 1861 to 1868, 
embracing - :oo soldiers. Also recommending and causing to 
-.he Military Code of Illinois, in January, 1885. the present 
three ba:: the establishment of a permanent 
camp at Springfield, known as Camp Lincoln, rifle ranges, and schools of instruc- 
tion for officers and - mission* fficers 7 sm proved to be 
highly beneficial, resulted in bringing the service up to a high state of efficiencv 
and discipline, as was demonstrated by the active service of the Illinois National 
Guard during the serious labor troubles, at Joliet and Lemont, in 1885 : East 
Bl Louis, and Union Stock Yards, Chicago, in 1886. and Braidwood and Spring 
Valley in 1889. T -d the commendation of Governors 

636 






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637 



Oglesby and Fifer in congratulatory orders issued by them. General Vance 
resigned the office of Adjutant General July i, 1891. 

After returning from the Civil War General Vance engaged in the business 
of manufacturing woolen goods for a period of nearly ten years. He subse- 
quently engaged in the business of insurance ; for a number of years he has been 
interested in mining and manufacturing industries. General Vance has long 
been actively engaged as a member of the Republican party ; he has never sought 
an elective office, but has gladly assisted his friends who have aspired to impor- 
tant positions- He has attended all the Republican State Conventions in Illinois 
since 1868, as a delegate or an interested spectator. He was a member of the 
Republican Executive Committee of Sangamon County during the campaigns 
of 1894 and 1896, which placed that county in the Republican column. General 
Vance became a citizen of Springfield in 1891. 



FREDERICK WILLIAM UPHAM. 

The first of the Uphams m America was John Upham, who came over in 
the Hull Colony, in 1630, and settled at Maiden, Massachusetts. His son, 
Lieutenant Phineas Upham, was an officer of Massachusetts troops in King 
Philip's War, and was killed in the Great Swamp Fight. In a later generation 
Jonathan Upham, of the same line, was a soldier of the Revolution, and was 
present at the surrender of Cornwallis. Later still came Calvin H. Upham, who 
was born at Westminster, Mass. : was engaged in general merchandising in Wis- 
consin before and after the Civil War. and in the latter was a Captain and Com- 
missary of United States Volunteers, in the Department of the Gulf. He mar- 
ried Miss Amanda E. Gibbs, and to them was born the subject of this sketch. 

Frederick William Upham was born at Racine, Wisconsin, on January 29, 
1861. He received a good primary and secondary education, and was sent 
to Ripon College, Ripon, Wisconsin, where he pursued an advanced course of 
study, but did not complete it nor graduate- Leaving college in 1880 he entered 
at once upon a business career in the employ of the L^pham Manufacturing Com- 
pany at Marshfield, Wisconsin. This was an important lumber concern, and of 
it Mr. Upham' s uncle, Major William H. Upham, Governor of Wisconsin from 
1895 to 1897, was president. Mr. Upham remained with it for fourteen years, 
filling various places, from that of Inspector of Lumber to that of General 
Manager of the company. In the meantime he, of course, acquired a thorough 
knowledge of the lumber business in all its departments. In 1894 Mr. Upham 
decided to establish himself in business on his own account. Accordingly he 
removed to Chicago, and there organized the Fred. W. Upham Lumber Com- 
pany, with himself as its president. It rapidly rose to its present prominence 
as one of the leading concerns of the kind in that city. Mr. Upham is also vice- 
president of the Creelman Lumber Company, of Cairo, Illinois, and of the 
Wisconsin Hardwood Export Company, of Wausau, Wisconsin. 

Mr. Upham is a Republican in politics, and has taken an active part in the' 
public affairs of that party- In 1892 he was a delegate from the Eighth Wis- 
consin District to the National Republican Convention, at Minneapolis. In 
April, 1898, he became Alderman of the Twenty-second Ward of Chicago, but 
resigned the place on January 1, 1899, on account of his election as president 
oi the Cook County Board of Review. He was elected Alderman as the repre- 
sentative of the business men's and citizens' interests against the professional 
politicians, and especially in opposition to the granting of too long franchises to 
street railroad corporations. 

Mr. Upham is a member and director of the Union League Club, and a 
member of the Hamilton, Chicago Athletic, Germania, Marquette Clubs and 
also of the Glen View Golf and Polo Clubs, of Chicago. He is a member of the 
Society of Colonial Wars, the Sons of the American Revolution, and of the 
Military Order of the Loyal Legion. He was married in 1885 at Ripon, Wis- 
consin, to Miss Alice C. Judd, of that place. They have no children. 

638 




(mU 





639 



HORATIO LOOMIS WAIT. 

As lawyer, jurist and citizen the personal life history of Horatio Loomis 
Wait is interwoven as a part of the warp and woof of Chicago history, and his 
career has been a phenomenally successful one. In public and private life, in 
war and in peace, he has never been unmindful of his whole duty. Patriotism 
is one of the inherent elements of his make-up, as he sprang from good old 
Revolutionary stock. In tracing back the genealogy of the Wait family in 
America we find that the first member to settle here was John Wait, son of 
Richard Wait, who came to the Massachusetts Bay Colony early in the seven- 
teenth century. He was the father of seven sons, all of whom were in the 
French and Indian and Revolutionary wars. Five of the sons became commis- 
sioned officers and two fell in battle. Joseph Wait, second in order of birth of 
the seven sons, and great-grandfather of Horatio L. Wait, was captain in the 
corps of Rangers commanded by Major Robert Rogers during the French and 
Indian war, and as captain of a company assisted in the capture of Ticonderoga. 
He was commissioned by John Hancock, Lieutenant Colonel of a regiment he 
recruited in the Revolution, and served as advance guard of General Arnold 
near Lake Champlain. His son, Marmaduke Wait, was commissioned First 
Lieutenant in the 16th L'nited States Infantry in 1799, and Israel C. Wait, son 
of Marmaduke, was a lieutenant in the Mexican war. L'pon his maternal side 
several of Mr. AVait's ancestors were officers in the colonial wars, the Revolu- 
tion and the Seminole war. 

Horatio Loomis Wait was born in Xew York City August 8, 1836; son of 
Joseph and Harriet (Heileman) Whitney Wait, both natives of the Green Moun- 
tain State. He attended Trinity School, Xew York, and when fourteen years 
old entered Columbia College Grammar School, preparatory to going to col- 
lege. He came to Chicago in 1856 and entered the law office of J- Young 
Scammon. When the war broke out he enlisted in Company D, 60th Illinois 
Infantry, but becoming impatient with the delay and tardiness in recruiting in 
the regiment, he volunteered in the naval service. He was commissioned as- 
sistant paymaster, with rank of Master in the Navy, by President Lincoln, and 
ordered to duty on the "Pembina." When the "Pembina" was sent north for 
repairs, young Wait was transferred to the steamer "Alary Sanford," which 
conveyed ammunition to the "Monitor" fleet at Charleston. . A few months later 
he was ordered to report for duty on the flagship "Philadelphia." After the 
war he was transferred to the "Ino"' and visited many European ports. Off 
Lisbon, he was promoted to a paymastership, with rank of lieutenant-com- 
mander. Returning to the United States in 1867, he was ordered to the L nited 
States ship "Xew Hampshire." but in the following year he was made inspector 
at Pensacola X'avy Yard and transferred accordingly. 

Resigning his naval commission in 1870, Mr. Wait returned to Chicago 
and resumed the study of law in the office of Barker & Tuley. August 22, 1870, 
he was admitted to the bar of Illinois, and became junior member of the firm 
of Barker & Wait, and so continued till after he was appointed one of the 
Masters in Chancery of the Circuit Court of Cook County, June, 1876. He is 
undoubtedly one of the oldest Masters in Chancery in the State. He brought 
to the office dignity and a profound knowledge of the law, untarnished and 
incorruptible integrity, and held the important office for more than twenty years. 
Xo judge on the bench, perhaps, is regarded with higher veneration and esteem. 
He is a great traveler, has been a great reader and deep thinker and is a man 
of scholarly attainments. Mr. Wait is not a politician, but as a staunch Repub- 
lican takes a great interest in public affairs. He was one of the organizers of 
the Hyde Park Lyceum, which was iater merged into the Chicago Public 
Library, and he became a member of the Chicago Literary Club, becoming its 
president in 1893. He is a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church, was 

640 





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€53ax upon, t&e restoration of Charles IL in r66o> 

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Airnrce:: 7 :. in EEarr " ..: 5-ir 71 :. ;--;i: 7 :..-::: Ir:~~r7 A7..1 mi 
■."-.. 7 - - - 7 : : : 7 7 . . . ~~::r. i - 

7 "-7- 17 ii<L ice ■-.. ■-: . - in? ::i:-i:: :<: die 171^111117 :c ±e An^: 77 
1: :::_:: >a~ 7r:;n~A 1: :li7 11:1: :: die Ani ies i.i : ~d~ i_i~7 :e-r_ 
A--- -- 1: . '.:.:-.- 1 A:e: in: _ 7: : 7 17 7 -._: 1: die mil :: linle-? I — li- 

;iisernnen 7;~ AAn 7riii7i-- mi signe 
... . . _. - - - -- _ - - T ■ _ - 

■ ; 7 7.7" ' . . " : : 1 : . : : : . " " 7 : nil 7: : l;i:;:: 7 :in- 1 mi 7 mlier All 

----- 7 - " : ' " - • - .'7- 

11 ; 7 : :: ; :~ Aemerii -Aer^ .7 resided ;iii A~ ieoid 77 7 11: 1-7 
1; 1- ; :.i. 7 .-..:..-: dnnei 7 miel 7Aer mi AA7 7. - Ad:ze Waite is a son 

7 7 I 7 7 : 

7 - - r. 7 - - - 7 

:r:sTer: : is rimer :: riiiiner: mi nd .-:..:- 11 mi .::.- 1:7 reine mi 
7-: ; :•_- 7 : - 7 - " .1 .-■; : .1.1 7 7... 11 A :rz 7 7 7. 11 77 7 ir~ A 7ia.?nlna 

7.1H in7 7 enter "7.-7 A'd?'- """1.-7 nii: ±e ::"n:i schools .: Ver- 
- '-."-_: ;r i:7ee 7 . ■ - 7 . - ■ 

- - - : r : - ' " - " 71 7 - 7 1. 7 

. : ; : '.- : 7 .: i j. 7; . : ._ ;i.i 1 I*; mis 11 :aniii::.;i.:r7 .1 Ae :*iii_ii:::i 
:■: Tie r.mr- : A51 1.1 : lis -lion i7-,i:::i iI-icgitA 7ie ::.r_;r: 7- A 7ie 
patty and snpported its candidates; ne became widely Lwjwiia irfn — - , 

' - " • - ■ ■ - 

.1 :•;-- tz m: h'iti:: ~.ih :lie "cir^ :: Ae :.:;i-.;e. A ?Aendd <re:> 

7 .;:-:. : vidi : ; i~lr :m: : - - - 
fw%ge Warte has- never ptcsfied Mmself forward as a seeker after 

:-:::::::■- - .'7. ;.7 -7.: n vin : :. ::.il. ie^ilarlve 
ri "i:-7 1.-7; ;li7 :::i7i--::.: 7i:-7 :.i:i:;: : - 

A^ ii" :: :lie ::" 7.111 iii; :6:: :inr-; i:r_:i:ne7i 

- - i- :~: : 7 :-:'■ -.1 fie-::il Mi.n: 77 r-Mr-'ri 

Lie : - : :•: fe-i 1: : ; 1I7- -e:li:e :: : .:' iz -■: :: :: 1:.; ni :rr. - 

- if 1 : : i"7 : 1- : - : : -;e n:r-i i" : :lie 7:c ?-rii: ;i ; : 7:e 5ca:r 11 1 






-#£* %j06u£Lr 



643 



is one of its wisest and best provisions. Judge Waite has been a careful student 
of history, and is an intelligent observer of the passing events of the world. He 
has well-settled opinions upon great public questions, and is a national leader of 
public opinion. He gave strong support to the cause of the Union, and has 
done much for both measures and men of his party. 

In 1859 Judge Waite married Hattie N. Wells, who is also a descendant 
of Puritan stock. They have a family consisting of three daughters, namely, 
Laura M., Hattie M. and Ruth M. Waite. Hattie M. is the wife of Thomas 
Everett; they have a son, George W. Everett. Ruth M. is the wife of Henry 
M. Dedrick. Judge Waite and his family have a wide circle of acquaintances 
and friends, and have the respect and confidence of all who know them. 



FRANK S. WHITMAN. 

Dr. Frank S. Whitman, the superintendent of the Illinois Northern Hos- 
pital for the Insane, was born in Belvidere, Illinois, September 27, 1849. His 
father was from Vermont and his mother from Xew York. He was reared in 
Belvidere, where he attended the common schools preparatory to entering the 
University of Chicago, in which he pursued his studies for three years. The 
field of medicine attracted his attention, and in it he sought to use his talents, 
which fitted him particularly for his chosen profession. He commenced his 
professional career by a course of reading with Dr. J. K. Soule, a leading 
homeopathic physician of Belvidere. Later Dr. Whitman attended lectures 
at the Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago, from which he graduated in 
February, 1872. He also received an honorary degree from the Chicago 
Homeopathic College. While believing firmly in the law of cure enunciated 
by Hahnemann, he did not believe it to be the only law of cure. He is a broad 
and liberal man, well read in his profession, and freely makes use of everything 
in the medical line that has been proven to be of service. 

After his graduation in the medical schools he began the practice of his 
profession at Belvidere, where he attained a high reputation as a skillful physi- 
cian. His standing was so high in the profession that in January, 1899, he was 
chosen to succeed the late Dr. John B. Hamilton as superintendent of the 
Illinois Northern Hospital for the Insane, which is one of the largest hospitals 
in the country, accommodating over 1,200 patients. To be called to the man- 
agement of such an institution is certainly a very high honor. It is not only 
in his profession that he has been honored, but also as a citizen of personal 
worth. He has been elected twice to the mayoralty of Belvidere, and has served 
six years as President of the School Board. He is now vice-president of the 
People's Bank of Belvidere. which is an indication of his financial reputation. 

Dr. Whitman's professional duties have always had his first and careful 
attention. He has never allowed anything to stand in the way of their proper 
performance. He has, however, been prominent in politics for many years. He 
has been for eighteen years the member from Boone County of the Congres- 
sional Committee of his district. He has repeatedly been a delegate to State 
Conventions, and has also been an alternate delegate to the National Republican 
Convention. During the late war with Spain he was appointed Surgeon of the 
1 2th Illinois Infantry, with the rank of Major. This regiment, however, was 
never called upon for active service. 

Dr. Whitman is a prominent member of the American Institute of 
Homeopathy, of the Illinois State Homeopathic Society and of the American 
Medico-Psychological Society. He was married on January 21, 1877, to ^liss 
Frances Pier of Belvidere, who has proven herself a worthy helpmeet in every 
sense of the word, and is entitled to a large share of credit for the success which 
has attended his efforts. 



644 







j. /yzuM^ 



cc^ejt^ 



645 



WILLIAM P. WILLIAMS. 

One of the most prominent of the younger Republicans of Chicago is Wil- 
liam P. Williams, present Assistant Treasurer of the United States. In a 
comparatively short time he has acquired a high reputation as a ready, fluent 
and convincing orator. He was born July 2, 1855, at Pompey, Onondaga 
County, N. Y., his parents being Porter B. and Mary H. Williams, the former 
of whom is dead. The mother is yet living in Buffalo, N. Y. When the subject 
of this sketch was about two years old his parents moved to Buffalo, N. Y., and 
there continued to reside until 1869, when, on account of the father's failing 
health, the family moved to Aiken, S. C. 

William P. Williams was prepared for college at Charleston, S. C, where 
he early showed great capacity and unusual taste for literature and public 
speaking. In 1877, having thoroughly prepared himself for a collegiate career, 
he entered Union College at Schenectady, N- Y., and took a full classical course, 
graduating with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in the class of 1881. During 
his college career he was one of the foremost orators of the institution, taking 
one of the oratorical prizes and graduating with Phi Beta Kappa honor, a dis- 
tinction given to only six leading members of his class. He is also a member of 
the Alpha Delta Phi Fraternity. While at college his tastes led him to deter- 
mine upon the profession of law, and accordingly, immediately after graduation, 
he took up that study, but was forced for want of means to relinquish it for a 
time and turn to business. In 1883 he came to Chicago as agent for a large 
eastern car-spring concern, and continued until 1889 in the railway supply busi- 
ness. Soon afterward he became connected with the marble and tile business, 
being president and treasurer of the Art Marble Company of Chicago. He is 
still connected with this business. He served for two years, from 1896 to 1897, 
inclusive, as secretary of the Union League Club, having joined that organiza- 
tion in 1887. Mr. Williams indulges his tastes in literary subjects and has 
become a wide reader and student on a great variety of topics. As a result his 
mind is stored with interesting and useful information, which has become very 
useful to him in his capacity as an after-dinner speaker. 

He has always been a Republican, as was his father before him. As early 
as 1895 he took up the McKinley cause with Charles G. Dawes. There is no 
doubt that he made the first public speech in Chicago, in December, 1895, which 
favored Mr. McKinley for the presidency. This speech was delivered before 
the Marquette Club, and was published by Robert Porter of Cleveland, and ex- 
tensively circulated as campaign literature. At the banquet of the Hamilton 
Club in the winter of 1895-6 Senator Foraker was billed to respond to a toast, 
''The Republican Party," but at the last moment, being unable to attend, he sent 
his regrets, and the chairman, Samuel W. Allerton, called upon Mr. Williams to 
fill the vacancy- Accordingly the latter delivered a strong speech, taking the 
opportunity to boom Mr. McKinley for the presidency. He was one of the 
organizers and chairman of the finance committee of the William McKinlev 
Business Men's Club, which did such effective service during the McKinlev 
campaign. At the Springfield Convention he was selected to second the speech 
of William J. Calhoun favoring the endorsement of McKinley's nomination, but 
in the excitement following certain parliamentary tactics all arguments were 
passed over, the question put to a vote, and the speech was never delivered. 
He campaigned for the national committees in Indiana, Nebraska and Illinois, 
and was invited by Mr. McKinley to make a series of speeches in Ohio, but was 
unable to accept. He helped organize the McKinley and Hobart National 
Wheelmen, and was made vice-president of the organization. About 80,000 
wheelmen, a large percentage being first voters, were enrolled. They made the 

646 




647 



pilgrimage to Canton, where on behalf of the organization Mr. Williams deliv- 
ered the oration, which was published by the National committee as campaign 
literature. He was appointed to his present position on December 20, 1897. 

Mr. Williams was married in 1892 to Miss Grace Greenwood Jackson of 
Glenwood, la. They have no children. He is an Episcopalian and resides in 
the 32d ward, Chicago. He has a beautiful summer home at Lake Beulah, Wis. 
Mr. William's wide scholarship, brilliant talents and fluent eloquence have won 
for him prominent reputation as an after-dinner speaker. He has performed 
important services in a great variety of public enterprises, and is prominently 
identified with the public spirit of Chicago- 



HERMAN B. WICKERSHAM. 

Herman B. Wickersham was born at LaPorte, Indiana, July 3, 1859, and 
until seventeen years of age spent his life on the farm, when he gave up country 
life and entered the schools of LaPorte, where he took a classical course and 
graduated in June, 1879. When twelve years old he entered a court room for 
the first time, with his father, where he was infatuated with a lawyer in the midst 
of an argument. At that time he settled in his own mind that when he grew 
up he would become a lawyer. Later in his life his mother attempted to per- 
suade him to give up the idea of pursuing the profession of law, and under her 
persuasion he commenced the study of anatomy with a view of practicing medi- 
cine as a profession ; but in a short time he gave up all idea of a medical profes- 
sion and still clung to his desire to practice law. 

After his graduation Mr. Wickersham entered the law offices of Messrs. 
Weir & Biddle of LaPorte, one of the leading law firms of the State. In Sep- 
tember, 1879, he came to Chicago for the purpose of finishing his studies and 
entered the Union College of Law, at the same time connecting himself with 
Judge Lyman Trumbull, with whom he remained for about ten years- He 
graduated from the law school in June, 1881, and commenced practicing in 1882. 
Immediately after the commencement of practice, his law business developed 
into a litigated business, which he has retained ever since, and become known 
at the bar as a conscientious, hard fighter. 

Soon after he entered upon his profession he became politically inclined 
and commenced his political life in the old 3d ward of Chicago and took an 
active interest in local politics, and often went to conventions as a delegate. In 
1886 he moved to the North Side and was soon engrossed in the politics of that 
part of the city. In 1887 he became a member of the Marquette Club, and from 
that time until the present he has been a prominent factor in that organization, 
holding the office of Director, Chairman of Political Action Committee, First 
Vice-President, and in March, 1899, was elected President of the Club. He had 
the distinction of being the first president of that organization who had a con- 
testant for the office. He was elected by a handsome majority. Up to Novem- 
ber, 1899, he had never held a political office, either elective or appointive, when 
at this time Governor John R. Tanner appointed him a member of the Lincoln 
Park Board. On the 16th of November, 1899, he was elected by the Commis- 
sioners of Lincoln Park to the Presidency of the Board, which position he now 
occupies. 

In June, 1899, he was married to Mrs. Fanny L. Sneider, and now resides 
in the 24th ward. 



648 




fo^^^t^, /^/^^i^i^^^^ 



649 



THOMAS S. WILLIAMS. 

This gentleman, now a resident of Louisville. Illinois, was born in Blair 
Township,. Clay County. Illinois. February 14. 1872. His father was William 
Williams, and his mother formerly Miss Nancy Freeman. His grandfather. 
William Williams, was one of the pioneers of Clay County. He came from 
ih Carolina, and taught the first school In Clay County. The father of 
subject served four years as a member of Company B. Forty-eighth Illinois 
Infantry, and served with his regiment from Fort Donelson to the close of the 
War of the Rebellion. When the war ended he settled on a farm in Blair 
Township, where he amassed a competence and became a useful citizen- An- 
iersoD Fryman, maternal grandfather of subject served in the Confederate 
Army during the Civil War. 

Thomas S. attended country schools until seventeen years of age. when 
he entered the public s :"_: 3ols : : L : trisville, paying his way by serving as janitor. 
Later he took a three years course in Austin College. Effingham, pursuing the 

deal course, but did not graduate. Succeeding this he taught school at 
Effingham, Edgewood and elsewhere. He read law with Hon. B. D. Monroe. 
now Assistant Attorney General of Illinois, in Louisville, and was admitted to 
the bar in 1896. and immediately formed a partnership with his preceptor under 
the hrm name of Monroe & Williams, which ass : n is still in existence, with 

a large practice. The rlrm is one of the strongest in the central part of the 
State, having a large practice in several counties. Mr. Williams has shown 
a special fitness for the successful management of jury casrf 

From boyhood Mr. Williams has taken the deepest interest in politics, and 
became noted even as a child for the intensity of his Republicanism. In local 
debating societies he became conspicuous for the vigor and ability with which 
he defended his political principles. He took an active part in the campaign of 
$94 ind spoke for the Republican ticket in various places. In 1895. when 
Coin's Financial School was being extensively circulated, he took part in several 
joint debates, coming squarely out for the gold standard, when Republicans and 
Democrats alike -Turned in favor of the free and unlimited coinage of silver. 
His argument for the gold standard was forcible and convincing. During the 
campaign of 1896 he made over thirty speeches in fifteen counties of Southern 
Illinois, and was con: 7 le :"en by the Democrats, to be an extremely effective 
campaigner. From 1896 to 1898 he served as city attorney of Louisville to the 
faction of all. In November, 1898. after a spirited campaign, in which he 
again showed his remarkable fitness for politics and the stump, he was elected to 
the Legislature from the Forty-second district, comprising the counties of 
Marion. Clinton. Washington and Clay. His ability generally, particularly on 
finance, was recognized by his appointment to the position of chairman of the 
Committee on Finance and on other important committees. Although one of 
the youngest members of the House, he became one of its leading members, 
winning the reputation of being an industrious worker in the committee room 
and a strong speaker on the floor. By sheer force of intellectual ability and 
fore: and eloquence he has become one of the foremost Republics: ■ 

the State, with a bright future awaiting him. 

Mr. Williams is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Presbyterian 
church. He was united in marriage June 9. 1897. at Charleston, 111., to Miss 
Mabel Simpson, a classmate at Austin College., and has one child. Harold Simp- 
son Williams. 



650 




J1Z&HI& 



651 



MOSES O. WILLIAMSON. 

Ant: " "" '.. ..nil :n 1:1 :: ^ AA::-iA:t AriAr : in ±: 11 
prairies of Illinois. He was first "rocked in the cradle of the ini g hty deep.*' 
He was born on the Atlantic Ocean, July 14, 1.830. His parents, WlIKani and 
7Amn A 111:1 vrtrt ::i:.'t- 1 1 1:1; hi :: ir Ariiz At :.ri:: 

s 

:: !...::.; ::. -::.:; _: ::;.::: 7: :.::.: Am 1 : :.t Hi A: itr : iinn 1 

all farm : :n 7 1 . . 1 __ 11 1 11 A 1 1 : _ Hi: :i :~htr 

in 1886. They had a family of six children, who lived to manhood and 

inn::: VA = t.= ni :i _ 1: At nun Ai:t:7tA . :.: 1 ::t 15 7 mi 

t m n 11: n 1. At Am 1 ': ::• ir.i :n:i : .-.Tit.- 1:: :rA::r :: Af 

At :;-_:= 1:1 7 A r::: An Ant :: - : r-: :z the fir" A i itiAArn 

wher^ t ::::.:..:::: 7 : ytir: H: At:: 1:1 1 11 i.m-r :: "Ami 11: 

mm _ .; im 1 :: 7i:::liA 7m :: 7i::: ::: ::::;::• ::ii: -itrt it >trrr: 

:;r 7iitt veil: A:tr n:_ ■::i::: :it ; ri: i- : :::t; :::::; H: Ati 1111 

out Mr. Gray, one of the partners, and from 1867 to 1879 was in partnership with 

Mr. Olson. His next venture was the purchase off Mr. Olsons interest in the 

harness business, which he carried on, single-handed and alone, until 1890, when 

he came to Galesmrrg*. 

Mr- "Williamson has the ability to please. His rigid life of honesty and 

.:!:::.:; im 11 :':: 1 : 11 : ::i£ Ant L~i . 1. mi .. :-•-.-.: 7A:t: :: 

:::::: :i n itti 1. 17 An 1111: =tA: 11: :;: ~nri :■: rnr^z :r mint 
lir tvtr At:; 1111 AA.y i i" i n An A:.i in: 1 [AAA 1777 It ItA 
the office of Councilman, Justice of the Peace, Village Qerk and Town Clerk. 
and was ever regarcA : 

an earnest and conscientious Republican. He believes in his party creed, 

and has don. i r i - • . . . - : Af 

In 1884 he was made Secretary of the Republican County Central Committer 
and has been its Secretai its Chairman ever since,, being its Chairman at 

- . - - i At ■ . : it it : . : . .1 7- : . - 11- : n m .-■ 

:>:•:-:>:_-: 11 ir :it ::Ait 11111 A 11 5 1 in mmim At: iimi 
111: A Aim i- :i J i.- .An i: : > : " in i: :it ::A i imiitt A At. 

::.t it: m: An t Ctrl 

i : t Amii . . :: i At :i: m A i :-i yti: A Am A in A "i« 
t . -. . i _ A i : t 7 : t r n : 

Mr. WAmamson is not a bigot. He believes in the freedom of religious 

mi i: n 7:nn::i nun mm n: i 

Both his private and public character are above 

ii unii in -■--"_- mm : in yn A A? 

n it Tim ininiy in : ::: ii: :: ~ti: 

it-f ;n i .-.:... n: nunir mi ::irin 

- 1 - 1 : : ■ '1 

mself the commendations of his fellow citizens. He 

iiarried October 18., 1871. to Mary Driggs, a native of Oneida County. Xew 

1 and the daughter of William M. and Mnhcent (Housted) Driggs. " Three 

children have been born to them, two of whom are now hving, Addie and XeMie- 



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and hone 





t : : 





653 



Dr. Frederick C. Winslon- of Jacksonville, Ill r was born October 6, : 8 m 

m ~ .:; Mr I : me m: '. : 1:7 1 " V m:s iarieer ~ms Ime ieri M _ 'Miami:" : ~ 
Mi: .-. ." : m 7 : : : es : : ~ erm : a: 7.:::: ;: :: ::;:.: 

it: ma ie i :': i m :M Am- Znmian i ammes mm mm ; : : mm mm Memmei m:e 
:.:: ;.i:::; :: 7: ; ;-:: !:"; i::. ""::::::.: Mr mi Mrs am seen after 

their marriage, came west and settled in Stephenson County,. IK- r in 1836. Mr 
Winslow died in iS; : 

The subject of this sketch received his preliminary education in the public 
7:--: :: M He ; :e-I a: Me XerM-vestem University in the 

class of 1870, and in the medical department of the same university in m m 
AMer mmeierma Ms ;::::: M meimme in Me mmersm _r msim: tasse-I 
a competitive examination and received the appointment of the first position as 
mrerme ar Me MM: . ar mrseitai ■ m : 7: m _ :M... rem: : miaimeen .:.-.: aMs 
in Ma: :a mm .:;■ A: Mr :::.v:j::: :•: :Mf rem: :: •:; mm mr "Mam es 

m : mmel :: Mr imms: me Mai tesimn :n Me Insane M : s; :ai m Mrks mmke 
M in M" mi iras Mea MenmremmM Me sm iy aa I rrearmmr A memai iis- 
eases :m m Me iare A rear mm:: :men: : : :he 1 : mem ::me His t re mess in 
Mese srames Mm mar Mm raeiim :: Me irmr •: m emert in Mis Man:h A 
- 7 Mm a Me ; ::m A fAen ?. AAaeA as amvemmr in 

1893. Dr. Winslow resigned his position in the hospital, but four years later, 

M rem :: leaner Me :■■::: r ""as m - 
- :m:e: ?m sirim mi Art erinten lent A Me Imneis AMseitai Ar Me Insane 1: 
MMsemmm Mm:h ;:-:.:. Me am ieelis In MM I: Mem seem smte 
mmMs in Ammee stamina; Me meMeis A Me :are mi :iee meatmen: :■:" Me 
insane is Mmtarei :: similar :iisses in :Ms : ; :.rm 

I: MMnsl:-"'s i ientm :a:::n rtir Me Art Mi: mm tarty Maaa m:e Me :am- 
.en .-. - : itan Li - tier HemAimaa :an ii late ::r Presi- 

dent. The doctor was then only He Jther 

enthusiastic boys formed a crab, called the "Yoting- Rail-Splitt e r Meeir 

minamme — as 1 rati m: :irese ymrnfm mm Aims tartmitatei mtie ermrmy in 
Me lamtamm mi Me a: MA: liaimelrmrmir ;::iee men:: A eie: nam A rn- 
iram mm :M eresmMa: Mte iieem iris men a : :nsis:ent ana inn::en::ai ReenM 
rrm M:m :itat rime .:nr:i Me t res em ieerm me.ee m iztive interest mi tart in 
the work of the parry. He became a member of the Masonic fraternity in 1881 
mi itas iteii Me :m:e A me. ..: a : M;m in svAer iinate MAies A Me i mem 
Mamer amrlm: annmier; mi in Me mini ::mn:nan: mini Mamer 
:•: Me Mare ::' Me m M7 ir treserr in el is rite Mini ;mee in rink in me 
Grand coimeandery. Knights Templar of Illinois, and second ranking officer in 
Me I-rarM ieeee iiete- :frieeAea Mess A Mns:anr:ne 

Dr. Winslow was married on February 7, 1881. to Frances Wilkinson Rock- 

m . ::' U Ms: ramie I. i: : se iimil 7m immna Me earnest semers in Miraan 

County. Illinois, her grandfather having been the first postmaster of Jackson- 

mile mM teinr eiertea : m :y :ierk nam Me maaaiaanm :::ite m mm mis 

eft m e sms I : Me : a 

of friends among the medical men of the State, and he is recognized as standing 
it the iaeai ::' riae ar messi a Ime is still ; me; tranveiy :, yea mm mi ires 
a ~i it neii :: nseMiness :e::re itim 



,.:■*■ 





<?lut-u^^tAr~ 



655 



clarence sensenig WITWER. 

The Sensenig and the Witwer families in America are the direct descendants 
of members of that sturdy race which inhabited the two provinces on the banks 
of the upper Rhine in Germany over two hundred years ago, and which were 
forced by persecution to leave the land of their birth, the Fatherland, and seek 
new homes in Pennsylvania. Members of these families and their connections 
were among the first settlers in Earl Township, Lancaster County, Penn., locat- 
ing there in 1730. the township and the county having been organized only the 
year before. Among the papers of George WItwer. father of subject, was 
recently found a deed from William Penn to William Sensenig, bearing date 
1734. in which the name of Michael Witwer. the ancestor of subject, appears. 
George Witwer. the father, was born in Earl Township, the above county. 
August 25. 1824. Possessing strong religious tendencies, he united with the 
German Baptist Brethren at the age of twenty years, and in 1852 was called to 
the ministry of that denomination. In July, 1849. he married Miss Elizabeth 
Studebaker, sister of Studebaker Bros., of South Bend, Indiana, who was born 
in Pennsylvania. May 18. 1829. and was then living in Ashland County, Ohio- 
He did not confine himself to the ministry, but engaged in the mercantile busi- 
ness and in 1863 removed with his family to LaPorte, Indiana, and engaged in 
farming. In 1868 he was ordained an elder of his church. In 1867 he moved 
to Hamilton, Missouri, where he remained until 1881, operating a general store 
and attending to his ministerial duties. In 1881 he removed to South Bend, 
Indiana, and there remained living a retired life until his death in October, 1886. 
His widow resides with her daughter. Mrs. Joseph Kopcsay. in South Bend. Of 
their twelve children nine are living, as follows : John S.„ Dallas. Texas ; Mrs. 
Joseph Kopcsay, South Bend: Mrs. J. M. Mohler. Joliet, I1L: T. W. Witwer, 
Chicago; George M. , South Bend; Ed. C, South Bend; J. F-, Columbus, Ohio; 
H. E. K e r sej Z Mo., and the subject of this sketch. 

2 5. Witwer. who is now vice-president and general manager of the Joliet 
Manufacturing Company, was born in Ashland County, Ohio, in 1862. At 
Hamilton, Mo., where the family removed in 1867, he received his early educa- 
tion, and worked for his father in the general store, handling agricultural imple- 
ments and vehicles, being one of the first agents of Studebaker Bros, in the W~est. 
As the father was frequently called from home to preach, the care of the business 
fell largely on his sons. Subject assisted in the store and herded cattle for 
Dwight & Booth of Hamilton, and when fifteen years old was given S500 in 
cash by his employers and sent twenty miles on horseback to buy cattle, which 
he did. driving them five miles, weighing and shipping them to market. From 
1879 to September, 1881, he was employed as assistant by Studebaker Bros, at 
South Bend, arid in 1881 and 1882 took a preparatory course at Depauw Uni- 
versity. Greericastle, In<L He then took a position in the lumber department 
: S:v. it': i.irr Z::f rr~:2.::;i: :_£ ■.::::_ ::;t :VJ :: :S>: v.-j-.f:: :.t : e ::. r : -.:. : ri t- 
man for his brother. John S.. at Dallas. Texas. In 1886 he took the road for 
Studebaker Bros., but the following year removed to Joliet, I1L, and took an 
interest in the Joliet Manufacturing Company, and from that date until 1897 was 
general superintendent. In 1897 he became its vice-president and general man- 
ager, which position he now holds. 

In the early 'So's Mr. Witwer was a member of the South Bend Light 
Guards. He is a member of the Stone City Union Club of Joliet, and of the 
Hamliton Club of Chicago. In the fall of 1887 he married Miss Mar; I 
Shreffler, only daughter of Andrew H. Shrefiler, late president of the Joliet 
Manufacturing Company, and at the time of his death in 1897 the oldest manu- 
facturer in Will County. Their children are. Irene, born July 17, 1890, and 
died September 30, 1891, and Andrew Hafer Shrefiler Witwer, born Februar - 1 

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1894- Mr. Witwer is not a member of any church, but is a regular attendant of 
clivine service, being a trustee of the Ottawa Street M. E. Church, Joliet, and 
being a liberal supporter of church and benevolent institutions. He has been 
a staunch Republican all his life, but has refused to accept political honors. 



THOMAS WORTHINGTON. 

Thomas Worthington of Jacksonville, 111., is a son of Dr. Thomas Worth- 
ington and Amelia J. Worthington of Pittsfield, 111. Dr. Worthington, now 
deceased, was a native of Tennessee, but a descendant of the Worthington and 
Calvert families of the State of Maryland. Mrs. Worthington was born in 
Maryland and was the youngest daughter of Col. Kennedy Long of Baltimore, 
who commanded the 27th Regiment in the defense of that city during the war 
of 1812. Although born in a slave State and by inheritance the owner of slaves, 
Dr. Worthington was not in favor of slavery, and believed the system of slavery 
to be inherently wrong. It was chiefly because of his opposition to slavery that 
he removed from Tennessee and settled in Illinois. Dr. Worthington was a 
man of splendid and varied ability; he stood at the head of his profession as a 
physician and surgeon ; he identified himself with the Whig party, and was twice 
elected to the State Senate ; he took an active interest in politics, and as a public 
speaker was able and eloquent; he was a "Free Soil Whig," and took a firm 
stand against the extension of slavery into the territories ; he was a leading spirit 
in the organization of the Republican party in Illinois ; was a delegate to the first 
Republican Convention of the State, held in Bloomington in 1856; he was a 
personal friend of Abraham Lincoln, and supported him for President; was 
earnestly devoted to the Union cause, and to the continued success of the Repub- 
lican party- Dr. and Mrs. Worthington were early settlers in Pittsfield, Pike' 
County, Illinois. 

Thomas Worthington the subject of this sketch, was born in Spencer, June 
8, 1850, while his parents were visiting relatives in that State; he was brought 
home to Pittsfield, where he grew up, and where he received his early education; 
he graduated from the High School of his own town in 1869, then entered 
Cornell University, and in 1873 graduated from that great institution of learn- 
ing, receiving the degree of Ph. B. Mr. Worthington chose the profession of 
law for his life work, and entering the Union College of Law at Chicago was 
graduated from that school in 1877. He took up the practice of law at his old 
home of Pittsfield, where he established a good business, which was extended 
into other parts of the country. Mr. Worthington's first case in a court of 
record was one instituted in Baltimore, Md., to recover the interests of his 
family in his grandfather's estate situated in that city, and which had been sold 
nearly fifty years previously under proceedings in the Orphan's Court. This 
case involved property in the city of Baltimore, much of which had been im- 
proved with modern buildings. A number of persons were interested in the 
result of the litigation ; a long array of counsel were employed by the defendants 
and the case was three times taken to the Court of Appeals. This case, entitled 
Long vs. Long, reported in 62, Maryland Reports, pages 33-88, became a cele- 
brated case in that State. Mr. Worthington stood by his guns and was success- 
ful in the litigation, after many years, as to a considerable part of the property. 

In 1892 two important events occurred in Mr. Worthington's life. On 
November 16th of that year he married Mirriam M. Morrison of Jacksonville, 
111- Miss Morrison was a daughter of Hon. Isaac L. Morrison, one of the 
leading lawyers of the State, one of the organizers of the Republican party and 
lately a distinguished member of the Legislature of Illinois. Her mother is 
Mrs. Anna Tucker Morrison, who is connected with the Tucker, Weeks, Napier, 
Underhill and other leading families of Long Island. Mr. Worthington became 

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a member of the law firm of Morrison & Worthington, and removed his resi- 
dence to Jacksonville, where he now resides. This firm (now Morrison, Worth- 
ington & Reeve) has a large law practice. Mr. Worthington has been closely 
connected with many important cases, and has appeared before the Supreme 
Court of Illinois, the United States Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Supreme 
Court of the United States. For twelve years he has been one of the leading 
counsel for the 600 defendants in the "Sny Levee Bond Suit," involving about 
two million dollars and one hundred thousand acres of land and now pending 
in the United States Supreme Court. Ex-President Harrison is one of the 
associate counsel for the defendant land owners. It will be readily understood 
that Mr. Worthington now stands in the front rank of the profession of law in 
Illinois. 

In politics Mr. Worthington has always been an active Republican: he 
began making speeches for the part}" in the campaign of 18S0. and has taken a 
leading part in every political campaign since that date. In 1882 Mr. Worth- 
ington was elected to the Illinois Legislature from the district composed of the 
counties of Pike. Brown and TTalhoun. He was Presidential Elector on the 
Republican ticket of 1888 for the 12th Congressional District- He was Super- 
visor of the Census for the 10th District of Illinois in 1900. Early in life Mr. 
Worthington became interested in Masonry; he was several years Master of 
the Pittsfield Lodge of A. F. & A. M.. and was also E. C. of Ascalon Command- 
ery of Knights Templars of that place. Mr. and Mrs. Worthington have one 
son. Isaac L. Morrison Worthington. 



JAMES A. WILLOUGHBY. 

Tames A. Willoughby of Belleville. 111., was born on a farm in St. 
County. May 2, 1855. Passing through the common schools of the county, he 
completed his education at McKendree College and graduated in law at Ann 
Arbor in 1876. He was admitted to the Michigan Bar in 1876. before he was 
twenty-one years of age, but instead of practicing law, Mr. Willoughby conducted 
a drug business at Lebanon for four years. 

He became a candidate in 1880 for the office of Recorder of St. Clair County, 
and was one of the three Republicans who were elected to office in that county 
that year. In June, 1885. Mr. Willoughby bought the "Belleville Advocate," 
and has conducted that journal ever since, making it one of the best newspapers 
in southern Illinois. Mr. Willoughby has been an earnest Republican from his 
early manhood, and for more than twenty years has served almost constantly 
as chairman of the Republican County Committee of St. Clair County. He was 
chairman of the Congressional Committee during the contest between Jehu 
Baker and Colonel William R. Morrison for Congressman, when Mr. Baker was 
elected. 

Mr. Willoughby is a man of great force of character, exerts a powerful 
influence in the community where he lives, has a wide circle of friends 
throughout the State, and is one of the best-known men in Southern 
Illinois. In 1894 Mr. Willoughby received the nomination for the State Senate 
in the 49th Senatorial district, and was elected by a majority of 1211. He at 
once took a prominent position in the business of legislation and was appointed 
as a member of the committee to arrange the Senate committee 

Mr. and Mrs. Willoughby make their home in the city of Belleville, where 
thev have a wide circle of friends and are highly respected. 



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FRANCIS M. WRIGHT. 

Judge Francis M. Wright, of Urbana, Champaign County, Illinois, was 
born at Briar Ridge, Liberty Township. Adams County. Ohio. August 5, 1844, 
his parents being Tames and Elizabeth iCopple) Wright His father was a 
native of Pennsylvania, from Scotch-Irish ancestors, and his mother was Ger- 
man. His father was a mechanic, and also a farmer in Ohio, and there upon 
the farm the family were born and brought up. Francis M. Wright being the 
fifth oi six children. Francis M. Wright received a common school and aca- 
demic education, and in June. 1S61. enlisted as a private in Company I, 39th 
Ohio Infantry, for three years, just before he had reached his 17th birthday, and 
on expiration of his time, re-enlisted in the same company and regiment for the 
remainder of the war, and was mustered out as Lieutenant in Company C of 
the same regiment after four years of active service in the armies of the Missis- 
sippi and the Tennessee. He participated in the campaigns and battles of these 
armies : was wounded in the battle of Atlanta. July 22. 1864, and marched with 
Sherman to the sea. and at the close of the war. in June, 1865, was mustered out, 
not having attained the age of 21 years, after more than four years' active 
service in the field. 

Francis M. AYright has been a Republican as far back as he can remember, 
as when a boy he recollects shouting for Fremont and Dayton, and singing the 
campaign songs of that time. He has uniformly voted the Republican ticket 
since he was old enough, and has participated in the advocacy of Republican 
principles and Republican candidates regularly in every campaign upon the 
stump since the close of the war. He has always supported the Republican 
organization in town, county, district and state, and his constituents have sent 
him as a delegate to every State Republican Convention since he moved to 
Illinois, which was in 1869. In war and politics he has never been a quitter. 
He has held no office except that of Circuit Judge, to which he was elected in 
1891 and re-elected in 1897, both times as the nominee of Republican conven- 
tions. 

In 1897 he was assigned by the Supreme Court as one of the Appellate 
Justices in the 26. District, was later changed to the 3d District, and was re- 
assigned to the latter district in 1900, and now occupies that bench at Spring- 
field. 111. At the close of the war he studied law, was graduated at Cincinnati 
Law College, with the degree of LL. B.. was then admitted to the bar, and 
practiced for a short time in Georgetown. Brown County, Ohio : subsequently 
in 1869 removing to L'rbana. Champaign County, 111., where he has since resided 
and practiced law and been elected to the bench- In addition to his law business 
he is interested in the First Xational Bank of L'rbana as one of the principal 
stockholders, is a director and the president of the bank, which has a capital 
and surplus of Si 30.000. 

In 1868 he was married to Miss Elizabeth YYest of Brown County. Ohio, 
and to them five children have been born, three of whom are now living — Royal, 
a lawyer: and two daughters. Edith, married to Roy H. Griffin, and Lora, 
attending Smith College. Francis M. YYright has been a member of the M. E. 
Church since childhood, belongs to the Masonic Fraternity. G. A. R. and the 
Illinois Commanderv of the Militarv Order of the Loval Lesion. 



662 





663 



THEODORE KEPNER LONG. 

Theodore Kepner Long, Xo. 4823 Kimbark Avenue, Chicago, was born 
near Millerstown, Perry County, Pa., on the 26th day of April, 1857. Through 
his father, he is descended from the sturdy freeholder Menonites who settled in 
Lancaster County before the Revolution. The buildings of his earliest Ameri- 
can ancestor, Isaac Long, are still standing in good repair, and have become 
historical owing to a great meeting, "Grosse Yersammlung," held there in 1767 
for the organization of the Lnited Brethren Church. The dwelling house is a 
large old-fashioned colonial structure. The buildings were erected by Isaac 
Long about 1754. In Berger's History of the Lnited Brethren Church, the au- 
thor, writing of these buildings, says : "The masonry is of high order. The 
thatched roof of early times has given way long since to a better covering. They 
are located on a beautiful farm six miles northeast of the city of Lancaster." 

Isaac Long's son, David, the great grandfather of the subject of this sketch, 
was educated for the ministry, and in 181 1 migrated from Lancaster County 
north to the lands along the Juniata River. Here he established a church and a 
farm of over one thousand acres, which latter was afterwards divided among his 
descendants, the mansion portion of it descending to his oldest son, Abraham, 
and later to Abraham's son, Abraham, Jr., the father of Theodore, the subject of 
this sketch. 

The early life of Theodore was spent on his father's farm and at the age ot 
15 he taught the district school and began to lay the foundation for an education 
by attending school in summer time and teaching in winter to earn money to 
pay the expense of his schooling. This plan was followed for upwards of four 
years, when he began the study of law, and two years afterwards entered Yale 
College as a student in the Law Department, and, in addition to the regular law 
course, took a special course in political economy, modern languages, English 
literature and Rhetoric. Mr. Long was graduated in 1878, and immediately en- 
tered the office of the attorneys for the Pennslyvania Railroad at Harrisburg, 
where he remained several years as an assistant. In 1881 he received an appoint- 
ment under the Secretary of War, and removed to Washington, D. C, where he 
also represented several newspapers in Pennsylvania as Washington corres- 
pondent. 

He removed to the Northwest in 1883. and located at Mandan, Dakota Ter- 
ritory, on the west bank of the Missouri River ; Bismarck being situated on the 
east bank. He bought an interest in the Mandan Daily Pioneer and became its 
editor. He took an active part in politics and journalism and wrote and pub- 
lished, under the authority of the Territorial Legislature, a parliamentary guide 
entitled, "Long's Legislative Hand Book." 

In the fall of 1884 Mr. Long was elected District Attorney for the family of 
counties west of the Missouri River and north of the 46th parallel. He was' the 
first prosecuting attorney elected in this district, which at that time had a popu- 
lation probably more cosmopolitan than any similar area in the LYiited States. 
Within this district was the ranch of the eccentric French nobleman, the Marquis 
de Mores, who was tried for murder in Dakota, and afterwards lost his life in the 
Soudan; and here, too, was the ranch of Theodore Roosevelt, for whom Mr. 
Long prosecuted and convicted a band of highwaymen who made a predatory in- 
cursion into the former's ranch. 

After the expiration of his term as District Attorney, he removed to Bis- 
marck where he became the attorney for the Northern Pacific railroad and other 
corporate interests. Realizing that the extreme west was destined to suffer from 
a long period of depression, he returned east as far as Minneapolis where, in com- 
pany with two associates, he promoted and organized the Evening Star, the name 
of which was afterwards changed to the Evening Tribune. He became the 
paper's managing editor and continued in that capacity until he sold his interest, 
and moved to Chicago after the World's Fair. 

664 






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During his residence in Chicago Mr. Long has devoted himself exclusively 
to the practice of the law of life insurance and corporations. He is General 
Counsel of the Ilinois Life Insurance Company, an institution with which he has 
been closely identified ever since its organization. He is a member and director 
of the Hamilton Club, and a member of the Union League Club and the Mid- 
lothian Country Club. He is a blue lodge Mason, a Knight Templar, a mem- 
ber of Medinah Temple Shrine of Chicago, and an active member of the Thirty- 
second Ward Republican Club. He has always taken great interest in educa- 
tional matters, and occupies the chair of Medical Jurisprudence in the National 
Medical University and Hospital. 

Mr. Long was married in 1885, at Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to Miss Kate 
Carson of that place, and both he and his wife are members of the Episcopal 
Church, of which he is also a vestryman. They have one child, a son, William 
Carson Long, fourteen years of age. 



CHARLES A. ALLEN. 

Charles A. Allen is an Illinoisian and was born at Danville, Vermillion 
County, July 26, 185 1. He is the son of William J. and Emily Newell Allen. 
He was educated in the common schools, and after getting through his early 
education, taught school for several years, and at the same time commenced 
the study of law. In 1872, he entered the law school of the University of Michi- 
gan at Ann Arbor, graduating in 1875, after which he located at Rossville, Ver- 
million County, 111., where he practiced his profession successfully until 1881, 
when he removed to Hoopeston, where he has since resided. 

Mr. Allen has made a fine reputation as a lawyer, and in his chosen pro- 
fession has met with most flattering success. But it is as a politician and member 
of the State Legislature that Mr. Allen has become well known throughout the 
state. From his entry into politics, he has taken rank as a leader. In 1884, he 
was elected as a Republican member of the house and was conspicuous in the 
political contest between Gen. John A. Logan, and Colonel William Morrison, 
Republican and Democratic candidates for the United States senate. In the 
session of 1885, when the Illinois General Assembly was so evenly divided be- 
tween the two great parties and when party lines were rigidly drawn ,and party 
fealty put to the test. In this battle Mr. Allen was one of the loyal "103," who 
persistently voted for Gen. Logan. During this heated session, Mr. Allen de- 
veloped consummate ability and displayed qualities of leadership that established 
his power as a Legislator. He has been a hard worker as a member of the 
House, serving on several important committees, including the committee on 
Judiciary. He was re-elected to the House in 1886, 1888 and 1890, but retired 
in 1892, and became a candidate for nomination for State Auditor, in the Re- 
publican State Convention, but failed to secure the nomination. 

In 1896 he was again elected to the House. In 1897, he was temporary 
speaker of the house, Chairman of the Judiciary Committee and of the Republi- 
can Steering Committee. He was again elected to the Legislature in 1898 in 
spite of much opposition on account of his connection with what was known as 
the "Allen Bill" of which he was the reputed author, having as Chairman of the 
Judiciary Committee reported a substitute for the "Humphrey Street Railway 
Bill." Mr. Allen is now — 1900 — elected to the Lower House of the General As- 
sembly. As a parliamentarian, he is one of the best in the West — a ready 
debater and a clear and forcible speaker on all subjects. He is fearless and al- 
ways has the courage of his convictions. Withal, he has great personal popular- 
ity and is highly esteemed for his many social qualities. 

Mr. Allen was married in 1878 to Miss Mary Thompson of Rossville. They 
have two sons and one daughter. On March 30, 1899, Mr. Allen lost his father 
by death, aged 76 — "an old faithful friend ; he closed his career as gently as an 
autumn sunset." One of the strongest characteristics and virtues of Mr. 
Allen is his intense regard for home ties. 

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L. E. WHEELER. 

L. E. Wheeler, the present Mayor of Springfield, 111., was born at Havana, 
III., October 7, 1862. He removed to Springfield, 111., in 1879, with his father, 
Jacob Wheeler, who was then U. S. Marshal for the southern district of Illinois, 
and who had been a distinguished soldier from Illinois during the Civil War. 
After passing through the free schools of Illinois, Mr. Wheeler finished his 
education at Williamsville, Mass., during the years of 1880, 1881 and 1882. 
Returning to his home, he was appointed to a position in the United States' 
Internal Revenue service at Springfield, and continued to occupy this position 
for three years, from 1883 to 1885. Preferring an independent business of his 
own, Mr. Wheeler retired from public service and in 1886 embarked in the ice 
and coal business in Springfield. He developed his trade until it became large 
and lucrative, and he has been successful in all his business undertakings. 

Like his father before him, he has always been an enthusiastic supporter of 
the Republican party. His popularity as a man is attested by the fact that he 
is the first and only Republican that was ever twice elected Mayor of the Capital 
City- Mr. Wheeler first tried his fortune in politics by being a candidate for 
Alderman upon the Republican ticket in his ward, which was Democratic. He 
was twice elected Alderman in that ward, and performed the duties of the office 
in such a manner as to receive the approval and support of the public in general. 
In 1897 Mr. Wheeler was nominated for the office of Mayor, and was elected; 
and was re-elected to the same position in 1899. He has performed the duties 
of this important office to the entire satisfaction of the public. 

Mr. Wheeler is a man of great force of character, is gifted by nature with 
the faculty of making friends, and is an exceedingly popular man in the city of 
Springfield. 



V. C. PRICE. 

Dr. Price is from the Empire State. He was born at Troy, N. Y., in 1832, 
where he grew up and was educated at the public schools and the high school. 
He then took a course in medicine and graduated from the New York Medical 
College in 1856, after which he practiced medicine for several years. 

As early as 1852 Dr. Price began experimenting in the manufacture of 
baking powder, and was the pioneer in its introduction into general use. In 
1861 he came to Chicago and established a baking powder manufactory at 
Waukegan, 111. Then later, in 1863, he started a manufactory on West Lake 
street, Chicago, and later on East Lake street, which was destroyed in the great 
fire of 1871. After the fire he had a factory on Randolph street. In 1884 he 
organized the Price Baking Powder Company, with a factory on the North Side, 
corner of Dearborn avenue and Michigan streets, which was operated success- 
fully until 1890, when he turned his attention wholly to the manufacture of flavor- 
ing extracts, and erected the large building on the corner of Cass and Illinois 
streets, in which he has built up a very large and profitable business, under the 
name of the Price Flavoring Extract Company, of which he is president, and 
his son, R. C. Price, is vice-president. The plant of this company is altogether 
modern, commodious and splendidly equipped with every essential to the busi- 
ness. There are no flavoring extracts which excel or have a higher reputation 
than those made by The Price Flavoring Extract Company, and deservedly so ; 
there is not a housewife in the land who does not know and praise these extracts. 
Dr. Price is also the president of the Pan Confection Company, of Chicago, of 
which another son, V. L. Price, is secretary and treasurer. This company occu- 
pies premises adjoining those of the Price Flavoring Extract Company. That 
Dr. Price is a man of great energy and business capacity is evidenced in the 

668 





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success which he has made in his various undertakings. He is known also in 
financial circles, and for eleven years was president of The Lincoln National 
Bank, which was amalgamated with the Bankers' National Bank of Chicago, 
June i, 1900. 

While he has been absorbed in active business all his life, he has found time 
to give some attention to civic matters and political affairs, and is recognized as 
a public spirited citizen. He has been a Republican always, but has never 
sought or held public office. He is a generous contributor to campaign funds, 
and is a strong supporter of his party. 

Dr. Price was married in Troy. N. Y., in 1858, to Miss Harriet E. White, a 
daughter of Dr. White of Buffalo, X. Y. They have had six children, four of 
whom are now living:. 



JOHN A. ROCHE. 

John A. Roche, ex-mayor of Chicago, was born at Utica, X. Y., August 12, 
1844. He was a younger son of Sarah and of William Roche, the latter a man 
of large abilities and keen wit, whose vocation of expert mason engaged him 
in the building of big factories in the Eastern states. In 1848 the family moved 
to Worcester County, Mass., and there the boy John received his early education, 
and, in his high-school course, began his studies in mathematics and physics, 
which were later to influence so largely his career. At sixteen years of age he 
left home for X T ew York City, where he served for four years apprenticeship as 
a pattern-maker in the Allaire Iron Works, distinguishing himself as a good 
draughtsman and a dexterous workman. Meanwhile he continued his studies 
at the evening school at Cooper Institute, and, becoming a member of the De 
Witt Association, connected with The Mechanics' Institute and Apprentices' 
Library of Xew York City, he augmented his knowledge by books drawn from 
the library, and made his debut as a debater at the Saturday evening meetings 
of the association. 

About this time the Civil War opened, and Roche joined a military company 
that drilled in the Bowery with the intention and expectation of uniting with 
MacLeod's Engineer Corps. Since, however, there was a scarcity of mechanics 
in Xew York City, where vessels for naval service were being constructed, this 
company, which was mainly composed of mechanics, was prevailed upon by the" 
power in authority not to enlist, but to carry on their present work. Prevented 
thus from joining the army, Roche decided to become a marine engineer in the 
service of the United States, but no sooner was his preparation for this position 
completed than the hostilities came to an end. Thereupon Mr. Roche accepted 1 
an offer which called him to New England to construct the fly-shuttle~wire loom, 
invented by the well-known inventor E. B. Bigelow of Boston. Shortly he was 
employed by the eminent engineer J. R. Robinson of Boston to superintend 
and design steam plants in the various factories and manufacturing establish- 
ments of Massachusetts, Maine and X T ew Hampshire. x\gain he returned to 
Xew York to engage in marine engine work, and to devote his spare time to 
invention and to the pursuit of those branches of learning pertaining to his 
chosen profession. Subsequently he moved to Providence, R. I., where for some 
two years he was employed by the Corliss Steam Engine Company. 

In 1867 he moved thence to Chicago. Upon his arrival, possessing but 
little money, he took up residence in the old Metropolitan Hotel, on the corner 
of Randolph and W^ells street. Immediately he rented desk room at 86 Lake 
street, in the hardware store of C. B. Brown & Co., and engaged in selling on 
commission machinery made in the east. Presently he accepted a situation in 
the machinery store of Hawkins & James, where a large variety of machinery 
was sold. Arrangements were made by which Roche received fifteen dollars a 
week for general supervision of the store, and an added salary of one-half of 
whatever profits might be made in the steam engine business, which was a branch 
of trade but lately introduced in the concern. Under Mr. Roche's management 
this new department developed rapidly, and before long, upon Mr. Hawkins' 

670 





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671 



withdrawal, Mr. Roche became a partner in the firm which was reorganized 
under the name of "James, Roche & Spencer." The business was prosperous 
until the great fire of 1871, when the firm suffered a loss of about $60,000, 
through inability to collect their insurance on account of the failure of the insur- 
ance companies. The house resumed business, and the partnership was con- 
tinued for a number of years, renewing gradually its former prosperity. 

It was in June of this same memorable year of '71 that Mr. Roche married 
Emma Howard of Chicago, whom he had formerly known in the East. Her 
sympathy and helpfulness aided him to mend their fortunes after the great 
reverses brought to them by the fire of the following October. Within a few- 
years he was able to purchase real estate on Warren avenue, and to build his 
first house, Xo. 427. 

Mr. Roche gained his first experience in politics in the aldermanic contest 
of '74, when he joined the Reformers of the 13th ward and made himself con- 
spicuous in this organization, to which he continued to belong until 1876, when, 
in the campaign for state representative, he became a candidate at the primaries 
against what was known as the Postoffice Faction. He was elected, as he had 
been chosen, with the understanding that he was independent of the Machine, 
and he became known as an "anti-Logan man." At Springfield he was con- 
sidered a Republican without question, but also without obligation to the political 
machine. When the contest for United States senatorship ensued, he did not 
think it necessary to declare a preference for any candidate, but he was rated 
as a Washburn man. Washburn, as it happened, developed very little strength. 
The Republicans did not have a majority on joint ballot; they were short three 
votes, and could not elect without the aid of three independents, who had for- 
merly been Republicans. The night before the balloting for senator there was 
held a conference of Republicans, which Mr. Roche attended. Grave doubts 
were entertained by the assembly as to their ability to nominate even General 
Logan, who had the support of the majority of those present. Various courses 
of action were proposed, among others the following two expedients — that a 
given number of ballots be cast for Logan, or that voting for Logan continue for 
six or for ten days. The General was himself present at the conference. John 
A. Roche was modestly sitting by himself. Being known as one who would act 
only as his conscience dictated in the interest of the Republican party, he was 
called upon for his opinion. He made his statement, which was not misunder- 
stood ; it was to the effect that he wanted a Republican elected, but would make 
no bargain which would aid the enemy by declaring for a given number of days, 
or for a given number of votes. He stated, however, that he himself would go 
mto the House and vote for General Logan until he was satisfied that Logan 
could not be elected, and he urged that there be made no statement which would 
aid the enemy. Thereupon he was elected by the caucus as a member of the 
steering committee, for he was trusted by all, even by those unfriendly to Logan. 
General Logan was quite won by his fidelity and candor, and a warm friendship 
sprang up between the two men. It transpired that David Davis was elected 
senator by the vote of the Independents and the Democrats, but the uprightness 
of General Logan's conduct gained the respect of all, even of his enemies, and of 
those who had been elected as anti-Logan men. 

After the expiration of his term in the legislature, Mr. Roche became iden- 
tified with the firm of J. A. Fay & Co., and started a new business, of which 
he was the only representative in Chicago, and which amounted to an exclusive 
agency in the Northwest. The year previous to his association with the con- 
cern, something less than $5,000 worth of goods had been sold, but under his 
charge business grew rapidly, and for several years previous to 1886, when Mr. 
Roche was elected Mayor of Chicago, the company was selling from $600,000 
to $700,000 worth per annum. During the interim Mr. Roche was out of poli- 
tics. When, however, in the campaign of 1886, George R. Davis became a can- 
didate for County Treasurer, he again gave attention to public affairs, and was 
made treasurer for the campaign committee. This connection awakened in hinl 
a desire to re-enter public life. Carter H. Harrison, Sr.. was then Mayor, and, 
although there was considerable dissatisfaction abroad, so little hope existed 

672 






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of a Republican victory in the next campaign for the mayoralty, that no one 
seemed to have the courage to take the field against him. Roche sought the 
nomination. A split in the Democratic ranks occurred, the Labor Wing seced- 
ing from the old organization, and several candidates against Roche sprang up, 
notably Nelson Blake, Graeme Stewart and Sidney Smith. John A. Roche was 
not a machine man, and had none of the machinery at his command. Never- 
theless he had the favor of his own ward, the Twelfth, and received a very strong 
support from the Chicago Tribune, conducted by Joseph Medill. For some 
two weeks the scramble for the nomination was lively, but when the decisive 
day arrived Roche was practically nominated unanimously on the first ballot. 
In 1887 he was elected Mayor of Chicago on the Republican ticket by a majority 
of 28,000. 

During his term of office Mayor Roche improved and embellished Chicago 
at a cost of several millions of dollars, furnished by corporations without expense 
to the city, in return for privileges granted by the city. As well, he constructed 
various viaducts and bridges; at his election all the bridges in Chicago, except 
one, were operated by hand, and when in two years he went out of office nearly 
all the bridges moved by power, and many new ones had been built. The water 
tunnel he extended two miles into the lake, and he made contracts for a pumping 
engine with a capacity of delivering more than 100,000,000 gallons of water in 
addition to the capacity of the old ones. 

For some time previous to Mr. Roche's election the Drainage Canal scheme 
had been under consideration, but nothing substantial had been done. With 
the aid of eminent counsel and the co-operation of Chicago's best citizens, Mayor 
Roche had a bill drawn which provided for the construction of the great drainage 
canal. This he took to Springfield and conducted a campaign for its passage. 
At the State Capitol he was given audience in joint session of House and Senate 
and was granted the privileges of the floor for the purpose of presenting the bill 
and of championing it at the time it was agreed upon and passed by the House. 
He was thoroughly conversant with his subject, for he had previously done an 
immense amount of labor in arranging the surveys and perfecting the plans, after 
having taken a trip down the Illinois River to make a personal examination of 
conditions, and to become familiar with all the details. Moreover, he was instru- 
mental in obtaining from the legislature the right to make a special tax for 
extending the sewerage system in Chicago, so as to anticipate the work to be 
performed in connection with the drainage schemes. He is therefore entitled to 
be regarded as the author of the successful project. Yet other improvements were 
the result of Mayor Roche's foresight. With his assistance the Public Library 
had its appropriations increased. Many new schools were erected, and more 
adequate quarters for police and fire departments were provided. 

The first attempt at annexation of Hyde Park and other outlying districts 
was made during his administration. The extension was not accomplished until 
later, however, under the second bill passed by the legislature, the first having 
been declared unconstitutional. The mayor himself opposed extensive additions 
to Chicago, for he believed that too great increase was not to the city's best 
interest, an attitude which he still maintains. Elected during the anarchistic 
troubles, he was instrumental in quelling many strikes without violence, and 
was successful in preserving order throughout the city when the anarchists were 
hung. Also he instituted many reforms, suppressed gambling and vice, and 
became celebrated as "The Reform Mayor." At the close of his administration 
he left the city in good financial condition, with funds in the treasury aggregating 
$4,000,000, and with the credit of the city in better condition than it has ever 
been since. 

Upon leaving the mayoralty Mr. Roche was made general manager and 
vice-president of a large manufacturing establishment, with an assured income 
of $25,000 per annum for such services as he had time to render aside from his 
duties in the firm of J. A. Fay & Co., wherein he still retained an interest. 
Subsequent to this he devoted himself to real estate matters, having accumulated 
considerable property. Within a couple of years he was elected president of 
the Lake Street Elevated Road Company. Hitherto this road had had a difficult 
existence. There was some iron in the street, but very little railroad, and the 

674 





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ordinances were decidedly defective, yet, during the panic of '93 and '94, Mr. 
Roche built seven miles of road. In 1895 he purchased a controlling inters st 
in the Standard Elevator and Manufacturing Company, and became president. 
He continued in this position until the Standard Elevator and Manufacturing 
Company was combined with several other companies into one larger concern, 
the Otis Elevator Company, of which he is a director and the managing director 
in the West. This business enterprise is large and prosperous, and demands 
nearly all of Mr. Roche's time and attention. 

Mr. Roche has been a director in various public institutions and business 
enterprises. Although himself a Unitarian, his work in charitable organizations 
is not confined to any denomination ; educational interests have always engaged 
his earnest attention. For years he has been a director in the Chicago Athae- 
neum. Since 1890 he has been a trustee of the Lewis estate, and has been inti- 
mately connected with the Lewis Institute, its beneficiary. When Mr. Roche 
entered upon this trusteeship the estate had a large fund, the accumulation from 
the $500,000 left by Allan C. Lewis in 1876. Shortly the co-trustees died, leaving 
him the only surviving member of the board. He applied to the court and 
selected a new board. The funds of the estate he turned over to the new corpo- 
ration, organized for the purpose of providing school buildings and equipment, 
and of conducting a school in accordance with the will of Allen C. Lewis. The 
institute that was erected, well equipped as it is for instruction in class-rooms, 
shops and laboratories, possessing value in funds and realty amounting to nearly 
S2.ooo,ooo, has proved very successful, giving instruction at the present time to 
about 2,000 young men and women. 

Mr. Roche is a member of the Masonic orders, of the Xew England Society 
in Chicago, of the CTnion League and Kenwood Qubs, and he is an ex-member 
of the Chicago and Illinois Qubs. He has always been a Republican; he cast 
his first vote in Illinois for General Grant for President. Since '89 he has had 
no active interest in politics, yet he keeps in touch with his party, and in 1900 

sent as a delegate to the State convention by the 32d ward, wherein he now 
dwells. He attends closely to business, is devoted to his home, is ever a friend 
to good government, and opposed to public influences which threaten the welfare 
of any part of the whole social body. His travels have made him familiar with 
almost every section of his native land. He is said to possess considerable 
property in and about Chicago, and is known as a prosperous man. At present 
his home in winter is a very handsome residence in the most attractive part of 
Drexel boulevard ; in summer a country place on the bluffs of Lake Michigan at 
Highland Park, about twenty miles north of Chicago. 

In personal appearance Mr. Roche is tall, well proportioned and impres- 
sively fine looking. His fair brown hair and blonde mustache are becoming 
gray, but his fine color and his keen blue eyes cany the impression of youth and 
power. At fifty-six years of age he retains his early vigor of mind and body; 
his great executive ability and power of endurance enable him to perform a 
greater amount of labor than is possible for most younger men. Mr. and Mrs. 
Roche have three children living, their eldest, a son, William Howard, having 
died at the age of ten. Their older daughter, for whom they have recently built 
a beautiful home in one of the most desirable residence portions of Hyde Park, 
is married to Prof. George C. Howland, of the University of Chicago. Their 
surviving son, John A. Roche, Jr., is a member of the sophomore 
Harvard, and their younger daughter is preparing for the classical college course. 

(The foregoing sketch was written bv Mrs. George C. Howland, nee Cora E. 
Roche.) 

BERNARD EDWARD SUNNY. 

Bernard E. Sunny was born in Brooklyn rk. in 1856. He became 

a telegraph operator at an early age. and was employed by the Atlantic and 
Pacific Telegraph Company. In 1875 ne came to Chicago to accept a position 
with the same company, and was promoted to the position of night manager, 
and afterwards manager of that company's Chicago office. In 1879 ne to °k the 

676 





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position of superintendent of the Chicago Telephone Company, which he re- 
tained for nine years, during which period the number of subscribers grew from 
a few hundred to over five thousand. Mr. Sunny was president of the Chicago 
Arc Light and Power Company for three years up to 1891. at which time he 
became Western manager of the General Electric Company of Xew York, which 
position he continues to fill. 

Mr. Sunny was closely identified in many of the improvements and advances 
made in both the telephone and electric lighting field, especially in connection' 
with the solving of the problem of furnishing both classes of service through 
wires laid underground. Mr. Sunny was elected a director in the World's 
Columbian Exposition, to represent the electric industry, and served for one 
year. He declined further service with the Exposition company to become 
president of the Intramural railroad at the World's Fair, which was the first 
elevated electric railroad ever operated. Its success led to the electrical equip- 
ment of all of the elevated railroads in Chicago and the Eastern cities. 

'Sir. Sunny has always been a Republican in politics, and was a delegate to 
the Philadelphia convention in 1900 from the Sixth Congressional District. Mr. 
Sunny was married in 1878 to Ellen Clifton Rhue of Brooklyn. Xew York. 



HENRY D. ESTABROOK. 

Henry D. Estabrook was born in Alden. Xew York, October 2$. 1854. 
Shortly prior to this event his father. Experience Estabronk. had been appointed 
Attorney General of the Territory of X'ebraska. and had himself gone to Omaha 
to assume the duties of his office. His wife and youthful son followed him early 
the succeeding spring. 

The subject of this sketch lived in X'ebraska from that time until his removal 
to Chicago in 1896. Mr. Estabrook's education was received in the high school 
of Omaha and the Washington University in St. Louis, from which he graduated 
as a lawyer in 1876. In 18S0 he was married to Clara M. Campbell, of Omaha. 
At the time of his removal from Omaha Mr. Estabrook was in partnership in the 
practice of law with ex-Judge H. J. Davis, who accompanied him to Chicago. 
where in 1897. the firm of Estabrook & Davis was merged into the present firm 
of Lowden, Estabrook & Davis. 

Mr. Estabrook rank> well as a lawyer, and particularly well as a public 
speaker. This crowning characteristic comes as hereditary from a line of ora- 
torical ancestry, so that his inheritance has a good foundation. While oratorv at 
the bar is potential, it is far more so at the forum of the people where the speaker 
by his intelligence, earnestness and fire, can swav the minds of his listeners : hence 
in public life, that is to sav in political life, oratory to a certain degree is indispen- 
sable to personal popularity and success. In recognition of his personal worth 
and high standing as a citizen and as a speaker. Mr. Estabrook found readv in- 
gress to the prominent, social and political clubs of Chicago. 

Thus far, Mr. Estabrook has not entered actively the field of politics and has 
never sought nor held political office, except Regent of the Xebraska L niversitv. 
to which he was almost unanimously elected and which office he resigned with his 
Xebraska citizenship. The Republican party is fortunate in having in its mem- 
bership one whose personal qualities and whose capabilities are of such high 
order, and one whose influence cannot fail to be felt in party councils. 



CHARLES BENT. 

Charles Bent was born December 8. 1844. in Chicago. The family removed 
t'> Morrison, Illinois, in May. 1856. and in Tune. 185S. he entered the office of 
The Whiteside Sentinel as an apprentice to the printers' trade, where he served 
three vears. After finishing his apprenticeship he remained there as a journey- 
man until April. 1864. when he enlisted as a private in Company B. 140th Illinois 
Volunteers, and was appointed Third Sergeant. At the expiration of his term 

678 



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679 



of service, Mr. Bent returned to his home and was employed on The Sentinel as 
foreman, but on February 2, 1865. he again enlisted in Company B. 147th Illinois 
Volunteers, being appointed orderly sergeant, which position he filled until he 
was commissioned as a lieutenant in July. 1865. He was mustered out with his 
regiment at Savannah, Georgia. January 20, 1866. and a week later the regiment 
was paid off and disbanded at Camp Butler, Illinois. 

Returning home he at once resumed his position as foreman in The Sentinel 
office, which he retained until July, 1867, when he purchased a half interest in the 
office. In May, 1870, Mr. Bent became the sole owner, and conducted the paper 
until February, 1877, when he sold the plant. In 1878 he published a history of 
Whiteside County, which is considered a standard authority upon the subject of 
which it treats. In March, 1879, he re-purchased The Sentinel, and has since 
been sole proprietor and editor. It is Republican in politics, and has a wide 
circulation. Mr. Bent was Assistant Assessor of Internal Revenue in the Third 
collection district from 1871 to 1873. He was elected to the State Senate from 
the nth district in 1878. representing Carroll and Whiteside Counties, and in 
1883 was a member of the State Board of Canal Commissioners, having been 
appointed for two years by Governor Hamilton. In 1889. Governor Fifer ap- 
pointed him a commissioner of the Illinois State Penitentiary at Joliet. and he 
held this position for four years. He has served as a member of the State 
Republican Committee from his Congressional district for several terms, and at 
this writing is a member-at-large of the Committee. Mr. Bent is a member of 
the Grand Army of the Republic, the Illinois Commandery of the Loyal Legion, 
the Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, and is also a Mason, a 
Knight Templar, and an Odd Fellow. 



JOHN DICKINSON. 

John Dickinson of Xo. 4736 Grand Boulevard. Chicago, Illinois, is a native 
of Massachusetts. He is one of the many prominent and successful business men 
of this great and growing city who believes that the principles and policies of the 
Republican party lie at the basis of this progress and prosperity of the country. 
and that to support the party and vote its ticket is a public duty. Mr. Dickinson 
is too busy a man to accept an office himself, but he sturdily performs his duty as 
a citizen and supports the party of his choice by his vote. 

Mr. Dickinson acompanied his parents to Illinois when a small boy ; they 
settled on a farm, and he was taught to work and he learned the business of farm- 
ing. At the age of fourteen he was employed at two dollars and fifty cents per 
week, nearly all his earnings he turned over to his mother. She exerted a great 
influence over her son. instilling into his mind high moral principles, and inspir- 
ing him to industry and economy. He was a regular attendant at Sunday 
School, and took great interest in the study of the Bible. He worked for a firm 
of lumber dealers, and did heavy work for a boy. Anxious to engage in busi- 
ness on his own account, at the age of eighteen he became a partner in the up- 
holstering business in Evanston : later he was a partner in a shoe store. He 
visited Chicago often and became interested in the commission business. He 
met the late Edward Partridge and discussed with him the subject of trading in 
stocks, — his first purchase was ten shares of Michigan Central stock, the sale of 
which gave him a profit. He sold out his interests in Evanston and turned his 
entire attention to business in Chicago. He studied the question of the rise and 
fall in the prices of stocks, and soon made investments which netted him a profit 
of $18,000. His success caused the street to call him '"Lucky Dick." In due 
time he opened an office as a broker, and during the past thirteen years has con- 
ducted a large and profitable business. He is a man of splendid business judg- 
ment, which is well proven by his uniform success. Mr. Dickinson is a large 
owner of improved real estate in Chicago, and is recognized as one of the sub- 
stantial business men of this city. 

John Dickinson married Miss Miss Mary Johnson in 1876. Thev have no 
children. They have an elegant home and are devoted to home life, have a wide 
circle of friends, and enjoy the social side of life. 

680 




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681 



DILLWYN V. PURINGTON. 

Dilhvyn A'. Purington, of Chicago, Illinois, was born at Sidney. Kennebec 
County, Maine, January 22. 1841 ; was educated in the common schools in Maine 
and Massachusetts, and in Oak Grove Seminary, Vassalbrough, Maine. When 
the Civil War broke out he enlisted in the army, of which he is proud, and he 
feels that the experience of that service contributed greatly to fitting him for 
the large business operations in which he has been engaged since he left the 
service. After leaving the service Mr. Purington looked about him for a suitable 
place to settle down for his life work; he came to Chicago. 

He engaged in the lumber business in 1869, and remained in it three years ; 
in 1872 he engaged in business as a manufacturer of brick, and is still so engaged. 
In 1883 he organized the Purington-Kimbell Brick Company, which for many 
years was the largest common brick manufacturing concern in the United States : 
in 1890 he organized the Purington Paving Brick Company, of Galesburg. for 
the manufacture of brick for paving streets; this also is the laigest and most 
complete factory of its kind in the world. The operations of the brick companies 
with which Mr. Purington is connected are of the most extensive character, and 
naturally bring him into close touch with building operations and public improve- 
ments in Chicago. His energy and enterprise have made his companies what 
they are, and he has established for himself an enviable reputation as an enter- 
prising, honorable and successful business man. 

Politically Mr. Purington has at all times been an ardent Republican. 
Before he was of age he responded to the call of Abraham Lincoln for troops 
to preserve the Union, and when the war was over he adhered to the party that 
had controlled the country during the war. He was elected County Commis- 
sioner of Cook County, Illinois, in 1879. and served three years in that capacitv. 
and was elected in 1883 to serve an unexpired term for the same office. It is 
needless to say that Mr. Purington performed the duties of this office with ability 
and fidelity. 

Mr. Purington was married July 18. 1886. to Mrs. Jennie F. Crandall. and 
they have no children. Mr. and Mrs. Purington have a wide circle of friends 
and neighbors. 



HENRY CLAY BEITLER. 

Henry Clay Beitler was born near Hagerstown. Washington County, Mary- 
land, July 1st, 1866, and now resides in Chicago. He comes of good' political 
ancestry, — his grand-father and father having been Whigs now known as Re- 
publicans, so that Mr. Beitler has always been a Republican, although in eariy 
life a Marylander. His father was a farmer, and his boyhood years were spent 
on the farm. He was educated in the common schools and the high school at 
Hagerstown primarily, and graduated from the law department of The Uni- 
versity of Michigan at Ann Arbor, in 1888. After graduating, he returned to 
Hagerstown and entered into the practice of law. In 1890, he located perman- 
ently in Chicago and associated himself with James Lane Allen of the Chicago 
Bar and Oscar B. McGlasson. then late of Scott County, Illinois. A vear later 
the law firm of McGlasson & Beitler was formed which continued to December, 
1899, when Mr. McGlasson retired from practice, leaving Mr. Beitler to con- 
tinue the business. As a member of the Chicago bar, his standing is of the 
highest, and a most favorable reputation is firmly established. 

Like all attorneys who are progressive citizens, Mr. Beitler sought connec- 
tion with club interests, and for many years has been a member of the Mar- 

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quette Club, which is one of the most prominent and influential of the City. In 
this connection, he has served as the Secretary of the Political Action Committee 
of the Club, which labored assiduously to prevent bad legislation by the Fortieth 
General Assembly. He is also a member of the Hamilton Club, and for several 
years was prominently identified with the Lincoln Cycling Club, the foremost 
social, athletic club in the West, as director and president. Mr. Beitler's course 
in endeavoring to bring about purer politics led to his nomination as a Republi- 
can to represent the Twenty-first Senatorial District as Representative in the 
Legislature chosen in 1898. He was elected and was made Chairman of the 
Committee on Parks and Boulevards. This was a very important Committee 
so far as the interests of Chicago were concerned, as the whole question of the 
City's -parks and boulevards was pressed for consideration. On this Committee 
Mr. Beitler rendered the City most valuable services. In addition to his labors 
on the Parks and Boulevards Committee, he served on the judiciary, elections, 
municipal corporations, judicial department and practice, and other important 
legislative Committees, not only showing his activity, but fitness to serve on the 
several committees named, which he did with entire satisfaction as a Representa- 
tive of the people. As an evidence of the estimation in which Mr. Beitler is held 
by those who know him best, and as an endorsement of his legislative record, he 
was renominated and re-elected in 1900 to his former seat in the legislature. 

As indicating Mr. Beitler's social side, it need only be mentioned that he is 
a member and has been Chief of the Fraternal Tribunes ; he is also a member of 
the North American Union — both secret societies of the beneficiary order. Mr. 
Beitler is still a young man, and the public may expect to hear more of him. 



HENRY BEST. 

Henry Best is a Chicagoan "to the Manor born," which at the time of his 
birth, December 22, 1848, was known as Weldon Station, near what is now the 
corner of Indiana Avenue and Fourteenth Street. His father came from Bavaria 
and his mother from Germany, who is yet living and is the oldest German speak- 
ing resident of Chicago. Mr. Best's father — Matthias Best, established the first 
lager beer brewery in Chicago ; he was known as a Democrat and a friend and 
supporter of Stephen A. Douglas. He died Oct. 24, 1874. Henry Best, the 
third son, in his youthful days was employed in his father's brewery during the 
early morning hours, going to school during the day, and returning to the brew- 
ery after school to work until late at night. At the beginning of the War of the 
Rebellion in 1861, young Henry ran away from home and enlisted as a drummer 
boy in the One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry. His father over- 
took the Company at Cairo and brought him back home. Subsequently, his 
father disposed of his brewery and Henry then engaged as a shipping clerk with 
J. L. Hobart in his tobacco factory, in which he became foreman within a year. 

Henry Best's introduction into politics was in 1872, when he was nominated 
on the People's ticket for the office of Constable, which nomination he refused, 
but nevertheless, was elected in spite of his refusal, by a large majority. He 
served for the term of his election and with credit. In 1876 he was re-elected on 
the Republican ticket, serving two years, and was then appointed bailiff under 
Sheriff Hoffman, serving one year, and was then made clerk of the Grand Jury. 
In 1880 he was appointed Deputy Sheriff under Sheriff Mann, serving two years. 
In 1882 he was appointed Deputy Sheriff unHer Sheriff Hanchett, serving two 
years, and in 1884 was the Republican nominee for Clerk of the Circuit Court, to 
which office he was elected by a handsome majority. In 1888, he was re-elected 
Clerk of the Circuit Court. In 1893, he was elected South Town Assessor and 
re-elected to that office in 1894, running ahead of the ticket and was the only 
Republican elected. For the past five years Mr. Best has not been before the 
public as an office-holder; but his interest in political matters has not abated, as 

684 



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oice and his influence, have frequently been recognized in political affairs; 
particularly those in which the welfare of the city have been mostly concerned. 
He is known as a staunch Republican and one of the most valuable members and* 
workers in the party. 

It is largely due to his personal popularity and reputation as a citizen of 
sound judgment and unchallenged integrity that his political success has been so 
enviable. He is a prominent member of the Cook County Republican Club, and 
has served frequently on important political committees. He is identified as a 
charter member of Court Energy. Independent Order of Foresters : Garfield 
Lodge. Ancient Order of United Workmen, and is also a Free Mason and 
Knight Templar. He is a member of the Hamilton Club, Medinah Temple Mys- 
tic Shrine and of the Citizen's Association of Chicago: he is also a member of 
the Turners. 

In April. 1870, he was married to Miss Minnie Myers, born in Xew York, 
but reared in Chicago. They have three children, two sons and one daughter. 

Mr. Best has a delightful home and is the owner of several apartment build- 
ings. He is one of Chicago's most esteemed citizens. 



EDWIN STAPLETON CONWAY. 

Edwin S. Conway, the Secretary and Manager of the great W. W. Kimball 
Company oi Chicago, is known as one of the best business men in the city. Mr. 
Conway is proud of the magnificent success which the house that he has so long 
managed has achieved. He is a guiding hand in one of the largest business 
enterprises in the West, its splendid instruments being favorably known almost 
throughout the civilized world. Mr. Conway is one of the most pronounced fac- 
tors in Commercial Chicago : he is a brainy man. who will brilliantly acquit him- 
self in any position that he may assume. He is tactful, with an unusual endow- 
ment of good, common, practical sense. He has few equals and hardly a 
superior as an organizer of business, political and social courses. In the man- 
agement of his vast business, in his political activity and as the head of social and 
fraternal organizations, he has been a power in directing toward the achievement 
of desired purposes. He is a man whose personality makes a deep impression 
and wins confidence. 

Mr. Conway has always been a Republican and active in the campaigns of 
his party. But his activity in politics is the patriotism of a business man. He 
could have office if he desired it. but his political purpose is not of a selfish char- 
acter. He believes that every citizen and business man should consider them- 

s important factors in popular government, and should perform active duty 
for the party of their choice. His loyalty to the Republic is evidenced by his 
loyalty to the doctrines of the Republican party, which he sincerely believes is 
the party that will perpetuate our beloved institutions. In all activities outside 
of his business, he is prompted by a public spirit, a sincere desire to promote the 
interests of the public. In accordance with this spirit he was for six years presi- 
dent of the Cicero Town Board, but after this long service concluded that he had 
done his duty in this respect, and resigned two years before the expiration of his 
term in order to give more attention to his business. 

Mr. Conway is devoted to the principles of the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows, and has given a large amount of time and energy to their advancement. 
He was a factor in the establishment of the Odd Fellows' Orphans' Home at 
Lincoln. 111., and no man has been more liberal in support of the Institutions con- 
trolled by the Order. He has been Grand Master of the State, serving during 
the World's Fair year. He is Grand Representative to the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge serving from 1894 to date. He is a member of the Lnion League Club 
and was its Vice President : and is also a member of Chicago Athletic Club. 

Edwin S. Conway was married December 2$. 1871. to Miss Sarah J. Rogers 
of Mauston, Wis., a very accomplished lady. They have three children, Earle 

686 





687 



E., now with the Kimball Company; and Carle C, who graduated from Yale 
College in 1899, is also connected with the Kimball Company; and Sybil Sara. 
Mr. Conway resides in Oak Park, 111., and has been intimately connected with the 
progress of that suburb for more than twenty-five years. He is a life trustee of 
the Scoville Institute of that town. Mr. Conway has been a member of the 
Republican State Central Committee and also of the Cook County Republican 
Central Committee. He was a delegate to the Republican National Convention 
held in St. Louis, in 1896, and in 1900 was elected a presidential elector on the 
Republican ticket. 



EDWARD C. YOUNG. 

Edward C. Young was born in Savannah, Mo., March 1, 1862. His parents' 
were William H. and Lucinda J. Young. His father was born in Tennessee' 
and emigrated when a boy with his parents to Missouri. His mother was a 
native of Kentucky, who also removed to Missouri with her parents while yet a 
child. William H. Young removed with his family to Montana in 1873, where 
he died, after which Mrs. Young returned to Savannah, Mo., with the children. 
Here Edward C. remained until he was twenty-one years of age. He attended 
the public schools of St. Joseph, Mo., until ten years of age, and afterward in 
the country public schools near Savannah for three years. He then entered 
the High School at Savannah, and graduated in 1879. 

After graduating he taught school for four years in the country districts, 
studying law in the meantime. In 1883 he gave up the study of law and entered 
West Point Military Academy, from which he graduated in 1887 with a standing 
of 5 in a class of sixty-four, and with the highest cadet military rank. After 
graduating at West Point, he was appointed Second Lieutenant in the 18th 
Infantry, U. S. A., but resigned three months later to enter into business. 

Mr. Young's first business connection was with the firm of Beldine Brothers 
& Co., silk manufacturers, in their offices in St. Paul, Minn. Here he remained 
six months, and was then transferred to their Chicago offices, January 1, 1888. 
Since that time he has remained in continual service with the same "firm, also 
being extensively interested in other lines of business. In i8qo he was elected a 
director of the firm of Belding Brothers & Co., and shortly afterward a director 
and secretary of the Belding-Hall Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of 
refrigerators. He is also a director in the Belding Land and Improvement 
Company, an organization which has been largely instrumental in establishing 
the town of Belding, Mich., which now contains nearly 5,000 inhabitants. In 
1898 he became a director in the American L^nion Life Insurance Company of 
New York City. 

Mr. Young has always been a Republican, but did not participate actively 
in politics until 1894, when he did good work for the Republican candidates in 
his precinct and ward. In 1896 he organized a brigade of about 2,000 uniformed 
horsemen, which took part in the great sound money parade of that year ; Mr. 
Young served as chief of staff for the parade. In 1900 Mr. Young "organized 
and was Colonel of the Republican Spanish-American War Veteran Regiment ; 
was vice-president and member of the Managing Committee of the McKinley 
Club No. 1, and a member of the Executive Committee of the Business Men's 
Sound Money Association. Mr. Young also assisted in the organization of the 
Commercial, Industrial and Sound Money Parade, and was its chief marshal. 

In 1890, when the National Guards Regiments were increased from eight 
to twelve companies, Mr. Young organized Company H, First Infantry, and' 
was commissioned Captain of this company, retiring at the end of his term in 
1893. He re-entered the National Guard service in 1896, as Major of the newly 
organized State Cavalry Squadron, composed of three troops, an additional troop 
being added in 1897. When the Spanish War broke out, Mr. Young organized 
the First Cavalry, Illinois Volunteers, at Chicago ; was accepted and ordered 

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to report for duty at Springfield, April 26, i8q8 ; was mustered into the United 
States service as Colonel of this regiment. May 21 ; ordered to Chattanooga 
with his regiment, and remained there until August 25 when the war having 
been concluded and peace declared they were ordered to Fort Sheridan, 111., and 
mustered out October 11, 1898. In 1899 a bill was passed forming a regiment 
of cavalry. Illinois Xational Guard, which Mr. Young organized and was com- 
missioned Colonel by Governor Tanner ; this position he now holds. 

Mr. Young has been a conspicuous figure in connection with many of ihe 
public enterprises of Chicago during the last few years. He was Chief of Staff 
at the dedication of the Logan monument. He took a prominent part in the 
Peace Jubilee in 1898; and in the Fall Festival and celebration attending the 
laying of the corner-stone of the Chicago Postoffice in 1899; and served as a 
member of the Executive Committee for the entertainment of the G. A. R. in 
1900. also serving as Chief of Aids for the parade of the Grand Army. Mr. 
Young was a director in the Commercial Association for a number of years : 
also a director and chairman of the Building Committee of the Forward Move- 
ment, a charitable organization; and a director in the Army and Navy League 
to assist returning soldiers from the Spanish-American war. Mr. Young is a 
Mason, a member of the Kenwood Lodge, Chicago Chapter, and Apollo Com- 
mander}*. 

Edward C. Young was married to Mary E. Belding of Chicago, April 5, 
1888. Mrs. Young was the daughter of Hiram H. Belding, one of the pioneer 
settlers of Chicago, and one of the founders of the silk manufacturing firm of 
Belding Brothers & Co. They have four children — 'William H., Alice B., Ed- 
ward C. Jr.. and Hiram B. 



EDWARD G. HALLE. 

Edward G. Halle comes from an old family in Germany. He was born at 
Leipsic. January 5. 1844. His parents were Henry and Henrietta Halle. As a 

he entered the German schools in his native country and was put through 
the rigid discipline for which they are noted. After acquiring the essentials of 
education he engaged in business. In 1866, at the age of twenty-two he came 

merica and located in the Minnesota and Dakota country. Here Mr. Halle 
camped and hunted with the Indians and learned their language and customs. 
Shortly afterwards he established a drug store in Minnesota also conducting 
an insurance business. In 1874 he removed to Milwaukee where he became 
state agent for the Germania Fire Insurance Company in Wisconsin, Minnesota, 
Dakota and Montana. He remained with the company in this capacity for nine 
years when he was appointed manager of the Western Department with head- 
quarters in Chicago, a position he still holds. His territory includes all the 

:ern states and Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia. 

In 1891, Mr. Halle was appointed a member of the Board of Education of 
Chicago by Mayor Washburne and remained on the Board through the succeed- 
ing administrations, until 1898, when he resigned. He had been twice Vice-Pres- 
ident and twice President of the Board. He had also been chairman of the com- 
mittee on Buildings and Grounds, the Committee on German and the Committee 
on Retrenchment and Reform — the last named committee being of his own crea- 
tion. During the eight years that Mr. Halle was a member of the Board great 
advancement was made in the Chi g :hools. He saw the necessity of econ- 
omy in school expenditures and urged the Board to put the schools on a business 
basis. The necessity for good teachers in the schools was of first importance to 
him and in recognition of this he was a friend and supporter of the Normal 
School. In the two years that he was President of the Board, forty school build- 
ings were erected and equippc st f S4.000.000.00. As a member of the 
Board of Education. Mr. Halle gave his be 5 Chicago in a public 
capacity. His elections to office in the Board were unanimous always, and when 

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etarftyt-d &< ,:JinsUM^ 




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he finally resigned, the Board passed a series : : resolutions touching in detail 
upon the notable things advocated and accomplished by him. 

German- Americanism is strongly represented in Edward G. Halle. He is a 
good German, but a better American. Germany and the German flag are dear 
to him. but the United States and its Stars and Stripes are dearer. He has 

r been a politician, yet he has always been active in politics. He is a staunch 
Republican and always gives his earnest support for the of his party. He 

was chosen Presidential elector on the Republican ticket in 1900 from the 6th 
Illinois District. At the time of the Spanish war Mr. Halle was one of a com- 
mittee which went from Chicago to call on President McKinley and assure him 
of the kindly feelings of Germany and of the Germans toward the United States. 
In proof of this, the German- Americans of Chicago tendered the services of a 
German Regiment. This action of Mr. Halle was so appreciated by the German 
Emperor that he conferred on him the badge of the "Kronen Order II Klasse," 
a distinction perhaps never before conferred upon a resident of the United 
Sta: 

Mr. Halle is a supporter of President McKinley's administration and looks 
with pride on the position which the United States has taken as a world power 
since the opening of the Spanish war. He is a factor in social life in Chicago. 
and is always called upon on the occasion of German fete days. He is a mem- 
ber of the Union League, Marquette and Germania clubs. He was the founder 
and has been President of the latter. The Germania club dates back in embryo 
to the assassination of President Lincoln. When his body was brought to Illi- 
nois for burial, the Germans of Chicago tended the sen ices of a mannerchor to 
sing at the funeral, and the circumstances kept it together. When Mr. Halle 
came to Chicago he became a member of the society, and through his efforts 
it became the Germania club and now occupies the splendid club house at the 
corner of Germania Place and Xorth Clark street. The building was dedicated 
on April 6, 1889. and represents an expenditure of more than S200.000. 

Edward G. Halle was married to Miss Elizabeth Gutenberg in Minnesota in 
1869. and now resides at No. _ v 5 Dearborn Avenue. Chicago. They have two 
children living; Frank E. and Fanny Florence. 



JOHN B. HAY. 

Hon. John B. Hay was born at Belleville. 111.. January 8. 1834. He received 
a common school education. He was taught to work on the farm: in his 
teenth year he became a printer. He subsequently studied law in the office of 
William C. Kinney of Belleville, and was admitted to the Illinois bar by the Su- 
preme Court. He at once entered upon the practice of law. and gained a large 
and lucrative practice. Mr. Hay is an all-round lawyer. He not only prepares 
his cases well, but tries them well. As an advocate before Court and jury, he is 
a man of power. He was electe-. Attorney for the 24th Judicial Circuit. 

in which the County of St. Slair was situated, and served in this office for a 
period of eight years, performing all the duties with ability and fidelity. 

Mr. Hay is a Republican in politics, and is a thorough believer in the prin- 
ciples of the party. He is identified with the political organization of his dis- 
trict and gives much time and labor for its success. In 1868 he was nominated by 
the Republican party as a candidate for Congress in the Twelfth Congressional 
District. This district (now the Twenty-first) has always been a political battle 
ground, sometimes carried by the Republicans, but most generally carried by the 
Democrats. Mr. Hay entered upon his contest with great spirit. He can- 
1 the district thoroughly and was elected over Hon. Wm. H. Snyder, his 
Democratic opponent, by 1.642 majority. Mr. Hay entered the 41st Congress. 
This was the second Congress elected after the close of the Civil war, and many 

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important questions were pending. He took an active part in all the business 
before Congress, and established a fine reputation as a legislator. He served on 
the Committee of Invalid Pensions and Post offices and Post roads. In 1870 he 
was renominated and elected ; he had a continuous service of four years, and rep- 
resented his district and the state with distinguished ability. When the Civil 
war broke out he enlisted in the 130th Regiment, Illinois Volunteers, in which he 
served as adjutant. Upon returning from Congress, Mr. Hay resumed the prac- 
tice of law, a business which he really did not give up during his service in Con- 
gress. 

John B. Hay was the son of Andrew Hay. His parents were both born in 
the State of Illinois. John B. Hay married Miss Mary L. Hinckley, and they had 
a family of two children, namely, John Hay and William Sherman Hay. William 
Sherman Hay is a well known lawyer in the city of Chicago. John Hay is one of 
the leading lawyers of Minneapolis, Minn. Mr. and Mrs. Hay have always been 
residents of the city of Belleville. 



FRED H. ROWE. 

Vermont, the "Green Mountain" State of New England, and the mother 
of many men of note — men who like their native state were rugged and strong 
in character, and who were conspicuous for stalwart fidelity to their convictions 
of right and duty — has established its reputation for producing men of brain 
as well as brawn. The Nation has been benefited and its history enriched by 
the services rendered in various ways by the "Sons of Vermont" who are scat- 
tered throughout the country. In several of the States social organizations 
bearing the title "Sons of Vermont" have been formed to keep alive the fraternal 
and patriotic feeling of which all Vermonters are justly proud. The barren fields 
and cloud-capped hills of old New England proved too limited a field of opera- 
tions for many of the sturdy sons of this grand old state, which if not rich in 
soil and productiveness, is rich in the historic valor of her people, who find a 
welcome wherever they go. There is not a Western city or state in the Union 
that does not boast of some Vermonters among its prominent citizens, and in 
the civic, legislative, judicial and military records of the country, Vermont has 
been well recommended, the latest hero hailing from that state being Admiral 
George Dewey. 

Among New Englanders who caught the Western fever was Hon. Fred H. 
Rowe, who is a Vermonter. He was born in the State of Vermont in 1857. His 
early education was acquired at Williams College, Williamstown, Mass., and 
from which institution he was graduated. In 1882 Mr. Rowe, then a young 
attorney, came to Jacksonville, 111., where he entered into the practice of his 
profession, and where lie has since resided. The social and educational attrac- 
tions of Jacksonville were recognized, and believing that in the field of the law 
there was an opening for another attorney (there being always room at the top), 
convinced Mr. Rowe that success might be secured, professionally at least, in 
his new Western home. Fortified by a strong physique, rich mental endow- 
ments and thoroughly equipped as a scholar and a lawyer, he found progress 
easy, and soon became appreciated for his many accomplishments and sterling 
quality. As a citizen and as a lawyer he has established a high reputation, and 
is deservedly popular in social circles. Men of the caliber of Mr. Rowe find 
themselves popular in any community, for there are just such men as are needed 
to give verility to the affairs of life, and it is to such characters that the develop- 
ment of the West along all the lines of progress is to be credited. The infusion 
of those rugged traits in social, moral and religious life has been felt in whatever 
of success has been achieved in the West. New England leaven has leavened the 
whole political bodv of the North and West, and the continuance of New Eng- 
land blood in the affairs of the county cannot but prove of much benefit. 

At the bar Mr. Rowe is recognized as an able advocate and a logical rea- 
soner learned in the law, and not only at the bar but in the community he holds 

694 





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a high place for integrity and is esteemed for his personal worth by all classes 
of citizens. In the political arena also Mr. Rowe has made his mark as a 
political writer of sagacity and ability, having the faculty of reading men and 
things aright, and the power of analyzing political questions, discerning true 
from false positions. By reason of his ability in this direction, he has been able 
to render the Republican party, of which he is a staunch member, good service, 
and though not regarded as a regular politician seeking political preferment, he 
was made chairman of the Republican State Committee during the recent cam- 
paign, and performed the duties of that office with marked ability, making many 
friends and no enemies, which speaks well for his adroitness as a diplomat. 

Being a fellow townsman of the Hon. Richard Yates. Governor-elect, and 
having a close personal acquaintance with him, Mr. Rowe could not but feel 
more than usually interested in the election of Judge Yates as Governor. To 
aid in this result he put forth his best efforts, and as Chairman of the State 
Committee was able to do much for the Judge's election, and to Mr. Rowe and 
his committee a fair share of the credit for the gratifying result obtained is due. 
While Mr. Rowe does not claim to be an adept in political management, he has 
demonstrated his ability as an organizer of forces, and as a leader of shrewdness 
and energy, highly gratifying to the younger element of the party, which assumed 
the brunt of the battle, in which each participant won laurels. 



W. CLYDE JONES. 

Mr. Jones was born at Pilot Grove, Lee County. la.. December 27. 1870. 
His father, Jonathan Jones, of Welsh descent, was a Quaker, and in 1833 emi- 
grated from Harrison County, Ohio, and settled in the Southeastern part of 
Iowa, where he pre-empted government land and later laid out the town of 
Pilot Grove. His mother, of English ancestry, was from the Quaker family of 
Buffingtons of Pennsylvania. When \Y. Clyde Jones was three years old, he 
removed with his parents to Keokuk, Iowa, where, when old enough, he at- 
tended the public schools. Upon leaving the high school, he entered" the Iowa 
State College, taking the course in electrical engineering. He graduated with 
high honors in 1891, being one of two standing in scholarship at the head of the 
list of graduates from the Institution up to that time. For some time after 
graduation. Mr. Jones was engaged in the design of machinery and the installa- 
tion of electrical apparatus ; having assisted in installing in the iron mines of 
Michigan, the first electric lamps employed in mines. 

Coming to Chicago and following the bent for public speaking developed at 
college, Mr. Jones turned toward the law and attended the evening sessions of 
the Chicago College of Law. During the day he was employed as an elec- 
trical expert and served as an expert witness in litigation involving electrical 
matters, and in this capacity he was associated with much of the litigation grow- 
ing out of the telephone, electric lamp and street railways. In 1893 in response 
to a prize offer by the Electrical Engineering Magazine. Mr. lones wrote an 
essay on "Electricity at the World's Fair," which. 1 for its thorough treatment 
of the subject, received one of the prizes : from this time on he was a frequent 
contributor to the electrical and scientific journals, and articles from his pen on 
such subjects have appeared in most of' these journals. An article on the 
'"Evolution of the Telephone." written by Mr. Jones, has become a classic and 
has been published and re-published in a' dozen different periodicals. 

Mr. Jones was one of the founders of the present Chicago Electrical Asso- 
ciation, and was its President in 1896. He is also a member of the Franklin 
Institute of Philadelphia and of the Societv of Mechanical Engineers, of Xew 
York. In 1894 Mr. Jones graduated from the Chicago College of Law. and the 
following year pursued a post-graduate course, receiving a degree from the Lake 
Forest University. His graduation thesis, entitled "Trusts and Trade Monopo- 
lies," was published in a number of law journals in this country and Canada. In 
1896, Mr. Jones read an exhaustive paper before the Northwestern Electrical As- 

696 




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N 



sociation on "The Legal Rights of Electrical Companies." In 1896 he com- 
menced the practice of law, and in 1899 formed a partnership with Keene H. 
Addington, under the name of Jones & Addmgton, which firm continues at the 
present time. His practice has been mostly along the line of Corporation law, 
and he is counsel for a number of large companies. Because of Mr. Jones' elec- 
trical training he has been frequently retained in causes involving electrical 
questions. 

In 1898 Mr. Jones was retained by the automobile companies to contest the 
ordinance of the Board of South Park Commissioners excluding automobiles 
from the boulevards and parks, because they frightened horses and thereby in- 
terfered with the use of the parks and boulevards for pleasure purposes. After 
a bitter fight in the courts, Judge Gibbons, of the Circuit Court, held the ordin- 
ance void; this was the first decision in which the rights of the automobiles on 
the streets and roadways were established. 

In 1899, during the Fall Festival at Chicago, Mr. Jones acted as Chief Aide 
to President McKinley, having charge of the arrangements for the President's 
reception and itinerary, and with such success that he was re-appointed to the 
same position during the Grand Army Encampment of 1900. Mr. Jones has 
taken an active part as a speaker in all National, State and Municipal campaigns 
of the Republican party since 1896. He has frequently delivered addresses at 
College and High School commencements and on like occasions. Mr. Jones 
possesses the two qualities of an orator, a well modulated and resonant voice, and 
a poetic imagination. 

W. Clyde Jones was married in 1896 to Miss Emma Boyd of Paullina, la., 
and now resides in Hyde Park, Chicago. Mr. Jones is a member of the Hamilton, 
Union League and Hyde Park Clubs and Midlothian Country Club, and is the 
President of the Chicago Alumni Association of the Iowa State College. 



JAMES McKINNEY. 

In the village of Oquawka, 111., situated in Henderson County, Illinois, 
James McKinney was born April 14, 1852, in which place his boyhood years 
were spent. In youth he gave promise of a life of future activity and usefulness. 
As an evidence of the metal of which he was made, he found himself prepared to 
enter college at an earlier age than was common in his day ; he entered Mon- 
mouth College, at Monmouth, 111., and was graduated from that institution in 
1874, at the age of twenty-two. Being equipped physically and mentally, and 
now educationally, for the activities of life, he cast about for a congenial voca- 
tion. The intricacies of finance seemed to be the most attractive and the most 
congenial. In the same year of his graduation he located at Aledo, the county 
seat of Mercer, an adjoining county, and there became connected with the Bank 
of Aledo, with which he has still remained. In 1878 he married Miss Mary O. 
McDonald of Aledo, where he established his permanent home, and where social 
and business prominence have been acquired. With natural endowments quali- 
fying him for an active and useful life, and with that mental discipline resulting 
from a collegiate course of study, Air. McKinney was not long in making himself 
felt as a business leader, and in recognition of his ability and fitness he was ele- 
vated to the presidency of the bank with which he first became identified. 

Like most prominent citizens in an active community, he became interested 
in local and state politics, and although never a politician, in the common accepta- 
tion of that term, he never failed, as all good citizens will not, to take an active 
part in political matters, and to identify himself with whatever influence he could 
bring to bear with whichever side he thought was in the right. It would be strange 
if one occupying Mr. McKinney's position should remain in the background po- 
litically. He was given, and assumed, places of responsibility, and thus became 
identified actively in politics. Having always affiliated with the Republican 
party, it was most natural that he should be selected to represent his community 
in a political capacity. In 1894 he was made a member of the Republican State 

698 




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Central Committee, which position he now holds : then in 1896 he was made a 
member of the Executive Committee, and is at this time its Chairman. This 
committee did most excellent service during the National campaign of 1896, and 
also in that of 1900: much of its good work is to be attributed to the good sense, 
zeal and political integrity of Mr. McKinney, and to the estimation in which he 
is held by his associates and by the public brought in contact with him. Few 
men occupying a similar position, with equal opportunities for political prefer- 
ment would have refrained from entering the scramble for office which charac- 
terizes present political methods. But. aside from the desire to do his full duty 
as a citizen and to lend his influence for the right, he has had no political ambi- 
tion, and therefore has not been an office-seeker. To show his popularity at 
home, where he is best known. Mercer County, in which he now resides, urged 
him for Congressional honors in 1895, and although not nominated, he dis- 
played a strength most pronounced and satisfactory. He is, comparatively 
speaking. a young man yet. and political lightning will very probably come his 
way before long. 

It is. however, as a citizen and as the head of a banking institution that 
Mr. McKinney is best known and best appreciated. In financial circles his 
merit is recognized, having been made a member of the Executive Council ot 
the State Bankers' Association, an association of honor and financial power. 
He is now serving his second term in that capacity. It has been said that the 
lives of all great men are alike in many particulars, while some few are quite 
alike physically. Because of Mr. McKinney's resemblance to President Mc- 
Kinlev, he is jokingly called "McKinley" by his intimate associates and friends, 
which joke is appreciated and taken good naturedly. Mr. McKinney's private 
and home life is irreproachable, his business integrity unchallenged, and his 
political worth widely recognized. 



W. S. EDEN. 

Mr. Eden was born in Liverpool. Eng.. February 14, 1844. and came to this 
country when six years old, living in New York City until coming to Chicago 
with his father in 1856. It is here that his life-work has been done, so that in fact 
he may be called an American, and such he considers himself. His education 
was acquired at the common schools. His first work was as bell-boy at the Tre- 
mont House. Chicago, being then twelve years of age. His next venture, for 
about a year, was as train-boy on the Pennsylvania Railroad. Later, and when 
yet in his "teens," he went to Michigan, and engaged in the rough work of lum- 
bering. 

When the war broke out, being still comparatively a boy. Mr. Eden en- 
listed in Chicago, in a company known as the "Ellsworth Zouaves." at the first 
call of President Lincoln for 75,000 volunteers, but was mustered out, the call 
having been filled. Here an incident occurred, which, but for its fortunate ter- 
mination, might have changed Mr. Eden's career. It seems that he had ob- 
tained permission to make a short visit home, before leaving with his Regiment 
for the front, and during his absence, the Regiment left without him. But. by 
Captain Brand's influence, however. Mr. Eden was placed in Company B. and at 
Camp Douglas was mustered out. Afterward, he was one of the many that were 
drafted, but being then engaged in business, he could not well leave and paid 
$800.00 for a substitute to go in his place. 

Very early in life Mr. Eden began to display those excellent business qual- 
ities which in later years have made him so successful. He was never afraid to 
labor,, and often continued his work far into the night rather than leave any- 
thing undone. By his industry and economy he succeeded in accumulating quite 
a little money before he was twenty years old. and with his capital, started in 
the real business of life. First he opened a meat market on Canal Street. Chi- 
cago, for supplying the vessel trade, and was at that time the largest dealer in his 
line. This business he prosecuted from 1862 to 1865, Afterward he became 

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roi 



proprietor of the Palmer House Barber shop, and conceived the idea of embed- 
ding silver dollars in the floor. It was chiefly this act that gave the "Palmer 
House'* more than a national reputation. Later, he was proprietor with Willis 
Howe of the Howeden Hotel. Subsequently, he became interested in and was 
one of four men that furnished and opened The Midland Hotel, noted for its 
prominence, at Kansas City. Mo. He was also proprietor of the Tremont House, 
Chicago, for ten years, and up to thrcr years ago. His hotel experience was 
large and successful, and owing to his hotel record he inspired the promotion of 
the present Great Northern Hotel with all its grandeur, and which he has since 
conducted with success, since its opening nine years ago. 

Mr. Eden has made Chicago his home since 1856, and has always been rec- 
ognized as a thorough-going Republican, though never a candidate for political 
office. The Republican State Committees are always quartered at the Great 
Xorthern Hotel. Mr. Eden is a colonel on the staff of Governor Tanner. In 
1875, he was married to Miss Sarah E. Davis of Alabama. They have no chil- 
dren. 



JOHN 'D.YOUNG. 

Dr. John D. Young of Pellonia, Massac County, 111., is a native of Ten- 
nessee. He was born in Henry County, October 18. 1844. His father, Elija 
Young, was born in the Blue Grass region of Kentucky, in 1803 : he was a 
farmer and tobacco manufacturer. 

John D. Young attended the common schools of Tennessee, where he 
acquired a solid foundation for an English education. The Young family were 
loyal people; they strictly adhered to the Union, and when the War of the 
Rebellion came on, John D. Young enlisted in the 120th Illinois Infantry. This 
regiment went out from southern Illinois, and was composed of men of splendid 
physical ability and courage. Mr. Young participated in the battles of Green- 
ville, Yicksburg, Milligan's Bend, Gun Town and Ripley. He was taken pris- 
oner, June 12, 1864, and was sent to Andersonville Prison, where he languished 
for six months, when he was paroled. He was mustered out of the service June 
2, 1865. Mr. Young entered the service as a boy; he had now attained man's 
estate, and proposed to himself to bear a manly part in this life's struggle. He 
bought a tract of land in Johnson County. 111., and entered upon the business 
of farming. He made the acquaintance of Drs. Grisham and Xorris. and he 
entered upon the study of medicine under their instruction. Afterwards he en- 
tered the Kentucky Medical College of Louisville, Ky., and was graduated in 
1874. Returning to Illinois, he settled in Massac County, and at once entered 
upon the practice of his profession- He became well and favorably known in 
Massac and adjoining counties as a skillful physician and as a public spirited and 
intelligent man. 

Dr. Young had identified himself with the Republican party immediately upon 
his return from the army and had given the candidates of that party his earnest 
and cordial support. In 1880 he was nominated by the Republican party as a 
candidate for the legislature and was elected, and two years later he was re- 
elected to the same position. He performed the duties of a legislator to the 
action of his constituents and this added greatly to his prestige and popu- 
larity. He has kept abreast with the progressive features of his profession, and 
is recognized on all hands as a physician of great skill and ability, a man of 
sound judgment, great energy and force of character. 

On October 19. 1865, he married Lucy Calhoun, daughter of the late Rev. 
Z. Calhoun of Illinois. Mrs. Young has been a sturdy support of the Doctor 
in all his struggles for advancement. They have three children : Laura, now 
the wife of Dr. A. E. Atkins : Frederick R. Young, a man of high promise, now 
practicing the profession of law in Metropolis, 111., and a daughter. Alice, de- 
ceased. Dr. Young is a member of a number of social orders : is a Mason, an 
Odd Fellow and a Knight of Pythias. Dr. and Mrs. Young are members of the 
Christian Church and have a wide circle of friends. 



WILLIAM HALE THOMPSON. 

William H. Thompson of Chicago, Illinois, is a native of Massachusetts. 
He was born May 14, 1869, in Boston. His ancestors were early settlers in 
Xew England. His parents were born there, but came to Chicago during his 
infancy. His father. William Hale Thompson, became a large real estate owner 
in Chicago and in other parts of the west. 

The subject of this sketch began his education in the public schools of Chi- 
cago ; attended the Supplementary School in Fessenden Preparatory School, and 
he then attended the Metropolitan College. At the age of fifteen, with the entire 
approbation of his parents, he went west in the employment of the Standard 
Cattle Company of Colorado, Montano and Wyoming, and for five seasons was 
actively engaged in the ranch business in that country, returning to Chicago 
each winter for the purpose of continuing his studies. Mr. Thompson, during 
these five years, acquired a complete knowledge of cattle raising and of con- 
ducting a ranch. After this experience he managed a large cattle ranch in 
Nebraska, which was owned by his father and himself. His father, dying, left 
large real estate interests, the management of which fell to the son, who now 
devotes his time and attention to that business. 

Mr. Thompson's long experience with ranch life inspired him with a great 
love for out-door exercise and sports, and during his city life he is a patron of 
those institutions which contribute to out-door sports. He is a member of the 
Chicago Yacht Club, the Washington Park Club and the Chicago Athletic Club. 
He has participated in the active sports of this last named institution, as well 
as in its management. He has been "tackle" of the football team, as well as 
vice-president of the club. Mr. Thompson is also a member of the Marquette 
Club, and as a means of promoting his real estate interests he became a member 
of the Real Estate Board. 

In politics Mr- Thompson is a stalwart Republican, a thorough believer in 
the principles of the party and the necessity of political organization. He is an 
active worker and an influential man in Republican circles. In April, 1900, Mr. 
Thompson was elected Alderman of the Second ward of Chicago. 



CHARLES EDWIN HYDE. 

Charles Edwin Hyde was born in Xew York City. September 29, 1841. His 
parents were Edwin X. and Julia Hvde. old residents of New York and descend- 
ants from the pioneers of Massachusetts and Xew Jersey. Mr. Hvde was edu- 
cated in the public schools, and at the age of thirteen years, being ambitious 
to learn a trade, engaged with Field & Keep, manufacturing jewelers, at New- 
ark, X. J. His pay during the time of his indenture was $2.25 per week for board 
and S25 per annum for clothing, payable quarterly. By working overtime five 
nights each week he earned sufficient for all necessaries and was contented. By 
attending strictly to business and adhering to the rules of the establishment, 
Mr. Hyde obtained the good will of his employers, so that when the panic 
came in 1857. and all business was supended, young Hyde was retained and 
given general charge of the almost idle plant. During this period he slept in 
the building and guarded the interests entrusted to his care so faithfully and 
well that soon after the reopening of the factory he was given his full time and 
made assistant superintendent over one hundred and fifty employes, a very re- 
sponsible position for one who had not yet reached his majority. 

704 





705 



When the war broke out in 1861 Mr. Hyde enlisted at the first call of 
troops, in the Second New Jersey Volunteer Infantry. He was mustered in at 
Trenton, and was furnished with an old flint-lock Revolutionary musket, the 
best arms having been sent to Southern arsenals by Secretary of War Floyd. 
This Xew Jersey regiment was the first troops to pass through Baltimore after 
the attack on the 6th Massachusetts Infantry, thus opening up the direct route 
to the South for the Northern troops. 

Mr. Hyde participated in many of the fierce battles which occurred during 
the early months of the war. He was at the first battle of Bull Run and sub- 
sequent battles on the Peninsular, before Richmond. Manasses, West Point, 
Cold Harbor, Gaines' Mills, Mechanicsville, Charles City Cross Roads, Malvern 
Hills and others. On the retreat with General McClellan's army to Harrison's 
Landing, on the James River, Mr. Hyde marched seven consecutive nights and 
fought seven consecutive days, his only subsistence being fifteen army crackers : 
these were exhausted during the first five days and he satisfied his appetite as 
best he could the balance of the time on remembrances of them. At the close 
of his term of service Mr. Hyde was honorably discharged. In 1864, while 
visiting in Indiana he again re-enlisted and was appointed post adjutant at 
Camp Carrington, Indianapolis, where he remained until the close of the war. 

In 1865, Mr. Hyde came to Chicago and entered the employ of Scott. 
Keene & Co., clothing manufacturers. Here he was soon put in charge of the 
custom department and remained through successive changes in the firm until 
1868, wlien he started in business on his own account at Xo. 115 Madison 
Street. This establishment was burned in the big fire of 1871, but Mr. Hyde 
opened up temporary quarters at Halsted and Madison streets, while the fire 
was still burning. He remained at this temporary location until May 1, 1872. 
removing then to Xo. 255 West Madison Street, and on February 1, 1873, i°~ 
cated in the building on the southeast corner of Clark and Monroe streets, 
where he has remained ever since — a period of twenty-eight years. 

Mr. Hyde is a sturdy Republican. Although he has never sought for office, 
he always considers it his duty to vote at primaries and sustain his share of the 
campaign work. He is a resident of the old Twelfth Ward, a change in the 
boundaries now making it the Eleventh. Mr. Hyde has frequently been a dele- 
gate to county and State conventions, and in 1900 was a delegate to the con- 
vention that nominated Hon. Richard Yates for Governor of Illinois. He has 
never missed voting at his precinct during the past twenty-eight years. 

Mr. Hyde was the prime mover and organizer of the Chicago Commercial 
Association, and has been an officer and director from the start: an organiza- 
tion which has and is doing very effective work to encourage, foster and ad- 
vance the best interests, commercially, of its members and the city of Chicago 
in general. Under its wing the Peace Jubilee in 1898 was promulgated and the 
Fall Festival in 1899 carried to a successful conclusion. Its members are hard 
and earnest workers, and have been untiring in their efforts to promote the 
erection of the proposed grand Exposition Building on the Lake Front : not- 
withstanding the many obstacles., the Association expects to obtain legislation 
favorable to their plans at the coming session of the Legislature. The Associa- 
tion has just taken up with the city authorities the matter of immediate im- 
provement of river navigation by the removal of the Washington Street Bridge 
and the pier upon which it rests : the removal of this obstruction will materially 
assist five-sixths of the vessels to pass that point with their usual cargoes. Mr. 
Hyde is recognized as one of the leading merchant tailors of the country. He 
has been president for two terms of the Chicago Drapers and Tailors Exchange, 
he was also its secretary and treasurer: also served as president and treasurer 
of the Merchant Tailors' Xational Exchange, and is an indefatigable worker 
for the advancement of the organization. Mr. Hyde was a member of the 
Merchant Tailors' World's Fair Committee, which erected the beautiful Mer- 
chant Tailors' Building: this was the only industry that had a building of its 
own on the Fair Grounds. As treasurer, Mr. Hyde raised about S40.000 in 
subscriptions, and disbursed the same to the satisfaction of all concerned : at 
the close of the Fair he was presented with a handsome gold medal by his ass - 

706 





707 



ciates, many of whom were his competitors in business, as an evidence of his 
good work in connection with the World's Fair. He was president of the Fox 
Lake Shooting and Fishing Club ; is a member of the Illinois Club, having 
joined in 1884; also a member of the Lincoln Club. Mr. Hyde is a thirty- 
second degree Mason : he joined the Fraternity in 1865, and took Chapter, 
Templar and Consistory degrees before the end of the year 1866. He was a 
charter member, first senior warden, and second worshipful master of the now 
famous Covenant Lodge Xo. 526, of Illinois, one of, if not the largest in point 
of numbers in existence. Today he is the oldest living of thirty past masters' 
of his lodge. 

Charles Edwin Hyde was married to Aledora A. Sammons in 1869. Miss 
Sammons is a native of Chicago, her parents arriving here in 1835-36, when old 
Fort Dearborn was a refuge many a night on account of troublesome Indians. 
Mr. and Mrs. Hyde still live in the home built by him in 1873, at Xo. 601 Jack- 
son Boulevard. They have three children : two sons., Charles Albert and Walter 
Wood ; and one daughter, Grace Medora. 



JOHN F. SMULSKI. 

Mr. Smulski was born in German Poland in 1867. He came to this country 
with his father when he was two years old, and having been raised and educated 
in this country, he is regarded as thoroughly American. His father, on arrival 
in this country, went into the newspaper business, in which he made his mark 
as a man of literary merit. John F. Smulski began his education in the German 
schools, and was a student of St. Jerome's College, Berlin. Lpon his return to 
this country he went into newspaper business, and subsequently entered Union 
College of Law, from which he graduated in 1890. Air. Smulski inherits from 
his father a taste and adaptability for newspaper work, and as well as being a 
lawyer, is a good newspaper man. 

One having the capability and inclinations possessed by Mr. Smulski could 
not be expected to refrain from entering politics as an active factor. Owing 
to his high character as a man, and the estimation in which he is held among 
the Polish and other citizens who know him best, he has been successful as a 
politician, being a leader among his associates and those who are pleased to 
confer favors upon him. He first ran for office in 1896, and was defeated by 
the narrow margin of sixty-three votes by his popular rival candidate, Peter 
Kiolbassa. As an introduction into politics this result was taken as an evidence 
of the worth and popularity of Air. Smulski. In 1897 he ran again for alderman 
and was elected, and was re-elected by a good majority in 1899. As a repre- 
sentative of the 1 6th Ward in the City Council, he has established a most excel- 
lent reputation, not only in looking after the particular interests of his ward, but 
working for the good of the entire city. He is recognized as an able and ener- 
getic member of the Council, thoroughly honest and upright. He is one of the 
leaders in the Council, and is a member of most of the important committees. 

Fie is a loyal Republican, and as a public speaker is forceful, clear and 
convincing. Four years ago he rendered admirable service to the Republican 
party, but was prevented from similar activity during the last campaign. He is 
secretary of the organization of Republican Alderman, a position calculated to 
render his services of value to the Republican party. Air. Smulski is a member 
of the law firm of David. Smulski & McGaffey. He is a member of the Chicago 
Press Club and of the Lincoln Club. He is also president of the Pulaski Lumber 
Company, and a director of the Milwaukee Avenue State Bank. These posi- 
tions attest the social status of Air. Smulski as well as his business standing. 



708 





709 



JAMES P. MALLETTE. 

James P. Mallette, of Chicago. Illinois, was born in St. Louis, Missouri,, in 
where he received his early education: came to Chicago in 1873, an d en ~ 

7 i in the manufacture of furniture, organizing the Mallette & Raymond 
Manufacturing Company. In 1883 Mr. Mallette became interested in real es- 
tate, with his present partner. Charles B. Eggleston. and with Ralph E. Brownell. 
organizing the firm of Eggleston. Mallette & Brownell. Mr. Mallette assumed 
active charge of the real estate branch of the business, and the beautiful resi- 
dence suburbs of Eggleston and Auburn Park are the result of his progressive 
ideas and keen business foresight. The present firm of Eggleston & Mallette 
is one of the best known and successful real estate firms in Chicago. Mr. Mal- 
lette has been a member of the Chicago Real Estate Board for a number of 
years and has served on several of the important committees. He is a man of 

-.lent business capacity, industrious habits and marked executive ability, and 
stands high in the financial world. 

: Mr. Mallette was appointed a member of the Board of Education 
by Mayor Washburn, and re-appointed two years later by Mayor Swift. During 
his term of service he was chairman of the Finance Committee, and an active 
member of several other important committees. In 1895 Mr. Mallette was 
selected as a candidate for the office of Drainage Trustee by the Republican 
party-, and on November 5th of that year was elected to that important office, 
and resigned from the Board of Education upon taking his seat as a member 
of the Drainage Board. Mr. Mallette has taken an active part in the completion 
of the drainage canal, and was chairman of the Judiciary Committee of that 
during his entire term of office, performing the duties of trustee with 
great ability, and his name will always be prominently connected with that stu- 
pendous undertaking. 

Mr. Mallette is an earnest and innuential member of the Republican party, 
and takes a deep interest in public affairs. In 1877 Mr. Mallette married Miss 
Mabel L. Stevens, of Chicago, and a family of six children, three boys and 
three girls, have made the home life very delightful. Mr. Mallette is a mem- 
nr ;: the Trinity Reformed Episcopal Church, of which he has been a vestry- 
man for more than fifteen years. He belongs to Englewood Commandery Xo. 
59. Knights Templar, also a member of the Union League Club of Chicago, 
and of the Western Society of Engineers. Mr. Mallette is a public spirited man 
and has done much for Chicago. 



•JOSEPH BRUCKER. 

-rph Brucker was born at Ischl. Upper Austria, in that picturesque part 
of the Alps known as Salzkammergut. October 30. 1849. He was the eldest son 
b Brucker, a prominent merchant of that place. Young Brucker re- 
: I a thorough elementary and college education, graduating in 1867. He 
afterward added to his knowledge of the languages and philosophy at various 
institutions, finally taking a course at the University of Vienna. Being of a very 
liberal turn of mind, with a leaning toward radicalism. Mr. Brucker was at- 
tracted to the Unite'; ? He left his native country in the spring of 1871. 
came to America, and proceeded directly to Milwaukee. At this time he had 
neither relative nor personal friend anywhere in the United States, but he soon 
ling .-mployment with the engineering party that surveyed 

710 




711 



the line of the Milwaukee & Northern, now the Superior Division of the Chi- 
cago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway. Following this, he became clerk in a 
bookstore and from that humble position he was selected to become a teacher 
of German, Latin and history in the German and English Academy at Milwaukee. 

The quiet and conservative course of a teacher's life was not suitable for 
the active temperament and vivid mind of Mr. Brucker. He bought an interest 
in a radical German weekly, the "Freidenker" : this venture marks his entry 
upon a journalistic career, which continued until 1878. He then became in- 
terested in the land and immigration business in Northern Wisconsin, and to 
assist in this work of colonization he published a semi-monthly paper, "Der 
Ansiedler in Wisconsin." Later he published "Der Waldbote" (Messenger of 
the Forestj, at Medford. Wis. ; this paper is now in its eighteenth year and is 
still in a flourishing condition. 

Mr. Brucker spent about ten years of hard work in the woods of Northern 
Wisconsin, during which period he became interested in various enterprises, 
such as banking, sawmills, etc.. but in the spring of 1891, he returned to his 
favorite occupation and published the "National Zeitung." a German Republican 
daily paper in Chicago. This enterprise, after a long struggle against great 
odds, failed. 

Two years after the death of Hermann Raster, the late A. C. Hesing, then 
the principal owner of the "Illinois Staats Zeitung," tendered Mr. Brucker the 
position as editor, which he accepted, and since January. 1894, he has been con- 
stantly connected with that paper and is now its managing editor. 

The Staats Zeitung has long been one of the most powerful German daily 
papers in the Lnited States. It was the first German daily to denounce the 
Kansas-Nebraska Bill and to defend the principles of the Republican platform of 
1&56, vigorously opposing Stephen A. Douglas. In 1856 it advocated the elec- 
tion of Fremont for President, and in 1858 labored for the election of Abraham 
Lincoln in the famous struggle with Stephen A. Douglas. This paper has been 
largely instrumental in leading the German voters into the Republican party. 
Its influence with German-Americans was shown in 1892 when it is given credit 
for swinging the voters of that nationality to the support of Cleveland, for Presi- 
dent, in Illinois and Wisconsin. Supporting and advocating honest and pro- 
gressive principles always, the Staats Zeitung raised its voice for sound money 
in 1896 and again in 1900. The paper is now controlled by those who helped 
to make its past honorable record, and is in a position to make its future his- 
tory a continuation of that which has gone before. 

Joseph Brucker will not only continue as managing editor under the new 
regime of the Staats Zeitung, but he will become a more potent factor than 
ever in the conduct of the paper. While he always took an active part in poli- 
tics, newspaper work has absorbed most of his thought and energy. In politics 
he has always been a staunch Republican, and is an active and aggressive cam- 
paigner. In 1880 he was invited by the National Committee, and especially by 
Mr. Arthur, afterward President, to address the Germans in their own language 
in the States of Indiana. Wisconsin and New York. In 1884 Mr. Brucker was 
made Secretary of the Wisconsin Republican State Convention, and managed 
the German Bureau for the State Committee in the National campaign of that 
year. He led the fight against Carl Schurz. the principal "mugwump" and per- 
sonal enemy of James G. Blaine : at this time Mr. Brucker was given the by- 
name of "The Silver-tongued Pinery Boy" by a political writer on the Chi- 
cago Tribune. He is now very often addressed in this fashion by his friends. 
Mr. Brucker continued to take an active part in politics in each campaign, al- 
though he has never held an elective office. He has been a member of the Illi- 
nois Republican State Central Committee since 1898. During the campaign 
of 1900 he had charge of the German literary and the press bureaus organized 
by the State Committee, and also advised the National Committee in matters 
pertaining to German campaign literature and speakers. He was also very ac- 
tive on the stump and gave the party much of his time for this purpose. Through 
his influence and leadership the "Illinois Staats Zeitung" was the first, and for 
a long time the only German paper in the whole country advocating Expansion, 




c^: 




713 



and it had the satisfaction of being followed in this course by the other German 
papers of Republican tendencies. 

Joseph Brucker was married in 1873. He has two children, the eldest, a 
daughter, was married in 1896 to Edwin O. Raster; the other, a son, Ralph, 
was born in 1877, is now a lawyer and a member of the bar of Cook County. 
Air. Brucker is a member of several societies, among which are the Chicago 
Turngemeinde, the Press Club, the Germania Club, and the Union League Club. 



ZINA R. CARTER. 

Zina R. Carter was born on a farm in Jefferson County, Xew York, in 1847. 
His father died when Mr. Carter was nine years old, leaving a widow and four 
children without means of support. Zina R., was the eldest of the children and 
from the time he was twelve years old was practically the head of the family. 
He obtained his education in the district school during the winters, it being 
necessary for him to work during the summer months. When he was fourteen 
years old the demands upon him were so great that he was obliged to abandon 
school entirely, and he labored in the forests in the winter and managed the farm 
in the summer. In 1864, he served one season as a common sailor before the 
mast on the lakes. He then came West with his family and rented a farm in Du- 
Page County, Illinois. Here, by hard work and careful saving he laid up a few 
hundred dollars, and in the fall of 1871 bought an interest in a small grocery 
store in Chicago. Shortly afterward he bought out his partner's interest in the 
flour and feed business and sold out the grocery store. Under his careful man- 
agement, the business rapidly increased and a few years later, he took into part- 
nership a younger brother, James B., since then the firm has been known as Z. R. 
Carter & Brother. The business of the firm is an extensive one, both wholesale 
and retail. Air. Carter has always been known as a careful, conservative and 
reliable business man. His character and dealings on the Board of Trade have 
made him popular among his associates. Since he has been a member of the 
Board he has served on the committee on arbitration, and the committee on ap- 
peals ; he has also been a director, second and first vice-president. In 1898 he 
was elected President of the Board of Trade by a large majority, the vote cast 
at this election being the largest on record. 

Air. Carter has always been a Republican and a strong organization man. 
Since his first residence in Chicago, he has been active in politics but has never 
sought office. He has, however, been induced by his friends to accept several 
nominations and has been successful in every instance but one. In the Spring 
of 1895, he was elected alderman of the Tenth Ward, resigning in November of 
that year to accept the office of Drainage Trustee, to which he had been elected. 
In 1899, Air. Carter received the unanimous nomination for Alayor in the Repub- 
lican Convention. He was defeated at the election, owing to peculiar circum- 
stances which existed at that time. He conducted a masterful campaign and 
under ordinary conditions would no doubt, have been elected. At the November 
election of 1900, Air. Carter was re-elected for another term of five years on the 
Drainage Board. 

Air. Carter resides at 1441 Ogden Avenue and is the head of a bright and 
interesting family. He has always taken an active interest in public affairs and 
is a man whose loyalty to his friends has often been the subject of favorable 
comment. 



14 




715 



CHARLES FITZ SIMONS. 

In July, 1861, Charles Fitz Simons entered the volunteer service of the 
United States as a Captain of Cavalry serving under General Banks at Dams- 
town. Maryland, taking in the battle of Ball's Bluff, October 21, 1861 : a Platoon 
of Fitz Simons' company escorted the body of General Baker from the battle 
field to Washington. Early in 1862 Captain Fitz Simons was promoted to a Ma- 
jority in the Third New York Cavalry, serving with Banks' Division in the win- 
ter of 1862. In April 1862, his Regiment was ordered to join the forces of Gen- 
eral Burnside at Newbern. North Carolina ; being severely wounded at Trenton, 
North Carolina, June 15, 1862, and recovering but slowly, he resigned in June 
1863, returning to his native state and arriving at Albany, New York, the day 
after the battle of Gettysburg. He reconsidered his action and accepted a com- 
mission in the Twenty-first New York Cavalry, so that he was only out of service 
about ten days. Lieutenant Colonel Fitz Simons commanded his Regiment 
nearly all the time of its service as the Colonel, Win. B. Tibbits, was Brevetted 
Brigadier General owing to the special gallantry of himself and his regiment. 
Colonel Fitz Simons as Regimental Commander took part in all the hardships 
and severity of the Winter campaigns in West Virginia and the Shenandoah 
Valley, being again seriously wounded July 18, 1864, at Ashby's Gap, Virginia. 
While convalescing, he was placed in command of the Remount Camp of Cavalry 
at Pleasant Valley, Maryland. It was remarked that when General Sheridan went 
down the valley ostensibly and in fact to finish the war, he had but eight thou- 
sand men in his command, while General Fitz Simons had eleven thousand men 
under him at Remount Camp. After the war. General Fitz Simons, by this time 
a Brevet Brigadier General, was sent with his Brigade to serve on the Plains and 
in the Rock}' Mountains, being mustered out of service in 1866, and coming to 
Chicago with his wife. Soon after reentering civil life, he engaged in his ante- 
war avocations as contractor and engineer. 

In politics he supported the Republican party with both time and money, 
never holding any office but one, namely, Sergeant at Arms of the Republican 
National Convention at Chicago, in 1888. There were no emoluments and few 
privileges attending that position. General Fitz Simons took an active part in 
the late Presidential Campaign, being a member of the Executive Committee of 
the Business Men's Sound Money Association. The General is still in the mili- 
tary harness, so to speak, having been commissioned by President McKinley 
Brigadier General in the Spanish-American war in 1898. He continues to hold 
the office of Commander of the First Brigade of the Illinois National Guard. 



HORATIO N. MAY. 

Mr. May was born August 7, 1843, at Phillipsburg, Canada. His parents 
were Americans. He was of the Woodstock branch of the May family, who in 
1640 emigrated from Mayfield, Sussex, England. Ezra May, his great-grand- 
father, married Margaret Lyon, of Roxbury, Mass. Dr. Calvin Dexter May, 
his grandfather, married Mary Hyatt, of Highgate, Vt., and Horatio May, his 
father, married Sarah Humphrey, of Highgate, Vt. 

Horatio N. May came to Chicago in "1856, when he was a lad of thirteen, 
and shortly afterward began his active career, so closely identified with the 
growth of the city. He was a member of the old volunteer fire department and 
remained a member until the paid department came into existence. At one 
time he engaged in the commission business with John C. Neeley. Later he 

716 





/W^ 0~**^<J 



717 



became associated with McKinley. Ingraham & Co., wholesale grocers, and re- 
mained with them until the firm of Ingraham. Corbin & May was organized- 
out of which the firm of Corbin & May was established in 1883. and of which 
he was a member at the time of his death. September 30. 1898. when the firm 
was known as Corbin. May & Co.. importers and wholesale tea dealers. Mr. 
May died at Bad-Xanheim. Germany, whither he had gone for rest and re- 
cuperation of his health. In speaking of his death. Mr. Corbin. the surviving 
partner, said: "Mr. May had thousands of friends in the business world. His 
even temperament, kindly disposition and unfaltering honesty in the transac- 
tion of business commanded the respect of all who came in conatct with him. 
He was full of civic pride and always ready to contribute his time and money 
to any movement calculated to benefit Chicago and its people. But Mr. May's 
character shone out not only as a business man but as a citizen and a man of 
affairs. While not in any sense a politician, he gave political and party mat- 
ters close attention and sought at all times to discharge his full duty. He was 
a Republican, and an active, zealous worker, always public spirited and patriotic 
rather than partisan." Governor Oglesby. whose intimate friend he was. said: 
"In the death of Mr. May I feel as though I had lost a dearly loved, congenial 
and devoted son. I found in him a perfect friend and counsellor : he was a use- 
ful, respected and honored citizen: a modest and unassuming man." Governor 
Oglesby appointed Mr. May a Commisioner of Lincoln Park : he served three 
terms, thirteen years, on that board. As to his services on the board. ex- 
Mayor Hempstead Washburne said of him: "I always looked upon him as one 
of the cleanest, brightest and most reliable men in the city of Chicago. In 
the growth of Lincoln Park, his hand was to be plainly seen. During his mem- 
bership on the board when the park was in its infancy, he was always planning 
for improvements : even after he left the board, he was an enthusiastic friend" 
and conferred with members of the board frequently regarding improvements. 
The beautiful palm house there is the result of his untiring energy.'* 

The Board of Lincoln Park Commissioners at a special meeting held Oc- 
tober 5. 1898. unanimously adopted the following memorial resolution on the 
death of Mr. May: "The Commissioners of Lincoln Park have learned with 
deep degret of the sad death in a foreign land of their honored colleague, Hora- 
tio X. May. and to the bereaved wife, whose presence and love cheered his last 
hours, they extend their respectful assurance of their heartfelt sympathy. Both 
in his private capacity as a business man and a citizen, and in his public capacity 
as a servant of the people, in more than one high position, Mr. May had earned 
the confidence and esteem of all who knew him. — a feeling shared in fullest 
measure by members of the board. Some of the important and popular fea- 
tures of the park bear enduring witness to his energy and painstaking zeal in 
enhancing the attractiveness of the park and securing for the tax-payers the 
greatest possible return for their investment therein. His experience in park 
matters and his excellent judgment made his association with them on the 
board of a special value to his fellow commissioners, who can here express 
but feebly their appreciation of Mr. May's high character as a man and of his 
unselfish and unflagging devotion at all times to the advancement of what he 
believed to be the best interests of Lincoln Park. He gave freely of his time 
and means to its interests and the splendid fountain which he presented to 
Lincoln Park during his first term of service is not the only monument there to 
his memory. Therefore, be it Resolved. That this inadequate memorial of 
our high appreciation of the life and character of our late associate be entered 
upon the records of this board and that a copy thereof be transmitted to his 
stricken wife as a token of our sympathy for her and of our sense of the great 
loss both official and personal which we have suffered in his death." 

Ex-Mayor Washburne so thoroughly appreciated the business qualities of 
Mr. May. that he made him City Comptroller and placed in his hands the man- 
agement of the finances of the city. Mr. May was a director of the Union X~a- 
tional Bank, and his associates, upon hearing of his death, passed the follow- 
ing : "Resolved, that we desire to record our feelings of respect and esteem 
for the memory of our late associate. Horatio X'. May, whose death has de- 

718 




etfZ 




719 



i the bank of an able and conscientious director, who had long devoted 

efficient services to its interests. We deeply deplore the loss of Mr. 

as a faithful and true friend, as a capable and upright business man. and 

: honorable citizen whose pure life and public spirit made him an example 

:; _ - :...-..: :;:er« - . - . - ~ . ::r.s:i- 

erate — a good friend and a good counsellor. 

Mr. May strong character; whatever he undertook was with a de- 

gree of earnestness, which foretold success. Honorable and sincere in all 
things, he made his personality felt wherever his influence could reach, and to 
Bis family and friends he has left a legacy in his character of which they un- 
justly feel proud. While Mr. May had not rounded out the allotted tune of 
man, and while Hope gave promise of many things yet to be accomplished, his 
life ■ - : - . - . _ t 71; e ci.y :f C:v.:iz'-' "' v 7~ 1 :■::£■ "-"-: - '- i~ remem- 

brance the good deeds done by him in behalf of the city in which he spent his 
life and performed his life work. 

The May Memorial Chapel" at Rosehill Cemetery, Chicago, one of the 
:: ::s: ri. ::fv. ::: 7::e : :.:::r eir e:e;:ei:: 7_i~ :::;- ::.- iev::e: 7t 



WILLIAM H. BAKER. 

hi am H. Baker was born September 18, 1865, on a farm in the township 
:: Lyons I 00k County, I1L, and just west of the present city limits of Chi- 
cago. His father, Digory W. Baker, came to Chicago in the 4o"s. was at one 
time prominent in politics and held the office of West Town Supervisor. His 
mothers maiden name was Agnes Bielby. When William H. Baker was three 

s old his parents moved to the city, locating on the West Side, where they 
remained until the spring of 187 1. when they changed their location to the 
corner of Wood and Monroe Streets, in which neighborhood they now reside. 

Mr. Baker is virtually a Chicago product, having grown from boyhood to 
manhood within its limits. He was educated at the Brown School, corner of 
rren Avenue and Wood Streets. After leaving the public schools, he took 
a course in Souder's Business College, from which he subsequently graduated. 
H 7 :hen entered the employ of Baker Brothers, wholesale coal dealers, of which 
firm his father was at that time, and is now, the senior member. He remained 
with this firm ever since, fulfilling the duties imposed upon him so earnestly 
and faithfully that he finally became manager, which position he holds at the 
;. re? : .".: :::;. : 

Having spent his whole life in Chicago, it is quite natural that Mr. Baker 
7:: . -'-\- : '.':- '•'- :-. '.:■- z- ::r:".e : f 1 ::_v.i ::::a:: rf 2:: i : ::l: he «■ :: :. 7: e 2 ::;e:: 7; er ::" 1 
cial organizations ; thus we find him connected with the Illinois, Ashland 
:>ken Clubs, also, the Chicago Athletic Association, the Horicon Shoot- 
ing Club and Garfield Gun Club. Aside from being an active business man 
and a club men. Mr. Baker has found time to interest himself greatly in charit- 
able work, a work in which he has become prominently identified. He is treas- 
urer of the Bureau :: Ass iated Charitirr West Side District, and has been 
particularly active in establishing vegetable gardens on vacant land on the West 

The business qualities of Mr. Baker and his recognized character for in- 
duced his friends to have his name placed in nomination for Drainage 
mber, 1900. he was elected for the term of five years, to 
a member of the new board. While not known as a politician, Mr. 
Baker is active in politics and alwa3's gives liberally of his time and money to 
further the interests of the Republican party of which he is a staunch member. 
During the campaign of 1900, he rendered valuable service and material. 

1 in the - : ate and National tickets. Mr. and Mrs. Baker re- 

on South Central Park Avenue and their hospitable home is often visited by 

72 





^ 




^z^G^^ ^ 



721 



""ILLIAM BOLDENWECK. 

..:am Bo Idem - born at Jettingen. Germany. August 9, 185 1. He 

is the son of '.:.:. .-. and Christiana Yent Boldenweck. The family, consist- 
:.:e parents and seven children, came to Chicago in the summer of 
the parents Bed shortly after their arrival, leaving four daughters and 
a a strange city in a strange land. Mr. Boldenweck's father was 
a man 1 good leal of force of character. He was a contractor and civil en- 
gineer in the ... _ " and was employed on several important works by 
Lndwig. King of Bavaria. William. Boldenweck inherited largely the quali- 
- :..:her and has displayed many of his forceful traits, in showing an 
adaptability to engineering and the labor incident thereto. His education was 
•red at the Dearborn School a German school, and in the Dyrenfurth Col- 
lege an institution at that time located on the corner of Wells and Lake Streets. 
He is ;niy ten years old when the war broke out. and too young to givQ any 
evidences I patriotism, but later, when he was but twelve years of age, in the 
spring : 1863, when the war spirit was at its height, his enthusiasm ran away 
with his judgment and he tried to enlist, but failed on account of his age : finally 
he -- : red himself >n the gunboat "Michigan." then anchored at Chicago. 

bnt was Ssc :vered before the vessel left port and was sent home. 

.-.: :he age of thirteen he left school to begin his life work. He com- 
menced by learning the tinsmith's trade, serving two years. He then became 
bookkeeper for a hardware firm — Holz & Hartman — with whom he remained 
is nineteen, when he became book and timekeeper for his brother, 
L -HI I'ldenweek, a cut-stone contractor; this was in 1871. In 1875 ne 
bonght otit his brother and entered into business for himself with P. Henne, 
under the firm name of Boldenweck & Henne. In 1882 this partnership was 
- - : wed. and another formed with Ernest Heldmaier, under the name of Bol- 
denweck & Heldmaier. which association continued until 1887. when Mr. Bol- 
denweck retired from business. Up to this time he had devoted himself assidu- 
smess : nf now that he was relieved, he felt at liberty to give some 
attention to public and political matters. He first became known to the citi- 
: . .-.- : ig : generally in 1887. when Lake View voted to have a city organi- 
n. Mr. Boldenweck was elected Mayor of the new city government, and 
nction of having been the first and only Mayor Lake View ever 
:'iv:gh re-elected in 1880. Lake View voted to become annexed to 
:igo y and the office of Mayor consequently became extinct. In the spring 
of i8fe>i y he was appointed by Mayor Washburne to serve as a member of the 
Board of Education, and remained on the board three years. In the fall 
^91 he was elected Drainage District Trustee, serving four years, and was 
:t -elected in 1895 tor tne term of five years, giving him nine years' service on 
::.:jn:r.ii-:I:::i :.- - ;■ ? ::::..::::;:::: Iv:::::::: : > " : : I r:r:v.": :' ::.«:•: 
.-. incident that occured while he was Mayor of Lake View will indicate 
something of the calibre of Mr. Boldenweck. Firms that had contracted to 
construe- —vers threw up their work, the Mayor was without a 

C :~:~:~~: :r_tr ::' Public Works but took the matter :::: : his [jwn hands 2^: 
completed the work, much to his own credit and greatly to the satisfaction 
of his friends. This characteristic energy, independence and good sense have 
been emphasized in his rr : - is Drainage Trustee. As president he officiated 
: that great undertaking, the Chicago Drainage Canal, and his 
: . has been discernible during his entire connection with the board. 
[| .- i r .? e Iy through his energy- and untiring effort that the great work was 
: :rzp'e:-: - • 

Mr. Bolder an accomplished business man — capable, popular and 

liberal and o: st integrity. He is prominent among the German socie- 





c££<. 



ft 



&l!L&£~<Ls^^c*s-<-' C 7^C1 



723 



ties of the city, being- a member of the Germania Club, Lake View Mannerchor, 
Krutzer Quartet, North Chicago Turners and other organizations. He is a 
member of Welcome Lodge No. I, Knights of Pythias, and is a thirty-second 
degree Mason. 

On March 25, 1873, he was married to Miss Adelheid G. Samme, only 
daughter of Capt. Frederick Samme, one of Chicago's large vessel owners. 
They have had three children, all of whom died in infancy. 



C. PRUYN STRINGFIELD, M. D. 

Dr. C. Pruyn Stringfield was born in Washington, D. C, the son of Francis 
Marion and Sarah Agnes Stringfield, and is a grandson of the famous surgeon, 
the late Owen Munson, of Washington. His parents moved to Topeka, Kans., 
when he was very young, and his boyhood and youth were spent there. He 
attended the public schools of Topeka, and there began a journalistic career. 
He was connected with the Blade, Kansas State Journal and the Capital. 

He came to Chicago in August, 1881, and entered the employ of the Brad- 
street Commercial Agency. He continued with them for two years, leaving 
them to embark in the retail drug business. He purchased a half interest in 
the drug business of his father and succeeded to the entire buisness in a year 
and a half. While thus engaged he entered the Northwestern University and 
graduated in 1889. He began the practice of medicine and surgery that year, 
and six months after he was made assistant to the Chair of Principles and 
Practice of Surgery in the Northwestern University Medical School. He con- 
tinued in this chair for five and one-half years. At this time his practice had 
grown so he was compelled to resign to attend his private practice. This ex- 
perience gave him great opportunities to study human character, as well as 
become expert in his life's work — surgery. He very soon afterwards was ap- 
pointed consulting physician to the Chicago Baptist Hospital. He has entry to 
all the hospitals of Chicago and has been in many notable cases. The Chicago 
Tribune selected him as its expert in the celebrated Holmes' castle murder case. 
He was hospital steward of the old First Cavalry under Lieut. -Col. W r elter, for 
live years, and on the medical staff of the Second Infantry under Colonel, now 
General Wheeler. Dr. Stringfield is now the contract surgeon of the L T nited 
States Marine Corps, attached to the Chicago office. He did general family 
practice for the first nine years, but his practice became so large that he de- 
cided to quit the arduous part and gave up the out practice, confining himself 
to office consultations and hospital work. This, in addition to his practice as 
resident physician of the Grand Pacific Hotel, consumes his entire time. 

Dr. Stringfield has a wide acquaintance among doctors and students, as 
well as the general public — being a member of the American Medical Associa- 
tion, the Illinois State Medical Society and the Chicago Medical Society. He 
is a past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias and a member of the Grand Lodge, 
and was chaplain of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is an 
active member of the Hamilton and Chicago Athletic Clubs, and widely known 
as a consistent Republican — always ready to help his party in any way possible. 
His friends in the administrative circles are legion. He is the personal friend 
and physician to Senator Mason, and a host of other leaders in the party. He 
has never sought office, but has always been regarded as good timber. He was 
married August 14, 1889, to Miss Josephine Milgie, of Chicago. His offices are 
in the W'estem Union Building. 



724 




J^^y^^Ly/u^< '~&. /d 



725 



ARTHUR HUMPHREY. 

Born beyond the Middle West, Jul}- 13, 1858, from an ancestry embracing 
some of the oldest and most influential families of old Virginia and Pennsyl- 
vania. Mr. Humphrey spent the earlier portion of his life on a farm and in the 
stock-raising and milling business, where a naturally robust constitution and 
kindly disposition were given full development. In his youth he attended the 
common schools and later a State normal, but his real education was acquired 
by private study and reading and in the school of nature and experience. 

In 1880 Mr. Humphrey came to Chicago, a stranger, with practically no 
capital, but with a sterling integrity, an indomitable will and an abiding faith in 
the future. He soon secured a position as instructor and afterwards as super- 
intendent of the business department, of Bryant's Business College. While en- 
gaged in this work his leisure time and evenings were employed in reading law. 
With a desire to get a more practical experience and a knowledge of business 
men and methods, he later entered the employ of one of the largest concerns at 
the Union Stock Yards. Here his thorough knowledge of accounts was soon 
demonstrated and he gained a most valuable business experience. He often 
- that of all his schooling the time spent with this house was of the most 
practical value, for it gave him a thorough knowledge of first-class business men 
and methods. While engaged with this house Mr. Humphrey pursued his 
legal studies with a regularity and tenacity which was, to say the least, unusual, 
and when the time came, took the examination for admission to the Illinois 
Bar before a committee appointed by the Appellate Court, and was one of the 
fortunate few who passed a most rigid examination. After devoting nearly an- 
other year to hard work and study he entered his chosen profession. Then 
commenced those days of waiting for business and clients which try the souls 
of young professional men, and cause so many to fall by the wayside. 

Mr. Humphrey possesses in a high degree three characteristics which have 
dominated his life and have contributed largely to his success, — honesty, indus- 
try and determination. When he is once convinced that a thing is right, and 
sets his mind upon accomplishing it, he never gives up, but works and waits 
with a singleness of purpose and determination that usually brings success. Mr. 
Humphrey practiced alone up to 1892, when he formed a partnership with ex- 
Judge Barnum and his son, under the firm name of Barnum, Humphrey & Bar- 
num, which continued for six years, when Mr. Humphrey withdrew. Since this 
time he has practiced alone, with greater success than before. 

Mr. Humphrey is an able lawyer, thorough, careful and painstaking in his 
business. He enjoys an enviable reputation as lawyer and a man, and has 
built up a good general practice, but prefers corporation and real estate law, in 
which he has won his greatest success. Reared in an atmosphere of political 
intensity, such as characterized the early days of Kansas, it is not strange that 
Mr. Humphrey should be a stalwart in Republicanism, and a firm adherent to 
his party. Although a man of strong convictions and active in politics, he is 
not a politician and has never held nor has he been a candidate for political 
office, preferring to devote his attention to his profession. 

Mr. Humphrey possesses fine literary tastes ; and, besides an ecxellent law 
library, has a fine general library of over fourteen hundred volumes of care- 
fully selected works. He is fond of biography, history, travel and adventure, 
as well as fiction and poetry, but does not care particularly for the popular novef 
oi the day. preferring Scott, Thackeray, Hawthorne, and others of the same 
school. He is fond of outdoor sports, particularly riding, driving and the "rod 
and gun,'" but finds little time to gratify his tastes in this direction. Mr. 
Humphrey is a member of the Union League, Marquette, Hamilton and Wood- 
lawn Park Clubs, also a Mason. 



■y-. 




^fA&fuaju Q/U^u^-iAjiuJrr^ 



727 



GRAEME STEWART. 

Mr. Stewart is of Scotch ancestry — the Stewarts of Ayrshire. His parents 
came to America in 1845 an d in 1850 removed to Chicago, finally settling in 
what is now the west division of the city. His father. William Stewart, was a 
prominent citizen during the early days of the city's history and was closely 
identified with its material progress, particularly on the West Side. He was 
one of the foun lers of Hespena Lodge of Masons: one of the promoters of 
the West Side Masonic Temple, and has been president of the Illinois St. An- 
dre"- 5 Soc iety. 

leme Stewart was born August 30. 1853. in Chicago, at the corner of 
Franklin and Monroe streets, now a prominent business center. Later the 
Stewart family removed into what became the Ninth, now the Eighteenth. Ward. 
His early education was acquired at the public schools, chiefly the Skinner 
He also attended a German school, afterwards entering the University 
. ~:icago with the class of 1872. While attending the university he acted as 
office boy in the wholesale grocery house of George W. Flanders & Co. In 
this service he acquired some knowledge of mercantile affairs which he found 
of benefit in later years. His first inclination was toward a profession, out ill— 
• before graduating caused him to abandon his studies and change his 
course. After terminating his schooling he commenced commercial life with 
King, Stewart & Aldrich, and was subsequently advanced to shipping clerk. 
Later, he became a salesman for the same firm, holding this position until he 
became identified, in 1880, with the firm of W. M. Hoyt & Co., wholesale 
grc :ers in which he is now a director. The building occupied by this company 
stands upon historic ground — being the site ot old Fort Dearborn of the very 
early days — and is replete with thrilling interest, to which Mr. Stewart fre- 
quently recurs when in a reminiscent mood. 

Though Mr. Stewart is emphatically a business man whose mind is taken 
up with the affairs of the large house with which he is connected, he, never- 
theless, takes an active interest in politics. Xationai. State and municipal, espe- 
cially the latter, and is an outspoken advocate of clean business methods in 
tics, particularly with regard to the administration of municipal affairs. Af- 
ter the great fire of 1871. there being at that time no military guard for Illinois, 

Stewart was active in the organization of the first Illinois regiment, and was 
one of the charter members. This regiment was disbanded after the Xationai 
Guard Act was passed in 18*7 

Mr. Stewart has never held office, and is free from political alliances. He 
is an ardent Republican and believes every one should be a party man to the 
txtent of doing his full duty as a patriot and a citizen. He resides in the 

-.ty-fourth Ward, where his personal influence is recognized. For many 
years he has been one of the controlling forces of the Cook County Central 
Republican Committee, and is also a valuable member of the Xationai Repub- 
lican Executive Committee. He has served on the Board of Education for six 
art is a member of Hespena Lodge Xo. 411. A. F. & A. M.. 
Washington Chapter X'o. 43, Montjoie Commandery Xo. 53. Oriental Con- 

ry and Mystic Shrine Medina Temple, also a member of the Hamilton. 
uette and Chicago Clubs. 

In 1S79 Mr. Stewart was married to Miss Xellie Pullman. They have two 

ren. Helen and Mercedes. Mr. Stewart resides at Xo. 18 r Pine Street. 
Chicag 



r28 





<yt sZ^^v<j^ 




729 



D. F. CRILLY. 

Mr. Criliy is a Pennsylvania!!. He was born at Mercersburg, Pa., October 
_ 1838. Y\ lien he was ten years of age his parents removed to Newport, in 
that State. His father was John D. and his mother Rebecca Criliy. His father 
is known as an Irish-American, and with two of his sons served in 
the Civil War. John D. Criliy was at one time editor of the Perry County- 
Standard,"' at Bloomfield, Pa. Afterward, he engaged in hotel and mercantile 

:ess in that place. He owned several stages which ran on the state routes 
before the days of railroads, and was an all-around business man of intelli- 
gence and energy. He was known also prominently in politics and was a great 
friend and admirer of James Buchanan, the Democratic President from Penn- 

D. F. Criliy was educated in the common schools, in his youth, chiefly at 

port and Mercersburg, Pa. At the age of seventeen he came West and 
located in Iowa City, la., and there learned the "building trade.*" After a three 
3-ears' residence in Iowa City, he removed in 1858 to St. Louis, Mo., where 
he worked at his trade until i860. From St. Louis he went south to Louis- 
:;-.:::-. v.-;;ere ::e ^ cr.r^ci ::; . : :::u: ~ ^ .r :::-- :■:: rl^:::a:i: ::s -.vhtr. :he 
war broke out. He left Louisiana and with great difiiculty came Xorth, but 
with the assistance of Captain Dardin and the influence of a Xew Orleans bank- 
ing firm, Folr _ : & Co., he finally reached St. Louis, his former home. 
Here he remained for one year, following his trade, and then removed to Chi- 
cago, where he commenced business as a building contractor and where he 
;:?.: ?:^;e resiie: 

Mr. Criliy has now retired from active business, but is followed by his sons. 
His business career has been active and successful to a marked degree, and 
has been characterized by energy, honesty and integrity". He is the owner of 
the old Stock Exchange Building, corner of Dearborn and Monroe Streets, 
Chicago, and is a large real estate owner in the city. While Mr. Criliy was in 
active business he was the contractor for many buildings erected in Chicago, 
before and after the great fire. Among the latter may be mentioned "The Meth- 

: Church" block, corner dark and Washington Sts., and many other import- 
ant buildings. The last large contract in which Mr. Criliy was interested was 
for building the "Windsor Hotel, 53 in Denver, Colo., which is one of the best 
':\-_- i. ":■.::". iir.rs ::: :"::&: :::;■". 

Mr. Criliy has been essentially a business man and in no sense a politician. 
He has never held an elective office, nor aspired to political preferment. He is a 
thorough-going Republican, and takes great interest in ward politics, and sev- 
eral times has been treasurer of his ward club. He is a member of and has 
been treasurer of the Hamilton Club. He is now South Park Commissioner D3- 
appointment of the Circuit Judges. He is one of the oldest members of the 

11 League Club, his membership dating from the first year of the club's 
organization. He is a member and director, of the Sheridan Club, and is a 
member of the Builders" Qub. He is a prominent Mason, being a member of 
Home Lodge, Chicago Chapter, Apollo Commandery, Consistory, and a 
Shriner. He has been treasurer of Apollo Conunandery, and was treasurer of 
the Knights' Templar charity- ball each year but one since its organization. 

Since Mr. Cnlly's retirement from business he has spent much time in 
traveling in the United States and has spent two years in Europe, widening his 
r.t'.i ::' :o?ervc.::::: 1::: ^:: :: ^ :r-~ '.<:::;-'.tizt. 

In 1863 he was married to Elizabeth Snyder Loudon, of Fort Franklin 
County 7 , Pa. They have a family of six children, all living— f our boys and two 
s — Erminnie, George, Frank, Edgar, Isabelle and Oliver. 




<S^<f*^ 



731 



WINFIELD NEWELL SATTLEY. 

Winfield Newell Satiley was born June 19, 1859, at Ferrisburg, Addison 
County, Vermont. His parents, Robert Preston and Harriet Foote (Newell) 
Sattley, were thrifty New England farmers; His paternal grandparents came 
to the United States in 1784, and settled on Long Island; but the following year 
they removed to Ferrisburg, Vermont, and settled on a tract of land that is 
now known as the "W. N. Sattley stock farm," and contains about 736 acres. 
On this old homestead several generations of Sattleys were born and reared, 
among whom was the subject of this sketch and his brothers. 

Mr. Sattley obtained the rudiments of an education in a little old red 
school house, about one mile from the old home farm ; afterward he attended 
the public schools at Burlington, Vermont, and took a course in the Commer- 
cial College, at the same city. On December 15th, 1878, he entered the employ 
of the Vermont Life Insurance Company, at the home office in Burlington, 
and was soon promoted to the position of chief clerk. He came to Chicago 
January 8, 1881, as general agent for the company, his territory covering the 
State of Illinois. In February, 1884, he accepted the general agency of the 
Massachusetts Mutual Life and remained with that company until April 1, 1887, 
when he resigned to become superintendent of agencies for the State of Illi- 
nois of the New York Life Insurance Company, being in the employ of this com- 
pany until March 15, 1889. He then became manager for the State of Illi- 
nois for the Manhattan Life Insurance Company, a position he held for ten 
years, during which time the business of the company in the State was in- 
creased more than four-fold. Mr. Sattley was assistant manager of the Equita- 
ble Life for Northern Illinois from May 1st, 1899, to October 1st, 1899; he 
then received an appointment in the executive special department of the Mu- 
tual Life Insurance Company, which position he now holds. 

Mr. Sattley is a born insurance man. From the commencement of his 
career he has followed the business of insurance and he understands every de- 
tail thoroughly. His methods of managing the affairs of the companies with 
which he has been connected have always given great satisfaction to the offi- 
cials at the home office. 

In politics Mr. Sattley has always been a Republican ; although not a 
politician he never neglects the duties' of citizenship, and is always found work- 
ing for the success of the party. When the Hamilton Club was organized he 
became one of its charter members; was its vice-president in 1892, and assisted 
in building up the large membership of the club. 

He is a Thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason and Knight Templar, 
being a lift member in each of the following bodies : Oriental Blue Lodge, La- 
fayette Chapter, Palestine Council, Apollo Commandery, Oriental Consistory 
and the Order of Elks No. 4; he is also a member of Medinah Temple, Wash- 
ington Park Club, and the Chicago Athletic Association. Mr. Sattley was one 
of the organizers of the Sons of Vermont in Chicago, was chairman of the ex- 
ecutive committee for several years and was elected President in 1896. 

Winfield Newell Sattley was married to Miss May E. Kelley, on June 19, 
7884. They have two interesting children, Ethelwynne May and Winfield 
Newell, Jr. 



732 




(i^l^SbM^tcp' 



733 



CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

The 1900 Campaign — Re-electiox of William McKinley — Richard Yates, 
Jr. Elected Goyerxor of Illixois — Conclusion. 

The election of November 6, 1900,, must take its place as one of the most im- 
portant in the history of the United States. It was a high test of the intelli- 
gence, the patriotism and continuity of purpose of the American people. The 
great question, the true issue involved in the contest and to be decided by the 
people, was whether they proposed to continue the Republican party in power 
and with it continue the gold standard, the protective tariff, and that extraor- 
dinary prosperity and confidence in the future, which accompanied these great 
measures, and Republican administration ; or, whether they proposed to re- 
turn the Democratic-Populistic party to power, with its hostility to protective 
legislation and the gold standard, and its demand for the passage of a law for 
the free and unlimited coinage of silver at the ratio of 16 to 1. The people 
could not be drawn aside from this issue. 

The attempt to create, as paramount, an issue against the Republican ad- 
ministration of Imperialism and Militarism, proved absolutely abortive. The 
majority of electors of both parties by an unmistakable expression of public 
opinion had approved the Spanish War. and the acquisition and retention of 
Porto Rico and the Philippine Islands. They had faith in the Republican prin- 
ciples of government, and in the ability of the United States to govern those 
islands in accordance with those principles. Thev had faith in themselves and 
knew that misgovernment in those islands by the administration of any party, 
would call down on its head public condemnation and a change of party ad- 
ministration. 

The canvass throughout the country was remarkable for the friendly spirit 
in which it was conducted and the cheerful manner in which the unsuccessful 
party accepted defeat. But another feature made the contest most remarkable : 
for the first time in the history of the Republican party did it have the sympathy 
of the ruling classes in Great Britain and the Continent. Heretofore, the feel- 
ing on the other side favored the success of the Democratic party. That party 
held to doctrines concerning tariff legislation which had the approval abroad ; 
they opposed protection; they favored a tariff for revenue only, such a tariff 
as gave to foreign producers easy and highly profitable access to the American 
market. Consequently, it was to the interest of the foreigner that the Demo- 
cratic party should succeed. But in this year of iqoo it was different. Great 
Britain, France, Germany, and the whole of Europe have adopted the gold 
standard ; they believe in it ; they believed that general prosperity depends upon 
its continuance. The United States had loomed up above the horizon of pro- 
duction, commerce and finance as the most conspicuous figure in the sky. 
Leading statesmen, and men largely engaged in production and trade abroad 
held the opinion that if the United States should adopt the free coinage of silver, 
the finances of this country would at once be based upon silver, and this would 
result in world-wide calamity. Continuance of the gold standard in the United 
States was the paramount question in their minds and they put aside their long- 
time opposition to Republican protection and hoped for the success of the Re- 
publican party. 

The great day came. More than fifteen millions of electors cast their bal- 
lots. The Republican party was sustained. William McKinley and Theodore 
Roosevelt were elected President and Vice-President of the United States. A 
strong working Republican majority was returned for the National House of 
Representatives, besides, Republican success in various States insures an in- 
creased Republican majority in the United States Senate. The Republican State 

734 



ticket was elected in Illinois with a safe Republican majority in the Legislature 
insuring the election of a Republican United States Senator. Two interesting 
facts have appeared following the announcement of Republican success : First. — 
There has been a marked advance in the value of stocks and bonds the world 
over; prices in London and Berlin immediately advanced upon the announce- 
ment of the re-election of President McKinley. Second. — In the business cen- 
ters of Democratic States, there has been marked expressions of satisfaction 
that there is to be no change, of national policy by changing the political char- 
acter of the administration. The business men of the country are satisfied to 
have the present conditions continue and were not willing to risk a change. 

The following named State officers were elected in Illinois : Richard 
Yates, Governor ; William A. Northcott, Lieutenant Governor ; James A. Rose, 
Secretary of State; James McCullough, Auditor; Moses O. Williamson, Treas- 
urer; Howland J. Hamlin, Attorney General; Alexander McLean, Samuel A. 
Bullard and Carrie T. Alexander, University trustees. 

The delegation returned to Congress from Illinois was : 

Republicans : First district, James R. Mann, Chicago ; Sixth, Henry S. Bon- 
tell, Chicago ; Seventh, George E. Foss, Chicago ; Eighth, Albert J. Hopkins, 
Aurora ; Ninth, Robert R. Hitt, Mount Morris ; Tenth, George W. Prince, Gales- 
burg; Eleventh, Walter Reeves, Streator; Twelfth, Joseph G. Cannon, Danville; 
Thirteenth, Vespasian Warner, Clinton; Fourteenth, Joseph V. Graff, Pekin; 
Twenty-second, George W. Smith, Murphy sboro. 

Democrats : Second district, John J. Feeley, Chicago ; Third, George P. 
Foster, Chicago ; Fourth, James McAndrews, Chicago ; Fifth, William F. Ma- 
honey, Chicago ; Fifteenth, J. Ross Mickey, Macomb ; Sixteenth, T. J. Selby, 
Hardin ; Seventeenth, Ben T. Caldwell, Chatham ; Eighteenth, Thomas M. Jett, 
Hillsboro; Nineteenth, Joseph B. Crowley, Robinson; Twentieth, James R. Wil- 
liams, Carmi; Twenty-first, Frederick J. Kern, Belleville. 

There was great disappointment among Republicans throughout the state 
over the result in Cook County. While the County gave a majority for the 
Presidential ticket of 17,567, Judge Yates, the Republican candidate for Gov- 
ernor, lost the County by 7,573. His opponent, Samuel Alchuler, a man of 
recognized ability, no doubt carried a large Jewish vote, which otherwise was 
Republican. Other Republican State candidates carried the County ranging 
from i,ooo,the plurality for Lt. Governor Northcott, to 14,175, the plurality for 
James McCullough for Auditor. But the defeat of William Lorimer of Chi- 
cago, and of W. A. Rodenberg of East St. Louis, for Congress, w r as a severe 
blow to Republican pride and prestige. However, the general result throughout 
the State was satisfactory and assuring. The Republicans of Illinois have again 
shown their strong adhesion to the principles of the Republican party, and their 
vote on November 6, 1900, is one of confidence in the present National Repub- 
lican administration. The Republican principles and policies for domestic 
affairs, the conduct of our Foreign relations, and particularly our Territorial Ex- 
pansion by the acquisition of Hawaii, Porto Rico, the Philippines and Guam have 
all received popular endorsement. The Ship of State moves on in grandeur and 
in glory with the Republican party at the helm. 



735 



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' CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE 

OF THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS IN AMERICAN HISTORY, FROM THE DISCOV- 
ERY IN 1492 TO i860. 

1492. Aug. 3, Columbus sets sail from Palos, in Spain. 

Oct. 12, First land discovered (one of the Bahamas). 
" 27, Cuba discovered. 
Dec. 6, Hayti or Hispaniola discovered. 
I 493- Jan. 16, Columbus returns to Spain. 

Sept. 25, Columbus sails from Cadiz on his second voyage. 

Dec. 8, Columbus lays the foundation of Isabella, in Hispaniola, the first European 
town in the New World. 
1494. May 5, Jamaica discovered. 

1496. Mar. 10, Columbus sails again for Spain. 

1497. June 24, Newfoundland discovered by the Cabots. 

1498. May 30, Columbus sails from Spain on his third voyage. 
July 3 1 , Trinidad discovered. 

" Aug. 1, America discovered by Columbus. 

1499. June 16, America discovered by Americus Vespucius. 

1500. Amazon river discovered by Pinzon. 

" April 23, Brazil discovered by Cabral. 

1502. May 11, Columbus sails on his last voyage. 

" Aug. 14, Bay of Honduras discovered by Columbus. 

1504. Sept. 2, Columbus returns to Spain. 

1506. May 20, Columbus dies, in his fifty-ninth year. 

1508. St. Lawrence river first navigated by Aubert. 

15 12. April 2, Florida discovered by Juan Ponce de Leon. 

" Baracoa, the first town in Cuba, built by Diego Velasquez. 

1513. Sept. 25, Pacific ocean discovered by Vasco Nunez de Balboa. 

1516. Rio de la Plata discovered by Juan Diaz de Solis. 

1517. Patent granted by Charles V. for an annual import of 4,000 negro slaves to His- 

paniola, Cuba, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. 
" Yucatan discovered by Francis Hernandez Cordova. 

1519. Mar. 13, Cortes lands at Tabasco, in Mexico. 

" April 22, Cortes arrives at San Juan de Ulloa. 

" Vera Cruz settled by Cortes. 

" Nov. 8, Cortes enters Mexico. 

1520. Montezuma dies. 

" Nov. 7, Straits of Magellan discovered by Ferdinand Magellan. 

1521. Aug. 13, Mexico taken by Cortes. 

1522. Bermudas discovered by Juan Bermudez. 

1525. First invasion of Peru by Pizarro and Ahnagro. 

1528. Pizarro appointed governor of Peru. 

1531. Second invasion of Peru by Pizarro. 

1532. First colony founded in Peru by Pizarro. 
1535. Chili invaded by Almagro. 

1537. California discovered by Cortes. 

1539- May 18, Ferdinand de Soto sails from Havana, on an expedition for the conquest 
of Florida. 

Aug. 6, Orellana explores the Amazon, and arrives at the ocean. 

Mines of Potosi, in South America, discovered. 

Platina discovered in the south of Mexico. 



1541 

'545 
1548 



737 



1563. Slaves first imported into the West Indies by the English. 

1576. Elizabeth's and Frobisher's straits discovered by Martin Frobisher. 

J 585- June 26, Virginia visited by Sir Walter Raleigh. 

1586. Tobacco introduced into England by Mr. Lane. 

1587. Aug. 13, first Indian baptized in Virginia. 

1602. May 15, Cape Cod named by Bartholemew Gosnold. 
" 21, Martha's Vineyard discovered by Gosnold. 

1607. May 13, Jamestown, Virginia, founded. 

1608. July 3, Quebec founded. 

1609. Hudson river discovered by Henry Hudson. 
161 1. Lake Champlain discovered by Champlain. 
1616 Baffin's bay discovered by Baffin. 

1617. Pocahontas dies in England. 

1619. June 19, first general assembly- in Virginia. 

May 20, Long Island sound first navigated by Dermer. 

1620. Aug. 5, Puritans sail from Southampton, England, for America. 
Nov. 10, Puritans anchor at Cape Cod. 

" first white child born in New England. 
Dec. 11, first landing at Plymouth. 

" 25, first house built at Plymouth. 
Slaves first introduced into Virginia by the Dutch. 
1621 May 12, first marriage at Plymouth. 

1630. Boston settled. 

" Oct. 19, first general court of Massachusetts colony, holden at Boston. 

1631. Delaware settled by the Swedes. 

1632. First church built at Boston. 

1633. First house erected in Connecticut, at Windsor. 

1634. Maryland settled. 

'" Roger Williams banished from Massachusetts. 

1636. Hartford, Connecticut, settled. 
Providence founded by Roger Williams. 

1637. First synod convened at Newtown (now Cambridge), Massachusetts. 
1038. New Haven founded. 

" Harvard college founded. 
" June 1, earthquake in New England. 
1639. J an - x 4> convention at Hartford, Connecticut, for forming a constitution. 

April, first general election at Hartford. 

First printing-press established at Cambridge, Massachusetts, by Stephen Day. 

1642. Oct. 9, first commencement at Harvard college. 

1643. May 19, union of the New England colonies. 

1646. First act passed by the general court of Massachusetts, for the spread of the gospel 

among the Indians. 

1647. May 19, first general assembly of Rhode Island. 

1648. First execution for witchcraft. 
" New London settled. 

1650. Harvard college chartered. 

" Constitution of Maryland settled. 

1651. Navigation-act passed by Great Britain. 

1652. First mint established in New England. 

1654. Yale college first projected by Mr. Davenport. 

1663. Jan. 26, earthquake felt in New England, New Netherlands, and Canada. 

1664. Aug. 27, surrender of New Amsterdam to the English. 

1665. June 12, New York city incorporated. 

1672. First copyright granted by Massachusetts. 

1673. Mississippi river explored by Marquette and Joliet. 

1675. Junt 24, commencement of King Philip's war. 

1676. Aug. 12, death of King Philip. 

1681. Mar. 4, grant of Pennsylvania to William Penn. 

1682. Oct. 24, arrival of William Penn in America. 

" Louisiana taken possession of by M. de la Sale. 

738 



1683. First legislative assembly in New York. 

" Roger Williams dies, in his eighty-fourth year. 

1686. First episcopal society formed in Boston. 

1687. First printing-press established near Philadelphia, by William Bradford. 

1688. New York and New Jersey united to New England. 
1690. Feb. 8, Schenectady burned by the French and Indians. 

" First paper-money issued by Massachusetts. 

1692. William and Mary college, Virginia, chartered. 

1693. Episcopal church established at New York. 

First printing-press established in New York, by William Bradford. 

1695. Rice introduced into Carolina. 

1698. First French colony arrive at the mouth of the Mississippi. 

1699. Captain Kidd, the pirate, apprehended at Boston. 

1700. Episcopal church established in Pennsylvania. 

1701. Oct., Yale college chartered and founded at Saybrook. 

1702. Episcopal church established in New Jersey and Rhode Island. 

1703. Culture of silk introduced into Carolina. 

" Duty of £4 laid on imported negroes, in Massachusetts. 

1704. Tonnage duty laid by Rhode Island on foreign vessels. 

" Act "to prevent the growth of popery," passed by Maryland. 

" First newspaper (Boston News Letter) published at Boston, by Bartholomew Green. 

1706. Bills of credit issued by Carolina. 

1709. First printing-press in Connecticut, established at New London, by Thomas Short. 

171 1. South Sea Company incorporated. 

1712. Free schools founded in Charlestown, Massachusetts. 
1714. First schooner built at Cape Ann. 

1 717. Yale college removed from Saybrook to New Haven. 

1718. Impost duties laid by Massachusetts on English manufactures and English ships. 

1719. First Presbyterian church founded in New York. 

1720. Tea first used in New England. 

1721. Inoculation for smallpox introduced into New England. 

1722. Paper-money first issued in Pennsylvania. 

1725. First newspaper in New York (the New York Gazette), published by William 

Bradford. 

1726. First printing-presses established in Virginia and Maryland. 

1727. Earthquake in New England. 

1730. First printing-press and newspaper established at Charleston, South Carolina. 

1732. Tobacco made a legal tender in Maryland at id. per pound, and corn at 2od. per 

bushel. 

1732. Feb. 22, George Washington born. 

" First printing-press and newspaper established at Newport, Rhode Island. 

T 733- Georgia settled. 

" Freemason's lodge first held in Boston. 

1737. Earthquake in New Jersey. 

1738. College founded at Princeton, New Jersey. 

1741. Jan. 1, General Magazine and Historical Chronicle, first published by Benjamin 

Franklin. 

1742. Faneuil Hall erected at Boston. 

1750. First theatrical performance in Boston. 

1754. Columbia college founded in New York. 

1755. Defeat of General Braddock. 

" Sept. 8, battle of Lake George. 

" Earthquake in North America. 

" First newspaper (Connecticut Gazette) published at New Haven. 

1756. May 17, war declared with France by Great Britain. 

" First printing-press and newspaper established at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, by 
Daniel Fowle. 

1758. July 26, Louisburg taken by the English. 

" Aug. 27, Fort Frontenac taken by the English. 

Nov. 25, Fort du Quesne (now Pittsburgh) taken by the English. 

739 



1759- Ticonderoga taken by the English. 

Sept. 18. Quebec taken by the English. 
17O1. Mar. 12. earthquake in New England. 

1763. Feb. 10. treaty of peace signed at Paris, between the English and French. 
First newspaper published in Georgia. 

1764. Mar., right to tax American colonies voted by house of commons. 
April 5. first act for levying revenue passed by parliament. 

' 2i. Louisiana ordered to be given up to Spain. 

1765. Stamp act passed by parliament. 

Mar. 22. stamp act receives the royal assent. 
May 29. Virginia resolutions against the right of taxation. 
June 6. general congress proposed by Massachusetts. 

Oct. 7, congress of twenty-eight delegates convenes at New York, and publishes 
a declaration of rights. 

1766. Feb.. Dr. Franklin examined before the house of commons, relative to the repeal 

of the stamp-act. 
Mar. 18, stamp-act repealed. 

1767. Tax laid on paper, glass, painters' colors, and teas. 

1769. Dartmouth college incorporated. 

American philosophical society instituted at Philadelphia. 

1770. Tea-plant introduced into Georgia. 
r 773- Tea thrown overboard at Boston. 

1774. Boston port-bill passed. 

Sept. 4. first continental Congress at Philadelphia. 
Dr. Franklin dismissed from the postomce. 

1775. April 19. battle of Lexington. 

May 10. Ticonderoga taken by the provincials. 
June 17. battle of Bunker's Hill. 

July 2. General Washington arrives at Cambridge. 
Dec. 13. resolution of Congress to fit out a navy of thirteen ships. 
31, assault on Quebec, and death of General Montgomery. 

1776. Jan. 3, battle near Princeton. 

March 17. Boston evacuated by the British. 
July 4, declaration of independence. 
Sept. 11. battle of Brandy wine. 

15. the British take possession of New York. 
_ _ . the British take possession of Philadelphia. 
Oct. 4. Battle of Germantown. 

"22. battle of Red Bank. 

'• 28. battle of White Plains. 
Nov. 16. capture of Fort Washington by the British. 
Dec. 26. battle of Trenton. 

1777. Sept. 19. battle near Stillwater. 

1778. June 28. battle at Monmouth courthouse. 
Dec. 29. Savannah taken by the British. 

1780. Aug. 16. battle near Camden. 

1781. Bank of North America established. 
Jan. 17. battle of Cowpens. 

March 15. battle of Guilford. 
Sept. 6. Fort Trumbull. Conn., taken by Arnold, and New London burnt. 

"8. battle of Eutaw. 
Oct. 19. surrender of Lord Cornwallis. 

March j. resolution of the house of commons in favor of peace. 
April 19. independence of L'nited States acknowledged by Holland. 
July, evacuation of Savannah. 
Dec. 14. evacuation of Charlestown. 
1783. Jan. 20. cessation of hostilities agreed on. 

Feb. 5. independence of the L'nited States acknowledged by Sweden. 

"• 25. independence of the Lnited States acknowledged by Denmark. 
March 24. independence of the L nited States acknowledged by Spain. 

740 



1783. July, independence of the United States acknowledged by Russia. 

April n, proclamation of peace by Congress. 

19, peace proclaimed in the army by Washington. 

Sept. 3, definitive treaty of peace signed at Paris. 

Oct. 18, proclamation for disbanding the army. 

Nov. 2, Washington's farewell orders. 

25, New York evacuated by the British. 

Feb., first voyage to China from New York. 

July 9, and Aug. 5, treaty with Prussia. 

Shay's insurrection in Massachusetts. 

Sept. 20, insurrection in New Hampshire. 

Sept. 17, federal constitution agreed on by convention. 

Federal constitution adopted. 

March 3, George Washington elected president. 

April 30, inauguration of George Washington. 

District of Columbia ceded by Virginia and Maryland. 

May 29, constitution adopted by Rhode Island. 

Mar. 4, Vermont admitted into the Union. 

Bank of the United States established. 

First folio Bible printed by Worcester of Mass. 

June 1, Kentucky admitted into the Union. 

Washington re-elected president. 

Death of John Hancock. 

Insurrection in Pennsylvania. 

June 1, Tennessee admitted into the Union. 

Dec. 7, Washington's last speech to Congress. 

March 4, John Adams inaugurated president. 

Washington reappointed commander-in-chief. 

Dec. 14, death of George Washington. 

Seat of government removed to Washington. 

May 13, disbanding of the provisional army. 

March 4, Thomas Jefferson inaugurated president. 

July 20, Louisiana ceded to France by Spain. 

Feb. 19, Ohio admitted into the Union. 

April 30, Louisiana purchased by the United States. 

August, Commodore Preble bombards Tripoli. 

June 3, treaty of peace with Tripoli. 

Expedition of Lewis and Clark to the mouth of the Columbia. 

June 22, attack on the frigate Chesapeake. 

July 2, interdict to armed British vessels. 

Nov. 11, British orders in council. 

Dec. 17, Milan decree. 
" 22, embargo laid by the American government. 

Jan. 1, slave-trade abolished. 

April 17, Bayonne decree. 

March 1, embargo repealed. 

" 4, James Madison inaugurated president. 

March 23, Rambouillet decree. 

May 16, engagement between the frigate President and Little Belt. 

Nov. 7, battle of Tippecanoe. 

April 3, embargo laid for ninety days. 
" June 19, proclamation of war. (War declared June 18th.) 
" " 23, British orders in council repealed. 

" Aug. 15, surrender of General Hull. 

" Action between the frigates Constitution and Guerriere. 
" Nov., defeat at Queenstown. 
" Action between the Frolic and Wasp. 

Action between the United States and Macedonian. 
" April 8, Louisiana admitted into the Union. 
1813. April 27, capture of York, Upper Canada. 



1784. 
1785. 
1786. 

1787. 
1788. 
1789. 

1790. 
1 791. 



1792. 
1793- 

1794- 
1796. 

1797- 
1798. 
I799- 

1800. 

a 

1801. 

1802. 
1803. 



1805. 
1806. 
1807. 



1808. 
it 

1809. 

1810. 
1811. 

1812. 



741 



i8i3- May 27, battle of Fort George. j 

" June 1, Chesapeake captured by the Shannon. 
" Sept. 10. Perry's victory on Lake Erie. 
11 Oct. 5. battle of the Thames. 
" Dec. 13, Buffalo burnt. 

1814. March 28, action between the frigates Essex and Phoebe. 
" July 5, battle of Chippewa. 

" " 25. battle of Bridgewater. 

" August Washington city captured, and capitol burnt. 

" " 9. 11, Stonington bombarded. 

" " 11, M'Donough's victory on Lake Champlain. 

Sept. 12, battle near Baltimore. 
" Dec. 24, treaty of Ghent signed. 
" " 25, battle of New Orleans. 

1815. Feb. 17, treaty of Ghent ratified by the president. 
March, war declared with Algiers. 

1817. Mar. 4, James Monroe inaugurated president. 
Dec. 10, Mississippi admitted into the Union. 

1818. Dec. 3, Illinois admitted into the Union. 

1819. Dec. 14. Alabama admitted into the Union. 

1819. May. first steamship sailed for Europe. 

1820. Mar. 15, Maine admitted into the Union. 

1821. July 1, "Jackson takes possession of Florida. 
" Aug. 10, Missouri admitted into the Union. 
" First settlement of Liberia. 

1824. March 13, convention with Great Britain for suppression of slave-trade. 
" April 5, convention with Russia in relation to the northwest boundary. 

August 13, arrival of General Lafayette. 

1825. Mar. 4, John Quincy Adams inaugurated president. 
Sept. 7, departure of General Lafayette. 

1826. July 4, death of Presidents Adams and Jefferson. 

1829. Feb. 20, resolutions passed by the Virginia house of delegates, denying the right 

of Congress to pass the tariff bill. 
March 4, Andrew Jackson inaugurated president. 
May 2. hail fell in Tuscaloosa. Alabama, to the depth of twelve inches. 

" 17, death of John Jay. at Bedford, New York. 
Sept. 15. slavery abolished in Mexico. 
Nov. 9, separation of Yucatan from Mexico, and union with the republic of Central 

America. 
Dec. 4, revolution commences in Mexico. 

1830. Jan. 20, General Bolivar resigns his military and civil commission. 

27, city of Guatemala nearly destroyed by earthquakes. 
" April 4, Yucatan declares its independence. 

1831. Jan. 12. remarkable eclipse of the sun. 
July 4, death of James Monroe. 

Oct. 1, free-trade convention at Philadelphia. 
" 26, tariff convention at New York. 

1832. Feb. 6. attack on Qualla Battoo. in Sumatra, by U. S. frigate Potomac. 

June 8. cholera breaks out at Quebec, in Canada; being its first appearance in 
America. 
" Aug. 27, capture of Blackhawk. 
" Sept. 26. university of New York organized. 
" Nov., union and state-rights convention of South Carolina. 

Dec. 28. John C. Calhoun resigns the office of vice-president. 

1833. Mar. 1, new tariff-bill signed by the president. 

" 4, Andrew Jackson inaugurated president for a second term. 

" 11, state-rights convention of South Carolina. 
" " 29, Santa Anna elected president of Mexico. 

" May 16, Santa Anna inaugurated president of Mexico. 

742 



I&33- Oct i, public deposits removed from the bank of the United States, by order of 
Gen. Jackson. 
Nov. 13, remarkable meteoric showers in the United States. 

1834. Mar. 28, vote of censure by the senate against General Jackson, for removing the 

deposits. 

1835. April 18, French indemnity-bill passes the chamber of deputies. 
Dec. 16, great fire in New York. 

1836. April 21, battle of San Jacinto, in Texas. 
June 14, Arkansas admitted into the Union. 

Dec. 15, burning of the general postoffice and patent office, at Washington. 

1837. Jan. 26, Michigan admitted into the Union. 

Alar. 4, Martin Van Buren inaugurated president of the United States. 

1840. Jan. 19, antarctic continent discovered by the U. S. exploring expedition. 
June 30, sub-treasury bill becomes a law. 

1841. Mar. 4, William Henry Harrison inaugurated president of the United States. 
" April 4, death of President Harrison. 

Aug. 9, sub-treasury bill repealed. 
" 18, bankrupt act becomes a law. 
1843. March 3, bankrupt act repealed. 

June 17, Bunker Hill monument celebration. 

1845. Mar. 1, Texas annexed to the United States. 

" 3, Florida admitted into the Union. 

" 4, James K. Polk inaugurated president. 
" June 18, death of Andrew Jackson. 
" Dec. 24, Texas admitted into the Union. 

1846. May 8, battle of Palo Alto, on the Rio Grande. 

" 9, battle of Resaca de la Palma, do. 

" 13, proclamation of war existing with Mexico. 
June 18, United States senate advises the president to confirm the Oregon treaty 
with Great Britain. 
" July 28, new United States tariff bill passed. 
" Aug. 3, President Polk vetoes the river and harbor bill. 

" 6, revolution in Mexico, in favor of Santa Anna. 

" 8, President Polk vetoes the French spoliation bill. 

" 10, Congress adjourns. 

" 18, Brigadier-General Kearney of United States army, takes possession of 
Santa Fe. 

" 19, Commodore Stockton blockades the Mexican ports on the Pacific. 
" Sept. 21, 22, 23, battles of Monterey, Mexico. 

" 26, California expedition with Colonel Stevenson's regiment of 780 officers 
and men, sails from New York. 
" Oct. 25, Tabasco in Mexico, bombarded by Commodore Perry. 
" Nov. 1 4. Commodore Conner takes Tampico. 
" Dec. 6, General Kearney defeats the Mexicans at San Pasqual. 

" 25, Colonel Doniphan defeats the Mexicans at Brazito, near El Paso. 

" 28, Iowa admitted into the Union. 

1847. Jan. 8, Mexican Congress resolve to raise fifteen millions of dollars on the property 

of the clergy for the war with the United States. 
" 8, 9, battles of San Gabriel and Mesa in California, fought by General Kearney, 

who defeats the Mexicans. 
" 14, revolt of the Mexicans in New Mexico against the United States authorities. 
" 24, battle of Canada, in New Mexico. Mexicans defeated by the Americans 

under Colonel Price. 
" Feb. 22, 23, battle of Buena Vista. Mexicans 21,000 in number, under General 

Santa Anna, defeated by 4,500 Americans under General Taylor. 
" 28, battle of Sacramento. Colonel Doniphan, with 924 Americans, defeats 

4,000 Mexicans. 
" Mar. 1, General Kearney declares California a part of the United States. 

" 20, city and castle of Vera Cruz taken by the army and navy of the United 

States, under General Scott and Commodore Perry. 

743 



i847- April 2. Alvarado taken by the Americans under Lieutenant Hunter. 

18, battle of Cerro Gordo. Mexicans under Santa Anna defeated by the Ameri- 
cans under General Scott. 

•" 18. Tuspan in Mexico taken by Commodore Perry. 
May 1. Smithsonian Institution at Washington, corner-stone laid. 
Aug. 20. battles of Contreras and Churubusco. in Mexico. Mexicans defeated by 
Americans under General Smith, part of General Scott's command. 
31. new constitution of Illinois adopted by state convention. 
Sept. 8. battle of Molina del Rey. near the city of Mexico. The Americans under 
General Worth (part of Scott's command), defeat the Mexicans under General 
Santa Anna. 
■" 12. 14. battle of Chapultepec. near Mexico: the Americans, under Generals 
Scott. Worth. Pillow, and Quitman, defeat the Mexicans under Santa Anna. 
General Scott and American army enter the city of Mexico on the 14th. 
Sept. 13. to Oct. 12. siege of Puebla. held by the Americans against the Mexicans. 

The latter repulsed by the former, under Colonel Childs. 
Oct. 9. the city of Huamantla. in Mexico, taken by the Americans, under General 
Lane. 
*' 20. port of Guayamas. in Mexico, bombarded and captured by the Americans. 
Dec. 31. the several Mexican states occupied by the American army placed under 
military contributions. 
1848. Jan. 2~. a national convention to nominate president and vice-president called by the 
whig members of Congress. At an adjourned meeting it was resolved that the 
convention meet at Independence Hall. Philadelphia. 

1848. Feb. 18. By a general order. Major-General Scott turns over the command of the 

U. S. army in Mexico to Major-General Butler. 
May 22-26. the democratic national convention at Baltimore nominate General Lewis* 
Cass of Michigan for president, and General William O. Butler of Kentucky for 
vice-president. 
" 25. Major-General Scott received by the municipal authorities of the city of 

Xew York. There was a large military and civic procession. 
"' 29. Wisconsin admitted into the Union. 

' 30. treaty of peace between the L T nited States and Mexico, which had been 
signed at Guadalupe Hidalgo. Feb. 2. 1848. afterward modified at Washington, 
and confirmed by the Mexican Congress: ratified by the American commission- 
ers. Sevier and Clifford, and the Mexican minister of foreign relations. Don Luis 
de la Rosa. It was proclaimed in the United States. July 4, 1848. 
June 7. 8. the whig national convention meet at Philadelphia, and on the second day, 
fourth ballot, nominate General Zachary Taylor for president, and. on second 
ballot. Hon. Millard Fillmore for vice-president. 

22. 23. democratic convention at Utica, N. Y.. nominate Martin Van Buren 
for president and Henry Dodge (who declined June 29) for vice-presidenr. 
July 4. corner-stone of monument to General Washington, laid at the city of Wash- 
ington. Oration by Hon. Robert C. Winthrop. speaker of the United States 
house of representatives. 
Aug. 13. Oregon territorial bill, with prohibition of slavery, passed by Congress. 
*' 9. 10. free-soil convention at Buffalo, nominate Martin Van Buren. of New 
York, for president, and Charles Francis Adams, of Massachusetts, for vice- 
president. Sixteen states were represented by delegates. 
'* 14. adjournment of 30th Congress. 1st session. 
" 17. destructive fire at Albany. X. Y. 
Sept. 9. destructive fire at Brooklyn. N. Y. 
Nov. 7. presidential election. 
Dec. 4. meeting of the 30th Congress, second session. 

'• 6. Taylor and Fillmore elected president and vice-president by the electoral 
colleges. 

1849. March 5. inauguration of Zachary Taylor as president, and of Millard Fillmore as 

vice-president, of the United States. 
May 10. Riot at Theater. Xew York, occasioned by dispute between Actors Forrest 
and Macready. 

744 



i&49- Aug. ii, Proclamation of President against marauding expedition to Cuba. 
" Sept. 14, French Ambassador dismissed from Washington. 

1850. March 31, President Taylor died. 

' John C. Calhoun, Senator from South Carolina, died. 
" Millard Fillmore, 13th President. 
Aug. 15, California admitted as a state. 
" " Fugitive slave law passed. 

1851. April 25, President Fillmore issued proclamation warning promoters of expedition 

against Cuba. 
June 16, Census of United States completed; total population,. 23,347,884. 

" 29, Henry Clay, Senator from Kentucky, died. 
Oct. 22, President issued proclamation against sympathizers with revolutionary 

movement in Mexico. 
Dec. 24, Part of Capitol at Washington and whole of Congressional library destroyed 

by fire. 
Dec. 30, M. Kossuth, the Hungarian Chief, arrived at Washington on invitation of 

Congress. 

1852. March 20, Publication of "Uncle Tom's Cabin," by Mrs. Stowe. 

Oct. 3, U. S. S. Crescent City boarded at Havana and not allowed to land mails and 

passengers. 
Oct. 24, Daniel Webster, eminent statesman, died, aged 70. 

" Expedition of United States fleet under Commodore Perry to Japan. 

1853. March 4, General Franklin Pierce inaugurated fourteenth President. 

June 21, Koszta affair. Koszta, a Hungarian refugee to -United States, after taking 
out naturalization papers, visited Smyrna, was seized by crew of Austrian brig 
Huzzar. By direction of American minister at Constantinople, Capt. Ingraham 
of U. S. Sloop St. Louis, demanded Koszta's release by a certain hour and pre- 
pared to attack Austrian vessel. Koszta was given up July 2. 
" July 14, Crystal Palace opens at New York. 

" Dec. 18, Duel between M. Soule, American minister at Madrid, and M. Turgot. 
" 26, Great fire at New York. 

1854. Jan. 9, Astor Library, New York, opened. 

" 18, William Walker proclaims the republic of Sonora divided into two states, 
Sonora and Lower California. 
" Feb. 28, American steamer Black Warrior seized at Cuba. 

1854. March 23, Commercial treaty concluded beween Japan and the United States by 

Commodore Perry. 
" June 7, Reciprocity treaty between Great Britain and United States, respecting 

Newfoundland fisheries, international trade, etc. 
" July 13, Captain Hollins, in American Sloop Cyane, bombards San Juan de Nicaragua. 
" Oct., Negotiations for annexation of Sandwich Islands. 

1855. March-April, Dreadful election riots in Kansas. 

1855. July, Dispute with British Government on enlistment. 

" Sept. 3, General Harney gains a victory over the Sioux Indians. 

1856. May 2, Senator Sumner savagely assaulted in National Capital by Preston Brooks, 

M. C. from South Carolina. 
" May 28, Mr. Crampton, British envoy, dismissed. 

June 17, John C. Fremont nominated Republican candidate for President. 
" Nov. 4, James Buchanan elected fifteenth President. 

1857. Jan. 16, Lord Napier, appointed British envoy to United States, warmly received 

March 18. 
March, Decision in "Dred Scott" case rendered by United States Supreme Court. 
May-June, Disorganized condition in Utah; troops march to support new Governor. 
" June, Election riots in Washington against Irish electors. 

" Riot in New York on account of changes in police arrangements. 
August, Commercial panic in New York and extending throughout the country. 
December, Import duties of the protective tariff reduced from 23 to 15 per cent. 

1858. May, Dispute with Great Britain respecting right of search of American vessels 

settled. 
" June, Peace restored in Utah. 

745 



1858. August, Great rejoicing at the successful completion of the Atlantic telegraph. 

" Sept. 18, Massacre of emigrants at Mountain Meadow; Mormons suspected of crime. 
" Sept. 18, Lieut. Moffit seizes the American slave ship Echo and takes her to Charles- 
ton with cargo of Africans. 

1859. Jan. 28, Death of W. H. Prescott, eminent American historian. 

June 25, American Commodore Tatnall assists the English at the Chinese engage- 
ment on the River Peiho; in his report said: "Blood is thicker than water." 
" July, General Ward, United States Envoy, goes to Pekin, but does not see the 

emperor. 
" July 27, General Harney sends troops to San Juan Island, near Vancouver Island, 

"to protect American settlers." Governor Douglas also sends troops. 
" Oct. 16, John Brown's raid upon Harper's Ferry, with twenty-seven men, seizing 

the arsenal; Col. Lee, with military, kill some and capture the balance. 
" Nov., Gen. Scott supersedes Gen. Harney at San Juan; conciliatory arrangement 

for joint occupation of Island. 
" Nov. 28, Death of Washington Irving. 
" Dec. 2, John Brown executed. 

" Dec, Agitation in Congress over election of speaker. House not organized until 
February 1, i860. 
i860. March 28, President Buchanan protests against proposed investigation of his acts. 
" March, Companions of John Brown executed. 
" May 16, Abraham Lincoln nominated at Chicago as Republican candidate for 

President. 
" May 17, Japanese Embassy received by the President at Washington. 

" " William Goodrich, noted publisher of school books, and who wrote under 
name of "Peter Parley/' died. 
" June 18, Stephen A. Douglas nominated at Baltimore as regular Democratic candi- 
date for President. The Seceders nominated John C. Breckenridge. 
" June 23, The Great Eastern arrived at New York. 

Sept. 20, The Prince of Wales arrived at Detroit. Visits Washington October 3, 
Philadelphia October 9, New York October 11, Boston October 17; embarks at 
Portland October 20. 
Nov. 6, Abraham Lincoln elected 16th President. Intense excitement all over the 
Southern States. 
" Dec. 20. South Carolina seceded from the Union. 

Dec. 26, Major Anderson occupied Fort Sumpter, removing his garrison from Fort 

Moultrie in Charleston Harbor. 
Dec. 30, Delegates from South Carolina not received by President Buchanan. Presi- 
dent Buchanan vacillated in his policy towards Southern States. Secretary Cass, 
Cobb, Floyd and Thompson resign. New York and other states protest against 
secession. 
1861. Jan. 4, A general fast observed as result of proclamation. 

Jan., Secession of states — Jan. 8, Mississippi; January 11, Alabama and Florida; 
January 19, Georgia; January 26, Louisiana; February 1, Texas. 
" Jan. 12, Vicksburg fortified. 
" Jan. 21, Kansas admitted as a State. 

Feb. 8, Jefferson Davis elected President of Southern Confederacy. Inaugurated at 
Montgomery, Ala., February 18. 
" Mar. 2, Morrell Tariff bill passes Congress. 

President Davis prepares for war; 100,000 men to be raised. 
" Mar. 4, Abraham Lincoln inaugurated President. 



746 



CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF THE CIVIL 

WAR. 

The great Slaveholders' Rebellion threatened by the Southern statesmen during the 
political campaign of i860 took form immediately after the announcement of the election 
of Abraham Lincoln as President. 

i860. 

November 7. Presidential election. 

November 10. Bill introduced in South Carolina Legislature to raise 10,000 volunteers. 
Legislature ordered the election of a Convention to consider the question of Secession. 
Senator James Chestnut resigned. 

November 11. United States Senator Hammond of South Carolina resigned. 
November 14. Alexander H. Stevens addressed the Georgia Legislature in opposition 
to Secession; favored a State Convention. 

November 15. Senator Robert Tooms replied to Mr. Stevens; he favored secession. 
Air. Stevens soon joined the secession movement. Governor Letcher of Virginia called 
extra session of Legislature. Great public meeting at Mobile adopted Declaration of Causes 
of Secession. 

November 17. Large Secession meeting in Charleston, S. C. 

November 18. Georgia Legislature voted $1,000,000 to arm the State, and ordered 
election of State Convention. Maj. Anderson ordered to command of Fort Moultrie, 
Charleston Harbor, relieving Col. Gardner, ordered to Texas. 

November 19. Governor Moore called extra session of Louisiana Legislature. 
November 20-23. Banks suspend in Philadelphia, Trenton, Baltimore, Washington, 
Richmond and Southern States. 

November 24. Vigilance Association organized in Lexington District, S. C. The 
movement extended throughout the South, the object being to rid the country of Northern 
people whose sympathies were for the Union; thousands of men and women were forced 
to leave the country. 

November 29. Mississippi Legislature sent Commissioners to confer with authorities 
of other slaveholding states. 

December 1. Great secession meeting at Memphis, Tenn. Florida Legislature pro- 
vides for State Convention. 

December 3. Congress meets. President Buchanan's message denied right of seces- 
sion. Message attacked by Senator Clingman of North Carolina, and defended by Senator 
Crittenden of Kentucky. 

December 4. The President sent Mr. Trescott to South Carolina to ask postponement 
until Congress could decide upon remedies. Senator Iverson of Georgia made secession 
speech. Senator Saulsbury of Delaware spoke for the Union, reproving Iverson. 
December 5. Secession Delegates elected to South Carolina Convention. 
December 6. John Bell of Tennessee, late candidate for President, published letter 
in favor of the Union. In House of Representatives, Committee of 33 appointed to consider 
question of compromise, consisting of 16 Republican, 17 opposition. 

December 10. Howell Cobb. Secretary of Treasury, resigned. Senator Clay of Ala- 
bama resigned. Louisiana Legislature met, appropriated $500,000 to arm State, and called 
a State Convention. Debate in Congress on State of the Union. Senator Iverson, Wigfall 
and other Southerners declared for secession and against any compromise. 

December 13. Great Union meeting in Philadelphia. At session of Cabinet, President 
opposed reinforcing Fort Moultrie. 

December 14. Lewis Cass, Secretary of State, resigned because the President would 
not reinforce Southern forts. 

747 



1860—1861. 

December 17. South Carolina Convention assembled. Governor Pickins favored 
immediate secession. Senator Wade of Ohio addressed Senate., foreshadowing policy of 
Lincoln's Administration. 9 

December 18. Senator Crittenden's Compromise Measure introduced. Jacob Thomp- 
son, Secretary of the Interior, visited Raleigh to influence North Carolina Legislature to 
vote for Secession. 

December 19. Senator Johnson of Tennessee made able speech favoring Crittenden's 
Compromise Bill. Governor Hicks of Maryland refused to receive the Secession Commis- 
sioner from Mississippi. The Commissioner addressed a secession meeting in Baltimore. 

December 20. South Carolina Convention unanimously adopted a Secession Ordi- 
nance. News of the action hailed with immense enthusiasm throughout the South. Com- 
mittee of 13 appointed in Senate to consider Compromise Measure. Caleb Cushing reached 
Charleston with message from President Buchanan guaranteeing that Maj. Anderson should 
not be reinforced and asked the Convention to respect Federal laws. Convention refused 
to make any promises. 

December 22. North Carolina Legislature adjourned. A bill to arm the State failed 
to pass the House. The Crittenden proposition voted down in the Committee of 13. 

December 2^. The robbery of the Indian Trust Fund discovered at Washington. 

December 24. The people at Pittsburgh refused to permit the shipment of ordnance 
from the arsenal to Southern forts. South Carolina Convention adopted a "Declaration of 
Causes" for Secession, and formally perfected the withdrawal of the State. An address to 
the slave holding States was adopted. Governor Moore ordered a session of the Alabama 
Legislature. Convention elected in Alabama. Majority for secession over 50.000. South 
Carolina members of Congress present their resignation. The Speaker would not recognize 
it. and their names were called through the session. 

December 25. South Carolina Convention adopted resolutions to form a Confederate 
Government of slaveholding States. 

December 26. South Carolina Commissioners arrived in Washington. Maj. Anderson 
left Fort Moultrie, and with his band of about 80 men established himself in Fort Sumpter. 

December 27. Governor Magoffin called an extra session of the Kentucky Legislature. 
Maj. Anderson's movement created intense excitement: troops were ordered out in Charles- 
ton, and aid was tendered from^Georgia and other States. Revenue cutter Aikin treacher- 
ously surrendered by Capt. M. L. Coste to the South Carolina authorities. 

December 28. South Carolina seized the Custom House, Postofhce and Arsenal at 
Charleston, and occupied Castle Pinckney and Fort Moultrie. 

December 29. John B. Floyd. Secretary of War. resigned, charging the President with 
trying to provoke Civil war. by refusing to withdraw Maj. Anderson. The South Carolina 
Commissioners formally sought an audience of the President. He replied next day. refus- 
ing to receive them. 

December 31. South Carolina adopted an oath of abjuration and allegiance, and sent 
Commissioners to other Slave States, with the view to the formation of a Southern Con- 
federacy. 



Jan. 2. Governor Ellis of North Carolina took possession of Fort Macon, at Beau- 
fort, the works at Wilmington, and the U. S. Arsenal at Fayetteville. Georgia troops in 
possession of Forts Pulaski and Jackson and the L T . S. Arsenal at Savannah. 

Jan. 3. Florida State Convention met at Tallahassee. South Carolina Commissioners 
wrote an insulting letter to the President and went home. 

Jan. 4. Fast-day. by proclamation of the President: it was generally observed in the 
Free and the Border Slave States, but disregarded in the South. Fort Morgan, at the 
mouth of Mobile Bay. and the U. S. Arsenal in Mobile, seized by order of Governor Moore 
of Alabama. South Carolina Convention appointed seven delegates to '"the General Con- 
gress of the Seceding States." 

Jan. 5. Steamer Star of the West sailed from New York with supplies and reinforce- 
ments for Fort Sumpter. Governor Hicks of Maryland published a strong Union address 
to the people. South Carolina Convention adjourned, subject to a call by the Governor. 

Jan. 7. Meeting of Alabama State Convention. Meeting of Mississippi State Conven- 

748 



1861 — Continued. 

tion. Meeting of Tennessee Legislature. Meeting of Virginia Legislature. Senator 
Toombs of Georgia made a violent Secession speech in the Senate. 

Jan. 8. Jacob Thompson, Secretary of the Interior, resigned, after treacherously be- 
traying the sailing of the Star of the West to reinforce Fort Sumpter. 

Jan. 9. Star of the West arrived off Charleston, and was fired upon and driven back to 
sea by the rebel batteries. Mississippi Convention passed a Secession Ordinance, 84 to 15. 

Jan. 10. Florida Secession Ordinance passed, 62 to 7. 

Jan. 11. Alabama Secession ordinance passed, 61 to 39. Philip S. Thomas, Secretary 
of the Treasury, resigned, and John A. Dix of New York appointed in his place. U. S. 
Arsenal at Baton Rouge, Forts Philip and Jackson, below New Orleans, and Fort Pickins, 
on Lake Ponchartrain, seized by order of the Governor of Louisiana. Legislature of New 
York voted to tender the whole militarj' power of the State to the President for the support 
of the Constitution. 

Jan. 13. Virginia State Legislature adopted bill calling a State Convention. Commo- 
dore Armstrong surrendered the Pensacola Navy Yard and Fort Barrancas to the Florida 
troops. Lieut. Slemmer, in command of Fort Pickins, refused to obey Armstrong's order, 
and saved that important fortress to the Union. 

Jan. 14. South . Carolina Legislature declared that any attempt to reinforce Fort 
Sumpter would be an act of war. 

Jan. 16. The Crittenden Compromise practically voted down in the United States 
Senate, by the adoption of Mr. Clark's substitute, that the Constitution is good enough, 
and that Secession ought to be put down. Arkansas Legislature voted to have a Conven- 
tion. Missouri Legislature voted to hold a Convention. Maj.-Gen. Sandford of New York 
City tendered to the President the services of the First Division of 7,000 men for any service 
which may be required. Col. Hayne, in the name of Governor Pickins, demanded of the 
President the surrender of Fort Sumpter. The President refused to receive him in any 
official capacity. 

Jan. 18. Massachusetts Legislature tendered to the President all the power of the 
State to support the Federal Government. Virginia Legislature appropriated $1,000,000 
for the defense of the State. 

Jan. 19. Georgia Secession ordinance adopted, 208 to 89. Alex. H. Stevens and 
Llerschel V. Johnson voted in the negative. Tennessee Legislature called a State Con- 
vention. 

Jan. 21. Alabama members of Congress resigned. Jefferson Davis took leave of the 
Senate, in consequence of the secession of his State. 

Jan. 22. Sherrard Clemens of Virginia made a strong Union speech in Congress. 

Jan. 23. Georgia members of Congress resigned. Mr. Etheridge of Tennessee, in a 
speech in Congress, declared secession to be rebellion, and to be put down at any cost. 

Jan. 24. Arsenal at Augusta, Ga., seized by the State. 

Jan. 25. Correspondence between Governor Brown of Georgia and Mayor Wood of 
New York, about seizure of arms by the New York police. Rhode Island Legislature 
repealed the Personal Liberty Bill. 

Jan. 26. Louisiana Convention adopted a Secession ordinance, 113 to 17. 

Jan. 28. Texas State Convention met at Austin. 

Jan. 30. North Carolina Legislature submitted the Convention question to a vote of 
the people — the first recognition in all the South that the people had any right to a voice 
in the matter. Ex-Secretary Floyd indicted by a Grand Jury for malfeasance and con- 
spiracy. Revenue cutters Cass, Capt. J. J. Morrison, and McClelland, Capt. Breshwood, 
surrendered to the Louisiana authorities by their commanders. 

Feb. 1. Mint and Custom House at New Orleans seized by the State authorities. 
Texas Convention passed a Secession ordinance, 166 to 7, subject to a vote of the people. 

Feb. 4. The Rebel Delegates met at Montgomery, Ala., to organize a Confederate 
government. Howell Cobb was chosen chairman. The Peace Congress met at Washing- 
ton, ex-President Tyler presiding. 

Feb. 8. Col. Hayne, commissioner from South Carolina, unable to get recognition, 
finally left Washington. The Montgomery Convention adopted a Provisional Constitution. 
Gov. Brown of Georgia seized New York ships in Savannah Harbor, in retaliation for tile 
seizure of arms in New York. The ships were released on the 10th. Little Rock Arsenal 
surrendered to Arkansas. 

749 



1861 — Continued. 

Feb. 9. Jefferson Davis and Alex. H. Stevens elected Provisional President and Vice- 
President at Montgomery. 

Feb. 11. President Lincoln started for Washington. 

Feb. 13. Electoral vote counted. Lincoln and Hamlin officially declared elected. 

Feb. 18. Jefferson Davis inaugurated President of the Confederate States of America. 

Feb. 19. Enthusiastic reception of President Lincoln in New York City. Fort Kear- 
ney, Kansas, taken by Secessionists: soon after retaken. 

Feb. 2\. Jeff. Davis appointed his Cabinet. Toombs. Secretary of State: Memminger, 
Treasury; and L. P. Walker. War. Governor of Georgia made another seizure of New 
York vessels. 

Feb. 22. President Lincoln's night journey from Harrisburg to Washington, in order 
to prevent an anticipated outrage in Baltimore. 

Feb. 25. News received of the surrender and treason of Maj.-Gen. Twiggs in Texas. 

Feb. 26. Capt. Hill refused to surrender Fort Brown, Texas, under Twiggs' order. 

Feb. 27. Peace Congress submitted to the Senate, their plan of pacification. 

Feb. 28. Vote on Corwin's report from the committee of 33: the resolutions adopted — 
136 to 53- 

March 1. Gen. Twiggs expelled from the army. 

March 2. Revenue cutter Dodge surrendered to the rebels at Galveston. 

March 4. Inauguration of President Lincoln. Texas State Convention declared that 
State out of the Union. 

March 5. Gen. Beauregard ordered to take command of the rebels at Charleston. 

March 6. Fort Brown surrendered. 

March 18. Supplies cut off from Fort Pickins. Pensacola. 

March 22. Dr. Fox. of the Navy, visited Maj. Anderson, as special messenger of 
Government. 

March 25. Col. Lamon, Government messenger, had an interview with Gov. Pickins 
and Gen. Beauregard. 

March 28. Vote of Louisiana on Secession published. For. 20.448: against. 17.296. 

March 30. Mississippi Convention ratified the Confederate Constitution — 78 to 7. 

April 3. Long Cabinet meeting on Fort Sumpter business. Great activity in the 
Navy Department. Rebel battery on Morris Island fired into a schooner — nobody hurt. 
South Carolina Convention ratified the Confederate Constitution. 114 to 16. 

April 7. Virginia Convention refused, 89 to 45. to submit a Secession ordinance to the 
people. 

April 7. Gen. Beauregard notified Maj. Anderson that intercourse between Fort 
Sumpter and the city would no longer be permitted. Steam transport Atlantic sailed from 
New York with troops and supplies. 

April 8. Official notification given that supplies would be sent to Maj. Anderson, by 
force, if necessary. State Department declined to recognize the Confederate States Com- 
missioners. 

April 9. Steamers Illinois and Baltic sailed from New York with sealed orders. 

April 10. Floating battery of the rebels at Charleston finished and mounted. Large 
numbers of troops sent to the various fortifications. 

April 11. Fears of the seizure of Washington. Troops posted in the Capitol — oath of 
fidelity administered to the men. Confederate Commissioners left Washington, satisfied 
that no recognition of their government would take place under President Lincoln. Beau- 
regard demands of Maj. Anderson the surrender of Fort Sumpter. The Major declined. 
Bids for Treasury notes opened. Whole amount taken at a premium. 

April 12. ACTUAL COMMENCEMENT OF WAR. Bombardment of Fort Sump- 
ter began at 4:30 a. m.. and continued all day; partially suspended at nightfall. The rebels 
had in action 17 mortars and 30 large guns, mostly columbiads. The rebels fired at in- 
tervals all night; Sumpter was silent. Pennsylvania Legislature voted $500,000 to arm 
the State. Fort Pickins reinforced. 

April 13. Fort Sumpter opened fire about 7 a. m. At 8 o'clock the officers' quarters 
were fired by a shell. At 10 o'clock a chance shot struck down the flag. At noon most 
of the woodwork of the fort was on fire; men rolled out 90 barrels of powder to prevent 
explosion. Sumpter's fire almost silenced;; the flames forced the destruction of almost all 
the powder; cartridges were gone, and none could be made. About 1 p. m. the flag- 

750 



1861 — Continued. 

staff was shot away, when the flag was nailed to the piece, and displayed from the ram- 
parts. Senator Wigfall now came with a flag of truce, arrangements were made for evacu- 
ating the fort, and at 12:55 P- m. the shot-riven flag was hauled down, the garrison 
departed on honorable terms, taking their flag, arms, and private property. No man was 
hurt in the fort during the action, and none were killed on the rebel side. 

April 14. Major Anderson and his men left Fort Sumpter, and sailed for New York. 

April 15. The President's proclamation issued, calling for 75,000 volunteers, and com- 
manding the rebels to return to peace within 20 days. Extra session of Congress called. 
New York Legislature voted 30,000 men and $3,000,000 for putting down the rebellion. 
Several Southern vessels at New York were seized and fined for irregular clearances. 

April 16. Governor Magoffin refuses to furnish troops from Kentucky under the 
President's proclamation. Gov. Letcher makes a similar response from Virginia. Gov. 
Harris, of Tennessee, refuses soon after; also Gov. Jackson, of Missouri. 

April 16-17, etc. General uprising in the North. Proclamations, military orders, vot- 
ing men and money, the order of the day. In the principal cities, crowds visited news- 
papers and firms suspected of disloyalty, and compelled them to raise the Stars and Stripes. 
Legislatures not in session were called together; banks offered loans to the Government; 
great public meetings were held; Union badges worn by everybody. 

April 17. Virginia Secession ordinance passed in secret session — 60 to 53 — to be sub- 
mitted to the people. Gov. Letcher recognized the Southern Confederacy by proclama- 
tion. Massachusetts Sixth Rgiment started for Washington. 

April 18. Pennsylvania volunteers reached Washington. The Virginians obstruct the 
channel at Norfolk to prevent the sailing of war vessels from that point. Maj. Anderson 
reached New York. Sixth Massachusetts pass New York. Fourth Massachusetts arrive. 
Lieut. Jones burned Harper's Ferry Arsenal to keep it from the rebels. Two of his men 
were killed by rebel shots. 

April 19. Rebels, under Col. Van Dorn, seized the steamship Star of the West, off 
Indianola. Attack on the Sixth Massachusetts in Baltimore — two killed and seven wounded 
— eleven rioters killed and wounded. Baltimore in the hands of the mob. The Mayor and 
Governor informed the President that no more troops could pass through Baltimore with- 
out fighting their way. New York Seventh left for Washington. (From this date for 
many days troops were rapidly pouring in for Washington, Annapolis, and Fortress Monroe.) 

April 20. Great mass meetings in New York — all parties for the Union — John A. Dix 
presided. Maj. Anderson was present. Branch Mint at Charlotte, N. C, seized. Several 
bridges on the Northern Pennsylvania Railroad burned (in Maryland). Arsenal at Lib- 
erty, Mo., seized. John C. Breckinridge spoke against the Government at Louisville, Ky. 
Gosport Navy Yard destroyed to keep it from the rebels. The Pennsylvania, Delaware, 
Columbus, Merrimac, Raritan, Columbia, Germantown, Plymouth, Dolphin, and United 
States, vessels of war, scuttled and set on fire. The Cumberland was towed out. 

April 21. Government took possession of the Philadelphia and Baltimore Railroad. 
Over 4,000 men left New York for the seat of war. War sermons preached in most of 
the Northern churches. Senator Andrew Johnson, of Tennessee (Union), mobbed at 
Lynchburg, Va. 

April 22. Arsenals at Fayetteville, N. C, and Napoleon, Ark., seized by the rebels. 
New York City appropriated $1,000,000 to equip volunteers, and $500,000 for their fami- 
lies. Western Virginia begins to take sides for the Union. Union meeting at Lexington, 
Ky. Senator Crittenden spoke. New York Seventh arrived at Annapolis. Vermont 
Leislature met in extra session. 

April 23. John Bell came out for the rebels. First South Carolina Regiment started 
for the Potomac. 

April 24. Rebels under Solon Borland seized Fort Smith, Ark. Gov. Magoffin called 
an extra session of the Kentucky Legislature. 

April 25. Maj. Sibley surrendered 450 U. S. troops to the rebel Col. Van Dorn at 
Saluria, Tex. Legislature of Vermont voted $1,000,000 to equip volunteers. Six hundred 
U. S. troops arrived at New York from Texas. Gen. Harney arrested by Virginia au- 
thority at Harper's Ferry. Illinois troops removed arms from the U. S. Arsenal, St. Louis. 
Steamship Catawba seized at New Orleans, but released soon after. New York Seventh 
Regiment reached Washington. Gov. Letcher proclaims Virginia a member of the South- 
ern Confederacy. Senator Douglas spoke for the Union before the Illinois Legislature. 

751 



1861 — Continued. 

April 26. Gov. Brown, of Georgia, prohibited the payment of debts due the North- 
ern men, diverting the amount to the State Treasury. Governor of North Carolina called 
an extra session of the Legislature. More bridges burned near Baltimore on the Phila- 
delphia road. Gov. Burton, of Delaware, called for Union volunteers. 

April 27. Numerous resignations of Southerners at Washington who refused to take 
the oath. A steamer loaded with powder for the rebels seized at Cairo. The blockade ex- 
tended to North Carolina and Virginia ports. 

April 28. Frigate Constitution arrived at New York, having barely escaped the rebels. 

April 29. Indiana Legislature voted $500,000 to arm the State. Bonds and money in 
the Collector's office at Nashville, Tenn., seized by Gov. Harris. Steamship Tennessee, 
Texas, Hermes, seized at New Orleans. Maryland House of Delegates voted against 
Secession, 53 to 13; the Senate unanimously repudiate Secession. 

April 30. Gen. Harney released. New Jersey Legislature met. Governor recom- 
mended $2,000,000 for war purposes. 

May 1. State Convention bill passed North Carolina Legislature. Rhode Island Leg- 
islature met. Gen. Harney published a Union letter. 

May 2. New York 69th arrived in Washington. Ellsworth's Fire Zouaves also arrived. 
Missouri Legislature met. National flag-raising at Washington. 

May 3. Connecticut Legislature voted $2,000,000 for public defense. Governor Letcher 
called out the militia to defend Virginia from the Northerners. President Lincoln called 
for 42,000 three-year volunteers. 

May 4. Union meeting in Preston, Va. Union delegates to a Border State Con- 
vention elected in Louisville, Ky., by 7,000 majority. Committee of Maryland Legislature 
visited President Lincoln. Funeral at Lawrence, Mass., of Corporal Needham, of the 
Mass. Sixth, killed at Baltimore. 

May 5. Gen. Butler, with a Union force, took possession of the Relay House, near 
Baltimore. 

May 6. Virginia admitted to the Southern Confederacy. Arkansas Convention voted, 
69 to 1, to secede. The rebel Congress made public the War and Privateering Act. Balti- 
more City Militia disbanded. Kentucky Legislature met. 

May 7. Michigan Legislature met. Maj. Anderson accepted command of the Ken- 
tucky Volunteers. Riot at Knoxville on hoisting a Union flag. Gov. Harris announced 
a military league between Tennessee and the Confederacy. 

May 9. Rebel Congress authorizes the President to accept all the volunteers that 
offer. First landing of troops by steamers at Baltimore. 

May 10. Mob attack upon Volunteer Home Guard at St. Louis. The Guard fired; 
7 of the mob killed. A brigade of Secession militia near St. Louis, under Gen. Frost, 
surrendered to Gen. Lyon. Maj. -Gen. Robert E. Lee put in command of the rebel forces 
in Virginia. Orders from Washington to administer the oath of allegiance to the officers 
of the army. The Winans steam gun captured. 

May 11. Great Union demonstration in San Francisco. A Separation-of-the-State 
meeting at Wheeling, W. Va. Another street fight in St. Louis. Blockade of Charleston 
established. 

May 12. Gen. Harney issued a proclamation to the people of Missouri. Several 
attempts to destroy bridges on the railroad north of Baltimore. 

May 13. Union troops under Gen. Butler took possession of Federal Hall, Baltimore. 
Travel through Baltimore re-established. Separation Convention met at Wheeling, 35 
counties represented. Queen Victoria issued a proclamation of neutrality. 

May 14. A schooner loaded with arms for the rebels seized in Baltimore. Arms 
seized in other parts of the city. Ross Winans arrested. Gunboat Quaker City captured 
ship Argo with $150,000 worth of tobacco. St. Louis and Memphis mail contracts an- 
nulled and mails stopped. 

May 15. Gov. Hicks, of Maryland, called for volunteers under the President's pro- 
clamation. Massachusetts Legislature offers to loan the Government $7,000,000. 

May 16. Bridges on the Baltimore and Ohio railroad destroyed. Gen. Scott ordered 
the fortification of Arlington Heights. Secessionists dispersed at Liberty, Mo. 

May 17. Secession spies arrested in Washington. Express packages go no further 
south than the Capital. Collectors appointed for the Southern ports. Yacht Wanderer 
captured by the Crusader off Key West. Rebels fortify Harper's Ferry. Rebels dis- 

752 



1S61 — Continued. 

persed at Potosi, Mo. Search for secreted arms at St. Louis. Confederate Congress 
authorizes the issue of Treasury notes. 

May 18. Arkansas admitted to the Southern Confederacy. Lightship in the Potomac 
stolen by rebels retaken. 

May 19. U. S. steamers attacked the rebel battery at Sewall's Point, 2 wounded on 
Union side. Two schooners with rebel troops taken in the Potomac. Rebels at Har- 
per's ferry reinforced. 

May 20. Seizure of telegraphic dispatches throughout the North by order from Wash- 
ington. North Carolina Secession ordinance adopted. Interview between Gen. Harney 
and Gen. Price about Missouri affairs. Gov. Magoffin issued his proclamation of neu- 
trality of Kentucky. 

May 21. Confederate Congress adjourned. 

May 22. Ship Island fortifications destroyed to keep them from the rebels. Flag- 
raising at the Postoffice at Washington. Speeches by the President and Cabinet. 

May 24. General movement of troops into Virginia; the rebels evacuated Alexandria; 
Col. Ellsworth shot by the rebel Jackson, landlord of the Marshall House, Alexandria, 
from which the Colonel had taken down a secession flag; Jackson was instantly killed. 
Arlington Heights occupied by Union troops. Virginia cavalry company captured. The 
Southern mails stopped. 

May 25. Union troops destroyed bridges on the Alexandria and Leesburg road 
Rebel attack on the 12th New York; nobody hurt. Ellsworth's funeral in Washington. 

May 26. Alexandria put under martial law. Western Virginia voted strongly for the 
Union. 

May 27. Chief Justice Taney's habeas corpus in the Merryman case disregarded by 
Gen. Cadawallader. Blockade of the Mississippi commanded. Brig.-Gen. McDowell took 
command at Washington. Mobile blockaded. 

May 28. Gen. Butler advanced his forces to Newport News. Savannah blockaded. 

May 29. Jeff. Davis reached Richmond. Union troops advanced towards Harper's 
Ferry; the rebels retire towards Martinsburg. 

May 30. Rebels fled from Grafton, Va. Col. Kelly took possession. Rebels fled 
back from Williamsport. Md. 

May 31. Gen. Lyons superseded Gen. Harney. Maj.-Gens. Banks and Freemont com- 
missioned. New York 7th left Washington. Gunboat Freeborn engaged batteries at 
Acquia Creek. 

June 1. Lieut. Tomkins, U. S. regular cavalry, with 47 men charged through the rebels 
at Fairfax Court House, killed Capt. Marr and several others. Tompkins had two killed. 

June 3. Rebels routed at Philippa, Va., by Col. Kelly, with a loss of 16 killed and 10 
prisoners; 2 Union men were killed, and Col. Kelly was wounded. Senator Douglas died. 
Border State Convention met. 

June 6. The Harriet Lane engaged the Pig Point batteries. Capt. Ball's rebel cavalry 
captured at Alexandria, sworn and let go. 

June 8. Gen. Patterson's advance moved from Chambersburg towards Harper's Ferry. 

June 9. Alex. H. Stevens made his cotton loan speech at Milledgeville. 

June 10. Battle at Big Bethel. Union force under Gen. Pierce repulsed, 14 killed, 45 
wounded; Lieut. Greble and Major Winthrop killed. Rebels report 17 killed. 

June 11. Col. Wallace surprised and routed 500 rebels at Romney, Va., killing 2, 
losing none. Wheeling Convention met. 

June 13. Fast-day in the rebel States. 

June 14. Rebels evacuated and burned Harper's Ferry, destroyed the railroad bridge, 
and took the armory machinery to Richmond. Maryland Congress election showed a 
Union victory. 

June 15. Privateer Savannah arrived in New York as a prize of U. S. brig Perry. Gen. 
Lyon occupied Jefferson City, Mo. Price retreated to Bonneville. 

June 16. Skirmish at Seneca Mills, a Secession captain and 2 men killed. 

June 17. Western Virginia Convention unanimously voted its independence of the 
rebel section of the State. Street fight in St. Louis, 6 rebels killed. The surprise at Vi- 
enna, Va. ; rebels fire upon a railroad train, killing 8 Union soldiers; 6 rebels killed. Bat- 
tle of Boonveville, Mo.; Gen. Lyon routed the rebels under Gens. Price and Jackson; 

753 



1861 — Cofitinued. 

about 50 rebels killed. Lyon lost only 2. Gen. Patterson crossed the Potomac at Wil- 
liamsport. 

June 19. Rebels occupy Piedmont, Va. Thirty-five rebels captured at Liberty, Mo. 
Andrew Johnson spoke in Cincinnati. 

June 20. Maj.-Gen. McClellan took command in Western Virginia. Wheeling Con- 
vention elected Francis H. Pierpont Governor of Virginia. 

June 21. East Tennessee Union Convention held. 

June 23. Balloon reconnoissance commenced. 

June 24. Gov. Harris proclaimed Tennessee out of the Union, the vote of the people 
being for separation 104,019, against 47,238. Large fire in Richmond, Va. 

June 25. Virginia Secession vote announced at 128,884 to 32,134 against. Iowa voted 
a war loan of $600,000. 

June 26. The President acknowledged the Wheeling government as the government of 
Virginia. Skirmish at Patterson's Creek, Va. ; 17 rebels, 1 Union killed. 

June 27. Marshal Jane arrested in Baltimore. J. C. Freemont arrived from Europe. 
Engagement between gunboat Freeborn and rebel batteries at Mathias Point; Capt. Ward, 
of the navy, killed. 

June 29. General council of war at Washington. Steamer St. Nicholas captured in the 
Potomac by the rebels. 

July 1. Privateer Sumpter escaped from the Mississippi. Privateer Petrel escaped 
from Charleston. Fight at Buckhannon, rebels routed, 23 killed, 200 prisoners. Skirmish 
at Falling Waters, Va. 

July 2. Engagement near Martinsburg, Va., rebels routed, loss heavy; Union, 3 killed. 
Steamship Catiline burned. Virginia Legislature at Wheeling organized. 

July 3. Arkansas called out 10,000 men to repel invasion. Rebel company, 94 men, 
taken at Neosho, Mo. 

July 4. Congress met in extra session. New Hampshire voted a $1,000,000 loan for 
the war. Rebels seized Louisville and Nashville railroad. Great Union meeting in San 
Francisco. 

July 5. President's Message read; opposition only 6 Senators and 5 Representatives. 
Battle at Carthage, Mo., rebels lost about 350 killed and wounded; Union loss 13 killed, 
31 wounded. Col. Sigel commanded. 

July 6. Gallant fight of 45 men of 3d Ohio Regiment at Middle York bridge, near 
Buckhannon, cutting through an ambuscade of 200 or 300 rebels. 

July 7. Infernal machine found in the Potomac. Battle at Brier Forks, near Carthage; 
drawn. 

July 8. Col. Taylor brought to the President a message from Jeff. Davis concerning 
prisoners captured as privateers. 

July 9. Maj.-Gen. Freemont put in command of the Western Department. 

July 10. Battle at Laurel Hill, Va. ; a Georgia regiment routed; loss unknown; Union 
loss 1 killed. Sharp skirmish at Monroe Station, Mo., rebels driven off. 

July 11. Battle of Rich Mountain, Va. Gen. Rosecrans defeated Col. Pegram, took all 
his camp equipage, killed 60 and took many prisoners. Union loss, 11 killed, 35 wounded. 

July 12. Col. Pegram surrendered his whole force of 600 men to Gen. McClellan. 
Union troops occupied Beverly. 

July 13. Battle of Carrickford, Va. ; Gen. Garnett, of Virgina, killed; Union loss light, 
rebel heavy; rebel power in western Virginia broken. Fairfax Court House occupied. 

July 15. Skirmish at Bunker Hill, Va., rebels routed. Peace meeting at Nyack, N. Y. 

July 16. Skirmish at Millville, Mo., rebels fire into a train of cars. Battle at Bar- 
boursville, Va., rebels defeated. Tighlman, a negro, killed three of a rebel prize crew on 
the schooner S. J. Waring, and brought the vessel into New York. 

July 17. Skirmish at Fulton. Mo., rebels driven back with loss. 

July 18. First battle of Bull Run, at Blackburn's Ford, between Union troops under 
Gen. Tyler and the rebels under Gen. Beauregard; after 3 hours' hard fighting, Gen. 
Tyler ordered his men to fall back to Centreville for water for horses. Union loss, 19 killed, 
38 wounded, 26 missing; rebel loss, 15 killed, 53 wounded. 

July 19. Gen. Banks supersedes Gen. Patterson in command on the Potomac. 

July 20. Rebel Congress met at Richmond. 

July 21. Battle of Bull Run; 18,000 Union men under Gen. McDowell attacked the 

754 



1861 — Continued. 

rebel army of 21,000 under Gens. Johnson, Lee and Beauregard, and in a desperate conflict 
of ten hours almost won the hotly contested ground, when an unaccountable panic seized 
upon the Union army, and nearly the whole force retreated in disorder toward Washington. 
Union loss, 479 killed, 1,011 wounded, 1,500 prisoners; rebel loss, 393 killed, 1,200 wounded. 

July 22. Gen. McClellan placed in command of the Potomac army. 

July 22-30. General disorganization of McDowell's army. Three-months' men return 
home. 

August 1. Gen. McClellan begins the reorganization of the army. Rebels leave Har- 
per's Ferry, falling back to Leesburg. Privateer Petrel sunk by the St. Lawrence; crew 
taken. 

August 2. War tax and Tariff Bill passed Congress — 500,000 men to be raised. Battle 
of Dug Spring, Mo., Gen. Lyon defeated Ben McCulloch's force; rebel loss, 42 killed, 44 
wounded; Union loss, 8 killed, 30 wounded. Fort Filmore, New Mexico, traitorously sur- 
rendered to Major Lynde, who had 750 men. Rebel vessels and stores destroyed in Poko- 
moke sound. 

August 5. Galveston bombarded; foreign consuls protest; not much damage done. 
Battle of Athens, Mo., rebels defeated, losing 40 killed. 

August 7. Village of Hampton burned by the rebels under Gen. Magruder. Priva- 
teer York burned by gunboat Union. 

August 8. Skirmish at Lovettsville, Va., rebels routed. 

August 9. Rebels repulsed at Potosi, Mo. 

August 10. Battle of Wilson's Creek, near Springfield, Mo. Gen. Lyon with 5,200 
men attacked 24,000 rebels under McCulloch, Rains, Price and Jackson, and repulsed them, 
but afterwards retreated to Rolla; rebel loss, 421 killed, 1,300 wounded; Union loss, 263 
killed, 721 wounded. Gen. Lyon was killed while heading a charge. 

August 12. Ex-Minister Faulkner arrested. Bangor Democratic office destroyed by 
a mob. 

August 13. Battle near Grafton, Va., 21 rebels killed; no Union loss. 

August 14. Mutiny in the 79th New York Regiment at Washington. Fremont de- 
clared martial law in Missouri. 

August 15. Davis ordered all Northern men to leave the South in 40 days. 

August 16. President proclaims non-intercourse with the rebel States. Various news- 
papers in New York presented by the grand jury tor hostility to the Government. Gen. 
Wood took command at Fortress Monroe. Passport system established. 

August 19. Editor of Essex County Democrat, Mass., tarred and feathered for rebel 
sentiments. 

August 20. Mayor Berrett, of Washington, arrested for declining to take oath. Col. 
McCunn dismissed for misconduct. 

August 21. Bird's Point affair — 40 rebels killed and 17 taken; Union loss, 1 killed, 
6 wounded. 

August 26. Seventh Ohio Regiment surprised at Somerville, Va., while at break- 
fast, but fought their way out, losing 3 captains and 3 other officers. Floyd commanded 
the rebels. Hatteras expedition sailed. 

August 28-29. Bombardment and taking of Forts Hatteras and Clark — rebel loss in 
prisoners 765, Commodore Barron being taken. 

August 30. Fort Morgan, at Ocrocoke Inlet, abandoned by the rebels. 

Sept. 1. Fight at Boone Court House, Va.; rebel loss, 30; village burned. 

Sept. 2. Kentucky Legislature met — Senate, 27 Union, 11 Secession; House, 76 Union, 
24 Secession. Floating dock at Pensacola burned. 

Sept. 3. Massacre on Hannibal and St. Joseph railroad, rebels having burned the 
Piatte bridge. Seventeen lives lost. 

Sept. 10. Colors of the N. Y. 79th restored. Battle of Carnifex Ferry, Va.; Gen. 
Rosecrans defeated the rebels under Floyd. Union loss 15 killed, 80 wounded; rebel loss 
heavy. 

Sept. 11. Skirmish at Lewinsville, Va. ; considerable rebel loss; Union, 6 killed, 8 
wounded. President modified Gen. Fremont's proclamatiin. 

Sept. 12. Fight at Cheat Mountain, Va.; Col. John A. Washington, proprietor of 
Mount Vernon, killed; rebel loss, about 40; Union, 10. Mayor Berrett took the oath and 
was released. 

755 



1861 — Continued. 

Sept. 14. Privateer Judith destroyed at Pensacola by a boat expedition from the ship 
Colorado. 

Sept. 17. Bridge broke on the Ohio and Mississippi railroad, and nearly 100 of the 
Illinois 19th killed and wounded. 

Sept. 18. Col. Frank P. Blair arrested by Gen. Fremont. Maryland Legislature closed 
by the Provost Marshal; all the Secession members arrested and sent to Fort McHenry. 

Sept. 19. Ex-Governor Morehead and others in Louisville arrested for treason. 

Sept. 20. Surrender of Col. Mulligan, at Lexington. Mo., after four days' struggle 
with 2,500 men against 26,000 rebels under Gen. Price. 

Sept. 21. John C. Breckinridge fled from Frankfort Ky.. and openly joined the rebels. 

Sept. 24. Count de Paris and Due de Chartres entered service as aids to Gen. Mc- 
Clellan. Grand review of troops at Washington. 

Sept. 25. Frank P. Blair released from arrest; he demands a trial. Gen. Prentiss took 
command of St. Joseph. 

Sept. 27. Gen. Fremont takes the field against the rebels. Skirmishes within a week 
of the date at Black River, Greenville, Tuscumbia. Osceola, Papinsville, Hunter and 
Shanghae in Missouri; at Columbus. Barboursville. Ellicott's Mills* Smithland, Cynthiana, 
Lucas Bend; and Hopkinsville, in Kentucky; and at Romney, Catoctin Mountain. Lewins- 
ville, Chapmansville, Munson's Hill, and Great Falls, in Virginia. Losses trifling. 

Sept. 28. Munson's Hill occupied by Union troops. 

Sept. 29. Baker's California regiment and Baxter's Philadelphia Volunteers mistook 
each other for rebels at Falls Church and fired, killing 15 and wounding 30. 

Oct. 1. Propeller Fann}^ taken by the rebels at Chicamanomico, N. C. ; several prison- 
ers taken. Rebel camp broken up at Charleston. Mo. 

Oct. 2. Fight at Chapmansville. Va.; rebels lost 60 killed and 70 prisoners; attacked 
again on their retreat and lose 40. 

Oct. 3. Battle of Greenbrier. Va. ; rebels defeated with considerable loss; Union loss 
slight. Ex-Street Commissioner Smith of N. Y. appointed a Brigadier General in the 
rebel army. The rebels evacuated Lexington, Mo. 

Oct. 4. Rebels under Col. Bartow attack the 20th Indiana near Hatteras; narrow 
escape of the regiment. 

Oct. 5. Steamer Monticello shelled the rebel troops under Bartow and drove them 
to their boats. Gen. Robert Anderson took command in Kentucky. 

Oct. 6. Skirmish at Flemington, Ky. Home Guards defeated the rebels. 

Oct. 9. Attack upon Wilson's Zouaves at Santa Rosa Island by 1,500 rebels. The 
Zouaves, with help from Fort Pickins, defeat the rebels, killing and wounding a great 
number; Union loss 13 killed and 21 wounded. Advance of the Union lines beyond the 
Potomac. A rebel picket guard surprised. Charter election in Baltimore; the rebels made 
no opposition. 

Oct. 10. Further advance of the Union outposts near Washington. ■ 

Oct. 11. Rebel steamer Nashville escaped from Charleston. Missouri State Conven- 
tion met. Marshal Kane sent to Fort Lafayette. 

Oct. 12. Rebels advance in force toward Prospect Hill, but retired on finding Gen. 
McCall ready for battle. Attempt to burn the blockading fleet at the mouth of the Missis- 
sippi; the rebel "ram" disabled. 

Oct. 13. Skirmishes at Beckwith and Tavern Creek. Mo.; many rebels taken. 

Oct. 14. Secretary Seward's circular to Governors of States issued, advising seacoast 
and lake defenses. 

Oct. 15. Jeff. Thompson captured 50 Union troops at Potosi, Mo. Three steamers 
sent from New York in pursuit of the Nashville. Battle of Linn Creek, Mo.; the rebels 
defeated. 

Oct. 16. Recapture of Lexington, Mo., by a small Union force under Major White. 
Col. Geary routed the rebels at Boliver, near Harper's Ferry. Sharp skirmish at Ironton, 
Mo.; rebels defeated, losing 36; Union loss, 11. 

Oct. 21. Battle of Edwards Ferry. Gen. Stone's division of 1,500 men attacked by 
double their number, during a reconnoissance on the Potomac. After a fierce contest the 
Union men were driven back, and recrossed in confusion, a great number being drowned. 
Senator Baker was killed while leading the California brigade. The Union loss was heavy, 
reaching in all several hundred; the rebels also lost heavily. Battle of Wild Cat. Ky. ; the 

756 



1861 — Continued. 

rebels under Zollicoffer defeated by Gen. Shoepf; an important victory. Battle of Fred- 
ericktown, Mo.; rebels under Jeff. Thompson and Gen. Lowe defeated, and Lowe killed; 
rebel loss, 200 to 300; Union loss, 30. 

Oct. 22. Rebel camp at Buffalo Mills, Mo., broken up; 17 killed and 90 prisoners taken. 

Oct. 25. Rebels routed at Romney, Va., and many prisoners taken by Gen. Kelly. 
The rebels retreat to Winchester. 

Oct. 26. Gallant charge of Major Zagonyi, with a portion of Fremont's bodyguard, 
through a rebel force of 2,000 at Springfield, Mo.; the rebels signally defeated and many 
of them killed; Union loss about 15 killed. 

Oct. 28. Gen. Lane captured a rebel transportation train near Butler, Mo. 

Oct. 29. A great naval expedition sailed from Fortress Monroe, Commodore Dupont 
in command; land forces under Gen. Sherman; about 80 vessels and 15,000 men. 

Oct. 30. The State prisoners sent from Fort Lafayette, N. Y., to Fort Warren, Boston. 

Nov. i. Lieut. -Gen. Scott resigned the command-in-chief of the Union armies. Gen. 
McClellan appointed in his place. The rebels, under Floyd, attempt to capture Rosecrans' 
army at Gauley Bridge, Va., but fail, and Floyd only saved himself by a precipitate flight. 

Nov. 2. Maj.-Gen. Fremont removed from his command; he returns to St. Louis, 
where he is enthusiastically received. Rebel steamer Bermuda runs the Savannah blockade. 

Nov. 3. Rising of Union men in East Tennessee, who burn or break down several 
important railroad bridges. 

Nov. 7. The Union fleet captures Forts Walker and Beauregard at Port Royal 
entrance, take the town of Beaufort and command Hilton Island and the harbor. The 
fleet consisted of 73 vessels in all; Union loss only 8 killed and 6 wounded; rebel loss 
unknown, but not large. 

Nov. 8. Battle of Belmont, Mo.; severe conflict; rebel camp captured and broken up. 
Union troops under Gen. Grant return by boats to Cairo before arrival of rebel reinforce- 
ments from Columbus. Ky. ; loss large on both sides. Battle at Pikeville, Ky. ; rebels de- 
feated. 

Nov. 10. Rebel foray upon Guyandotte, Kansas, with the intention of slaughtering 
the Union men, but the rebels were driven off and the village burned. 

Nov. 11. Maj.-Gen. Halleck succeeds Fremont in command of the Western Depart- 
ment. A skirmish near Kansas City. 

Nov. 15. Frigate San Jacinto arrived at Fortress Monroe, bringing Mason and Slidell, 
rebel commissioners to Europe, as prisoners, Commodore Wilkes having taken them from 
the English mail steamer Trent in the Bahama channel. 

Nov. 18. Rebels in Accomac and Northampton Counties. Va., disband and Union 
troops take possession of the peninsula. Rebel Congress met. 

Nov. 19. The Missouri Rebel State Legislature pass an ordinance of Secession. 

Nov. 20. Grand review of 60,000 men by Gen. McClellan. Rebels burn the town of 
Warsaw. 

Nov. 23. Fort Pickins and the fleet bombard the rebels near Pensacola, and burn the 
navy yard and much of the village of Warrenton. 

Nov. 24. Mason and Slidell placed in Fort Warren. 

Nov. 26. Reinforcement left New York for Port Royal. Sharp skirmish near Hunter's 
Hill, with loss to Union side. 

Nov. 28. Union forces occupy Tybee Island, S. C. 

Nov. 29. News of the full occupation of Ship Island by Union troops. 

Dec. 2. Meeting of Congress. Meeting of loyal Legislature of Virginia at Wheeling. 
Maryland Legislature met. Naval skirmish near Newport News. 

Dec. 4. John C. Breckinridge expelled from the Senate by unanimous vote. Western 
Missouri overrun by rebel maurauding parties. Gen. Phelps lands on Ship Island with 
strong Union force. 

Dec. 5. Maj.-Gen. Halleck orders the arrest and imprisonment of every man found 
in arms against the Union in Missouri; those found guilty of aiding the rebels to be shot. 

Dec. 7. Skirmish near Dam No. 5 on the Potomac; rebels driven off, losing 12 men. 
Gen. Butler's expedition arrived at Port Royal. Company of rebels captured near Glas- 
gow, Mo. 

Dec. 9. Congress takes measures to effect an exchange of prisoners. Confiscation bill 
introduced. Garret Davis elected Senator from Kentucky in place of Breckinridge. Shell- 

757 



ing of Freestone Point by the Union gunboats. Rebel Congress pass a bul admitting Ken- 

?■_- :•:; : : lit Z: : v- :tn :j 

Dec. 13. First mffitaay execution in Union army; a deserter named Johnson shot. 

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Dec : j r : m England off the feeling caused by the seizure of Mason and 

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Dec 17. Battle of Muntfofdville, on Green River. Ky.; rebels defeated. 33 killed, 50 
--:_-:-. it : ".' ::::.:: : : : .•:. ..-. : :~ ■■ : :r. :- : It.~: I :; t :i: : _- :t : ?:■: rti-t.i i:i: I .- :t- 
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JnrlmHfig 3 Colonels and 17 Captains, and all their camp stores and equipage; Union loss, 
_ .•:... t! 

Dec ao. Battle at Dranesville, Va_. in which the Union troops under Gen. McCal 
- -: : ; it.ti: : t :- z ■ " _ti: i'i -L ::r:Ti ::::.: .-.:. :: :.;.- --..: V:..::. .::: _ 
ki'-'ri 1: : u: _: : : It: 

Dec.24. Skirmish near 3flewr-. - rial rebels killed. 

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Jan. 2. Skirmish near Port RoyaL 

Jan. 7. Ex-Got. Moorhead of Kentucky released from Fort Warren. Rebels routed 
at Bine's Gap, Va. 

Jan. 8. Rebels routed in Randolph County, Mo. 

Jan. 10. Waldo P. Johnson and Trusten Polk of Missouri expelled from the U. S. 
St'i:: H.::::I-t; Ilirrlil 1tti:t: :-.ir J:-:.: :::, *";•■ 

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Jan. 12L Burnside's advance sailed from Fortress Monroe 
Jan. 13. Secretary Cameron resigned. Edwin M. Stanton appointed. 
Jan. 17. Bnrnside arrives at Hatteras. 

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Jan. 19. Battle of Mffl Springs. Ky.; rebel Gen. Zoflkofter IriHed. 
Jan. 23. Stone fleet sunk in the channel oS Charleston harbor, S. C. 
Z'~z z\ I _ r. : : : re :••! .;-: :::::: : :.::: 5 1 1 r. r. 1 1 
Feb. 1. Skirmish near Bowling Green, Kj. 

Feb. 3. Rebel steamer Xashrille ordered to leave Southampton harbor; the D I 
steamer Tuscarora endeavors to follow, but is stopped by an FjngHsh frigate. 
Feb. 3- Jesse D. Bright, of Indiana, expelled from the U. S Senate. 
Feb. 6. Fort Henry captured by Gen. Grant. 
Feb. 7. Gen. Lander's Union forces occupy Ronmey, Va. 
re: 1 1:: - . ? 

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13. Springfield. Mo, taken by Union forces. 
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Feb. i& Skirmish at Independence. Mo. 

I :$. QarkesviDe, Tcmu taken by Com. Foote. Rebel Congress meets at Rkh- 

Feb. 20. Winton, X. C- burned by Union forces. 

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It: _- 7t- 1: .: :r.L-.-ir_Ti:-: :: I. :"-=:-■: 



1862— Continued. 

Feb. 23. Rebels evacuate Nashville, Tenn. Gen. Curtis captures Fayetteville, Ark. 
Gen. Buell occupies Gallatin, Tenn. 

Feb. 28. Charlestown, Va., occupied by Union troops. 

March 2. Gen. Fred. W. Lander died. Gunboat fight at Pittsburg, Tenn. 

March 3. Union troops occupy Columbus, Ky. Gen. Banks occupies Martinsburg. 
Engagement at New Madrid, Mo. 

March 5. Beauregard takes command of the Mississippi army. 

March 6-8. Battle of Pea Ridge, Ark. 

March 8. Attack on Union fleet in Chesapeake Bay by rebel iron clad steamer Merri- 
mac; frigate Cumberland sunk and Congress surrendered. Union wooden fleet at mercy 
of the Merrimac. 

March 9. The revolving turreted war-ship Monitor arrived from New York; engages 
and defeats the Merrimac and saves balance of Union fleet. Point Pleasant, Mo., taken 
by Unionists. 

March 11. Gen. McClellan relieved of chief command; Gen. Halleck assigned to the 
Mississippi Department; Gen. Fremont assigned to the Mountain Department. 

March 12. Jacksonville, Fla., occupied by Union troops. Winchester, Va., occupied 
by Gen. Banks. 

March 14. Battle of Newbern, N. C. New Madrid, Mo., evacuated by the rebels. 

March 16. Rebels defeated at Cumberland Mountain. 

March 18. Rebel steamer Nashville escaped from Beaufort. Rebels evacuate Acquia 
Creek. 

March 21. Gen. Butler arrives at Ship Island. Gen. Burnside takes possession of 
Washington, D. C. 

March 22. Reconnoissance in force to Cumberland Gap. 

March 23. Battle at Winchester, Va. Fort Macon invested. 

March 27. Skirmish near Strasburg, Va. 

March 28. Battle near Santa Fe, N. M. Shipping Point, Va., occupied by Union troops. 

April 1. Gen. Banks at Woodstock, N. C. 

April 2. Unionists occupy Thoroughfare Gap. 

April 3. Appalachicola possessed by Union forces. 

April 6-7. Battle of Pittsburg Landing. Rebel army, led by Gen. Albert Sidney John- 
ston, made furious attack on Union force; fight continued twelve hours, night closing the 
scene; rebels captured Union camp; Gen. Johnston killed; Gen. Grant prepared for second 
day's battle and began the attack. Buell's reinforcements arrive; rebel army defeated, 
driven from the field and retreat to Corinth, Miss. Union loss, 1,754 killed, 8,408 wounded, 
2,885 missing; rebel loss, 1,728 killed, 8,012 wounded, 957 missing. Surrender of Island 
No. 10. 

April 10. Bombardment and surrender of Fort Pulaski. 

April 11. Huntsville, Ala., occupied by Gen. Mitchel. 

April 12. Engagement at Monterey, Va. 

April 14. Bombardment of Fort Pillow. 

April 16. Union troops left Ship Island for New Orleans. Engagement at Lee's 
Mills, near Yorktown. 

April 17. Gen. Banks occupies New Market and Mount Jackson, Va. Gen. Reno's 
expedition left Newbern. 

April 18. Rebels repulsed in a night attack upon Union troops at Yorktown. Bom- 
bardment of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, below New Orleans. 

April 19. Battle at Camden, N. C. 

April 24. Dismal Swamp Canal destroyed. Union fleets run past Forts Jackson and 
St. Philip; the Union gunboat Varuna sunk. Great destruction of property at New Or- 
leans by the rebels. 

April 25. New Orleans evacuated by the rebels. Fort Macon surrendered. 

April 27. The Union flag raised at New Orleans by order of Admiral Farragut. 
Skirmishes near Newbern, N. C. 

April 28. Forts Jackson and St. Philip surrendered. 

April 29. Rebels routed at Bridgeport, Ala. 

April 30. Gen. Halleck, now in command, moves army from Pittsburg. Landing to 
besiege Corinth. 

759 



1862 — Continued. 

May i. Gen. Butler assumes command at New Orleans and occupies the city with 
his troops. Gen. Mitchel possesses Huntsville. Ala. 

May 2. Union troops at Pulaski. Tenn., captured by Morgan, the guerrilla. 

May 4. Battle of Williamsburg. Va. Gloucester. Va., taken. 

May 6. Union troops occupy Williamsburg. President Lincoln visits Fortress Mon- 
roe. Rebels burn small gunboat on York River. 

May 7. Battle of West Point. Va. 

May 8. Attack on Se well's Point by the Monitor and other Union gunboats. 

May 9. Battle at Farmington, Miss. Gen. Hunter issues his emancipation proclama- 
tion. Pensacola evacuated by the rebels. Bombardment at Fort Darling. James River. 

May 10. Surrender of Norfolk. Gosport Navy Yard burned by the rebels, and Craney 
Island abandoned. Gunboat battle at Fort Pillow, on the Mississippi. 

May 11. The rebels destroyed their ironclad Merrimac. 

May 13. Gen. McClellan's advance at White House. Ya. Skirmish near Cumberland. 
Ya. 

May 16. U. S. transport Oriental wrecked. 

May 17. Rebels driven across the Chickahominy at Bottom's Bridge. 

May 19. The President revokes Gen. Hunter's emancipation proclamation. 

May 23. Part of Gen. McClellan's army crosses the Chickahominy. Fierce fight at 
Front Royal. Va. Rebels defeated at Lewisville, Ya. Rebels driven from Mechanics- 
ville. Ya. " 

May 24. Gen. Banks retreats to Winchester, and next day to the Potomac. 

May 26. Gen. McClellan takes possession of Hanover Court House. 

May 28-29. Rebels retreat from Corinth, Miss. Gen. Halleck's siege conducted with 
great caution. Gens. Grant, Sherman. Thomas and Pope in command of troops, but not 
permitted to attack. Corinth occupied and strongly fortified by Union forces. 

May 30. Front Royal occupied by Union troops. 

May 31. Battle of Seven Pines and Fair Oaks. Gen. Pope occupies Corinth. 

June 1. Continued fighting at Seven Pines. Gen. Fremont drives the rebels from 
Strasburg. Ya. 

June 3. Union troops land on James Island, near Charleston. 

June 4. Rebels burn their works at Fort Pillow and leave. 

June 6. Unionists occupy Memphis; fierce gunboat fight there. Fremont attacks 
the rebels at. Harrisonburg. 

June 7. Rebel batteries silenced at Chattanooga, Tenn. A rebel executed for tear- 
ing down the American flag at New Orleans. 

June 8. Battle of Cross Keys. Ya. 

June 9. Battle of Port Republic, Ya. 

June 10. Battle of James Island, S. C. 

June 13. Rebels cut railroad and telegraph at White House, in McClellan's rear. 

June 17. Battle at St. Charles. Ark.: explosion of the Union gunboat Mound City. 

June 18. Union troops occupy Cumberland Gap. Skirmishing before Richmond. 

June 20. Union forces occupy Holly Springs, Miss. 

June 25. Commencement of the seven days' battle before Richmond. 

June 26. The rebels destroy their gunboats on the Mississippi. Gen. Pope assigned 
to the command of the army of Virginia. Battle of Mechanicsville. 

June 2j. Bombardment of Yicksburg. Gen. Fremont relieved of his command. Bat- 
tles of Gaines' Hill and Golding's Farm. 

June 28. Battle of Chickahominy. 

June 29. Battle of Savage's Station. 

June 30. Battle of White Oak Swamp. Union troops occupy Luray. Va. 

July 1. President decides to call for 300.000 volunteers. Battle of Malvern Hills, and 
close of the seven days' struggle. Cavalry engagement near Boonesville, Miss. 
Rebel gunboat captured on James River. 
Rebels repulsed at Bayou Cache. Ark. 
Gen. Halleck appointed commander-in-chief. 
Rebels capture Murfreesboro, Tenn. 
Battle at Favettesville. Ark. Gen. Pope takes command of the armv of 



r60 





July 


4- 




July 


7- 




July 


11. 




July 


13- 




July 


14- 


Vi 


irginia. 





1862 — Continued. 

June 15. Rebel gunboat Arkansas runs through the Union fleet and reaches Vicksburg; 
has a fight with the gunboat Carondelet. 

July 17. Rebels take Cynthiana, Ky. 

July 18. Battle of Memphis, Mo. 

July 22. Rebel raid into Florence, Ala. 

July 24. Gen. Halleck goes to confer with Gen. McClellan. 

July 25. President's proclamation warning the rebels of the Confiscation Act. 

July 28. Rebels defeated at Moor's Hill, Mo. 

July 29. Guerrillas defeated at Mt. Sterling, Ky. 

Aug. 1. Fight at Newark, Mo. Rebel Government declare Gen. Pope and his offi- 
cers not entitled to treatment as prisoners of war. 

Aug. 2. Skirmish at Ozark, Mo. 

Aug. 4. Secretary of War orders a draft for 300,000 men. Gen. Butler assesses New 
Orleans rebels to support the poor. 

Aug. 5. McClellan's troops occupy Malvern Hill. Gen. McCook murdered by the 
rebels while wounded and defenceless. Battle of Baton Rouge. 

Aug. 6. Gen. Hooker abandons Malvern Hill. Rebel ram Arkansas blown up. 

Aug. 7. Guerrilla fight at Kirkville, Mo. Skirmish near Wolftown, Va. Rebel ad- 
vance crosses the Rapidan. 

Aug. 8. Writ of Habeas Corpus suspended, and orders given to arrest those who dis- 
courage enlistment. No more passports to be issued. Skirmish near Orange C. H. 

Aug. 9. Battle of Cedar Mountain. Guerrillas defeated at Stockton, Mo. 

Aug. 11. Independence, Mo., taken by the rebels. A skirmish at Cedar Mountain. 
Guerrilla fight near Williamsport, Tenn. 

Aug. 13. Steamboat collision on the Potomac, 80 soldiers lost. Drafting ordered to 
begin Sept. 1. 

Aug. 16. Rebels attempt to cross the Rapidan, but are driven back. Evacuation of 
Harrison's Landing by the Army of the Potomac. Cols. Corcoran, Wilcox, etc., reach 
Fortress Monroe from Richmond prison. 

Aug. 17. McClellan's advance reaches Hampton; the rear guard crosses the Chicka- 
hominy. Gen. Pope's retreat begun. 

Aug. 21. Rebels attempt to cross the Rappahannock. 

Aug. 22. Grand reception of Gen. Corcoran in New York. Rebel attack on Catlett's 
Station. 

Aug. 23. General battle between Gen. Pope's forces and the rebels. 

Aug. 25. Skirmish at Waterloo Bridge, Va. Rebel attack on Fort Donelson. 

Aug. 26. Rebels get possession of Manassas Junction. Fight at Haymarket, Va. 
Union gunboats demolish rebel works at City Point. 

Aug. 29. Battle of Groveton, Va. 

Aug. 30. Second battle of Bull Run; Union troops defeated, and retreat at night. 
Battle near Richmond, Ky. A fight at Bolivar, Tenn. 

Sept. 1. Severe battle at Chantilly, Va. Gens. Kearney and Stevens killed. Gen. 
Burnside's army evacuate Fredericksburg. Union troops evacuate Lexington, Ky. ; rebel 
attack on Louisville expected; great excitement in Cincinnati. Fight at Britton's Lane, 
Tenn. 

Sept. 2. Gen. McClellan assigned to command the forces for the defense of Wash- 
ington. Fight near Fairfax Court House. Engagement at Plymouth, N. C. 

Sept. 3. Gen. White arrived at Harper's Ferry. 

Sept. 4. Rebel steamer Creto ran blockade into Mobile. Skirmish at Cumberland Gap. 

Sept. 5. Rebels cross at Point of Rocks, and begin the invasion of Maryland. 

Sept. 6. Rebels occupy Frederick City, Md. First capture by the pirate Alabama, the 
whaler Ocmulgee. Up to Dec. 12, 1863, there had been 8 ships, 6 barks, 1 brig, and 6 
schooners destroyed by the Alabama, and three other vessels robbed and released. 

Sept. 7. Union advance occupied Bowling Green, Ky. Gen. Pope relieved of com- 
mand of the Army of Virginia; Gen. McClellan's command absorbs this army. 

Sept. 8. McClellan's army at Rockville, Md. Gen. Lee issues a proclamation to 
Maryland. Fight at Pooleville, Md. Restrictions on travel rescinded. 

Sept. 9. Rebels evacuate Fredericksburg. 

761 



1862— Continued. 

Sept. iol Levy en masse in Pennsylvania to repel threatened invasion. Fight at 
Gauley, Va. 

Sept. II. Union troops occupy Newmarket, Va. Hagerstown, Md, occupied by rebels. 
Sugar Loaf Mountain occupied by Union forces. Bloomfield, Mo., captured by rebels; 
also MaysviSle, Ky. 

Sept. 12. Gen. Hooker occupied Frederick City, Md. Skirmish at Maryland Heigbts. 

Sept 13. Rebels demand the surrender of Mumfordsrilie, Ky.; a fight there next 
day. A charge on the rebels at Middletown. Md. 

Sept. 14. Battle of South Mountain. Rebel attack on Harper s Ferry. 

Sept. IS Harper's Ferry surrendered. Rebels attempt to blockade the Ohio River. 

Sept. 17. Battle of Antietam. Great Union victory. Union troops evacuate Cumber- 
land Gap. Mumffordsville surrendered to the rebels. Fight at St. John's Bluff. Fla. 

Sept. 18. Rebel army evacuate Sharpsburg and recross the Potomac 

Sept 19. Battle of Iuka; Union victory. Rebels leave Harper's Ferry. 

Sept 22. President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation issued. Battle with In- 
dians at Wood Lake. Minn. 

Sept. 24. Convention of Loyal Governors at Aitoona, Pa. Fight at Donaldsonville. La- 
Sept. 27. Augusta. Ky-, destroyed by the rebels. 

Sept 29. Gen. Xelson shot at Cincinnati by" Gen. Davis. 

Oct 1. President Lincoln visits McClellan's army, and urges an immediate movement 
across the Potomac Gen. Pleasanton's cavalry crosses at Shepardstown. Gen. BuelTs 
army leaves Louisville 

Oct 3. Battle of Corinth. An expedition up the St John's River, Fla^. takes the 
fort on St John's Bluff. Gen. Morgan concludes his retreat from Cumberland Gap. 
Rebels evacuate Frankfort Ky 

Oct 4. After two days' battle complete defeat of the rebels at Corinth. Gen. Buell 
reaches Bardstown. 

Oct 5- Union forces occapy Galveston. Rebel army retreating from Corinth beaten 
at Hatchie River. Rebels routed at Fayetteville, Ark. 

Oct 6. Gen. McClellan ordered to cross the Potomac and give battle to the enemy. 

Oct 8. Battle of Perryville, Ky. 

Oct 9- Rosecrans recalled from the pursuit of Price and Van Dorn. Bragg's rebels 
retreat to Harrisburgh, Ky. 

Oct 10. Stuart's rebel cavalry raid into Maryland and Pennsylvania. 

Oct. 11. Rebels in force threaten Nashville, Tenn. Skirmish near Lagrange, Ark. 

Oct 12. Stuart's cavalry recross the Potomac 

Oct 13. Gen. Bragg evacuates Camp Dick Robinson. 

Oct is Drafting in Boston and Baltimore Fighting near Lexington, Ky. 

Oct 18. The rebel Gen. Morgan occupies Lexington, Ky. 

Oct. 19. Skirmish near Nashville 

Oct. 20. Morgan captures a Union wagon train near Bardstown, Ky. 

Oct 21. Attack on the rebels near Nashville Rebels leave Western Yirginia. 

Oct 22. Bragg's army at Cumberland Gap. Battle at Pocotaligo, S. C. Rebel salt 
works in Florida destroyed. Gunboat reconnoissance up Broad River, S. C. 

Oct 23. Rebels defeated at Maysvule, Ark. 

Oct 24. Gen. Buell deprived of the command and Gen. Rosecrans put at the head of 
the army in Kentucky. 

Oct 2S Skirmish near Manassas. 

Oct 26. Advance of McClellan's army begun. 
'. : : _ ' : .-:.-. :' 1 V: 1 i: t • .-. L .\ 

Oct. 29. Great fire at Harper's Ferry. 

Oct 30. Gen. Mitchel died at Port RoyaL 

Oct 31. Skirmish at Maysvflle, Ky. 

Nov. 1. Artillery fight at Pbillsmont Va. 

r. 2. Union troops possess Snicker's Gap. Gen. Foster's expedition left Newbern. 

3. Upperville. Piedmont, and Thorofare Gap in Union possession. 
v. 4. Ashby's Gap occupied; engagement at Markham, Va. Gen. Grant's army 
occupy Lagrange Miss. Salt works in Georgia destroyed. 

762 



1862 — Continued. 

Nov. 5. Order issued for the removal of Gen. McClellan. Engagement at Chester 
Gap and New Baltimore, Va. 

Nov. 6. McClellan's advance occupy Warrenton, Va. 

Nov. 7. Gen. McClellan removed from command; Gen. Burnside appointed. Gen. 
Bayard attacked by rebels at Rappahannock Station. Negro troops engaged at Port Royal. 

Nov. 8. Skirmish at Little Washington, Va. Gen. Bayard holds Rappahannock bridge. 
Cavalry skirmish at Gaines Cross Roads, Va. Galatin, Tenn., reached by Rosecrans' army. 

Nov. 9. Rebels routed near Moorfields, Va. Gen. Butler's sequestration order issued. 

Nov. 10. Gen. Bayard's cavalry dash into Fredericksburg. Gen. Rosecrans arrives 
at Nashville. Great Union demonstration at Memphis. 

Nov. 12. Gen. Halleck visits the Army of the Potomac. 

Nov. 13. Skirmish near White Sulphur Springs, Va. Holly Springs, Miss., occupied 
by Union forces. 

Nov. 14. Gen. Stahel's forces pass Snicker's Gap. 

Nov. 15. Artillery fight at Fayetteville, Va. 

Nov. 17. Burnside's headquarters at Catlett's Station. Artillery skirmish near Fred- 
ericksburg. 

Nov. 18. Burnside's left wing advance reaches Falmouth, opposite Fredericksburg. 
Skirmish at Rural Hill, Tenn. 

Nov. 20. Skirmish at Charlestown, Va. 

Nov. 21. Surrender of Fredericksburg demanded, and notice given to remove non- 
combatants. 

Nov. 22. General order for the release of all State prisoners. 

Nov. 25. Raid of rebels into Poolville, Md. Rebels attack Newbern. 

Nov. 26. President Lincoln visits Burnside. Gen. Sherman's forces leave Memphis. 

Nov. 28. Battle of Cone Hill, Ark. Burnside visits Washington. 

Nov. 28. Rebel cavalry cross the Rappahannock and capture two companies of Union 
cavalry, not far from Fredericksburg. 

Nov. 29. Union expedition a few days before invaded Mob Jack Bay, Va., and de- 
stroyed rebel salt works. Rebels defeated at Frankfort, W. Va.; 108 captured. 

Dec. 1. A rebel battery captured near Suffolk, Va. 

Dec. 1-3. Rebels in Tennessee and Mississippi retreating before Gen. Grant's army. 

Dec. 3. Gen. Geary takes possession of Winchester, Va. 

Dec. 7. Battle of Prairie Grove, Ark. 

Dec. 11. Bombardment of Fredericksburg commenced; Union troops cross the river 
in the course of the afternoon. 

Dec. 13. Battle of Fredericksburg. Great Union loss. 

Dec. 15. Gen. Burnside's army retreats to the north side of the Rappahannock. 

Dec. 20. Gen. Foster returns to Newbern, after defeating the rebels in four battles, 
taking Kinston and Goldsboro, and destroying several bridges and miles of the track of 
the Washington and Weldon Railroad. 

Dec. 21. Skirmish near Nashville. Fight on Wolf River, Tenn. Rebels repulsed, los- 
ing 22 killed, 30 wounded and 20 prisoners; 200 or more of wounded were taken off by 
their friends. 

Dec. 22. Skirmish at Isle of Wight Court House, Va. Unionists driven off. 

Dec. 23. Union forces take possession of Winchester, Va. 

Dec. 24. Union troops destroy a section of the Texas railroad, ten miles west of Vicks- 
burg, burning two stations. Skirmish near Mumfordsville, Ky. ; rebels retreat. 

Dec. 25. Skirmish at Bacon Creek, Ky. ; Unionists forced to retreat with loss of 23. 

Dec. 26. Gen. Sherman's expedition disembarks in the Yazoo. Rosecrans begins to 
move towards Bragg. Rebel guerrilla camp in Powell County, Ky., broken up, the leader 
and 11 others taken. 

Dec. 27-28. Sherman marches on Vicksburg, drove the rebels from their first and 
second lines, and got within two and one-half miles of the city. Elizabethtown, Ky., cap- 
tured by rebels under Morgan; much property destroyed and stolen. Rebel cavalry de- 
feated in an attack on Dumfries, Va. 

Dec. 28. Van Buren, Ark., captured by Gen. Blunt with all the rebel garrison, ammu- 
nition, and four steamers laden with supplies. Trestle-work at Muldragh Hill, Va., cap- 
tured by Morgan and destroyed. Union troops evacuate New Madrid, Mo. Skirmish near 

763 



1862—1863. 

Suffolk; rebels repulsed. Rebel camp surprised at Elk Fort, Tenn.; 30 killed, 176 wounded, 
and 51 captured; no loss on the Union side. Skirmish near Clinton, La.; Union repulse. 

Dec. 29. Gen. Sherman driven back from Vicksburg, with heavy loss. 

Dec. 30. Gen. Sherman abandons the siege of Vicksburg. Bridges destroyed on the 
railroad east of Knoxville by Carter's expedition; 400 rebels captured. The iron steamer 
Monitor foundered off Hatteras, 16 men lost. Battle of Parker's Cross Roads, Tenn. 
Rebels defeated with loss of 1,000; Union loss about 100. 

Dec. 31. Beginning of the battle of Stone River; ten hours' continuous fighting. Gen. 
McClernand succeeds Gen. Sherman at Vicksburg, and Union army retires to Milliken's 
Bend. 

1863. 

Jan. 1. President Lincoln issues Emancipation Proclamation. Galveston, Tex., cap- 
tured by the rebels under Magruder; the gunboat Harriet Lane captured, the Westfield 
blown up, Commander Renshaw killed, and the Union garrison of 300 captured. 

Jan. 2. Three days' battle of Stone River ended in defeat of the rebels; Union loss 
was 1,533 killed, 1,375 wounded; rebel loss over io,oco, of whom 9,000 were killed or 
wounded. 

Jan. 3. Rebel camp surprised at LaGrange, Ark., a few wounded and captured. Rebels 
attack Moorfield. Va.. and are driven off, but get 65 prisoners. 

Jan. 5. Slight reverse to Union troops in Hardy County, Va., 33 captured. Rebel fort 
en Little River, N. C, captured; no Union loss. 

Jan. 8. Fight at Springfield, Mo.; after ten hours the rebels retreat. Union force 
from Yorktown, Va., make a raid to the Pamunky River, destroy the ferry boat, sloops, 
a steamer, railroad depot, etc., and return without loss. Descent upon a rebel camp near 
Ripley, Tenn., 8 killed, 20 wounded, 46 taken; no Union loss. 

Jan. 9. Col. Ludlow effects an exchange of prisoners, by which 20,000 men are 
restored to the Union army. 

Jan. 10. Skirmish at Catlett's Station, Va. 

Jan. 11. U. S. Steamer Hatteras sunk off Galveston by the Alabama. Capture of 
Arkansas Post by Gen. McClernand; Union loss nearly 1,000; rebel loss over 5,000, with 
all their arms and supplies. Rebels beaten at Hartsville, Mo. 

Jan. 12. A brigantine prize to the rebel privateer Retribution, retaken from the prize 
crew by a Yankee woman, wife of the captain of the brigantine, who made the rebels drunk, 
put them in irons, and brought the vessel into St. Thomas. Rebel raid upon Holly Springs, 
Miss. 

Jan. 13. Gunboat Major Slidell and three boats with wounded troops captured by 
guerrillas on the Cumberland River, the wounded men robbed and all but one of the boats 
burned. 

Jan. 14. Rebel gunboat Cotton in Bayou Teche, La., destroyed; Com. Buchanan of 
the Union expedition killed. Gunboat Queen of the West captured in Red River by the 
rebels. 

Jan. 15. Mound City, Ark., burnt to clear out the guerrillas. Seventeen of a party of 
Union couriers captured near Helena, Ark. 

Jan. 16. U. S. Steamer Columbia stranded at Masonboro Inlet; her officers surren- 
dered to the rebels. Duvall's Bluff, on White River, Ark., taken without opposition. Rebel 
pirate Oreto escaped from Mobile. 

Jan. 17. Des Arc, Ark., taken without opposition. Pollockville, N. C, taken; rebels 
retreat. 

Jan. 19. Reconnoissance to Burnt Ordinary, Va.. and daring charge of 12 Union 
cavalry through 100 rebels to recapture prisoners. 

Jan. 20. Army of the Potomac moves down the Rappahannock. 

Jan. 21. Rebel camp broken up near Columbia, Mo. Gen. Fitz John Porter dismissed 
from the service. 

Jan. 22. Gen. Burnside's second attempt to cross the Rappahannock foiled by a heavy 
storm. 

Jan. 23. Arkansas Post evacuated after destroying the fort. 

Jan. 25. Organization of the first regiment of colored volunteers completed at Port 

764 



1863 — Continued. 

Royal. Attack by rebels on the railroad near Nashville; they were repulsed. Rebel picket 
station near Kinston, N. C, captured. 

Jan. 26. Gen. Hooker succeeds Gen. Burnside in command of the Potomac army. 
Lower batteries at Vicksburg shelled by the gunboat Chillicothe. Skirmish at Woodbury, 
Tenn;. 25 rebels killed and 100 captured. 

Jan. 27. Rebels driven out of Bloomfield, Mo.; 52 taken. Bombardment of Fort Mc- 
Allister, Ga., by the iron-clad Montauk and other boats; the fort not reduced. Skirmish 
on Bayou Plaquemine, La. 

Jan. 28. A steamer and 300 rebels captured near Van Buren, Mo. 

Jan. 29. Gen. Banks promulgates the Emancipation Proclamation at New Orleans. 
A fight with Indians at Bear River, Washington Territory; the Indians defeated with great 
loss. Gen. McClernand lands opposite Vicksburg. 

Jan. 30. Gunboat Isaac Smith captured in Stone River by rebels. Guerrilla camp near 
Dyersburg, Tenn., broken up; 34 killed. Fight at Deserted House, near Suffolk, Va. 

Jan. 31. Attack upon the Charleston blockading fleet by three iron-clad steamers from 
the harbor; the Mercedite sunk. Cavalry skirmish near Nashville; rebels whipped with 
loss of 12 killed, 12 wounded, and 300 prisoners. Trouble in Morgan county, Indiana, about 
arresting deserters;- attack on U. S. troops; the deserters were held. Union troops enter 
Shelbyville, Ky. 

Feb. 1. Second attack on Fort McAllister, Ga. ; the fort was not taken; its com- 
mander was killed; the Union vessels were not injured. Franklin, Tenn., occupied by 
Union forces. Rebel attack on Island No. 10; they seized a transport, but were quickly 
put to flight by a gunboat. Rebel camp at Middleton, Tenn., broken up; 100 prisoners 
taken. 

Feb. 2. The ram Queen of the West runs the blockade at Vicksburg. 

Feb. 3. Guerrillas routed at Mingo Swamp, Mo.; 9 killed and 20 wounded. Recon- 
noissance into eastern Tennessee; skirmishes with rebels. Rebels defeated in attack on 
Fort Donelson. 

Feb. 4. Cavalry dash upon Batesville, Ark.; rebels driven out and some killed or 
captured. Ram Fulton disabled by a rebel battery at Cypress Bend; she was saved by our 
gunboats. Skirmish near Lake Providence, La.; 30 rebels killed. 

Feb. 5. Skirmish on Bear Creek, Mo.; rebels routed. Skirmish near Stafford's 
Store, Va. 

Feb. 6. Union raid upon Middleburgh, Va.; several rebels taken. Rebels captured 
the mailcoach near Winchester, Va., but it is retaken the same day. 

Feb. 7. A squadron of Union cavalry fall into an ambush near Williamsburg, Va., and 
lose about 40 men. Dawson, a guerrilla leader, and several men taken near Dyersburgh, 
Tenn. Rebel Secretary of State declares Galveston and Sabine Pass open to commerce. 

Feb. 8. Guerrillas routed near Independence, Mo. Lebanon, Tenn., occupied, and 
600 rebels captured there. Capture of three rebel transports by the Queen of the West, in 
Red River. Circulation of "The Chicago Times" suppressed. 

Feb. 9. Fight at Old River, La.; rebels whipped, with loss of 25 prisoners and 11 
killed or wounded; Union loss 8. Capture of the rebel Indian Agency at Wachita, Texas, 
by loyal Delawares and Shawnees. 

Feb. 12. Skirmish near Smithfield, Va.; capture and recapture of a few men. Skir- 
mish near Bolivar, Tenn., 11 rebels killed. Gunboat Indianola runs the Vicksburg bat- 
teries. 

Feb. 14. Union cavalry surprised at Anandale, Va.; 15 killed and missing and several 
wounded. Queen of the West gets aground near Gordon's Landing, is disabled by rebel 
cannon and abandoned. 

Feb. 15. Cavalry fight near Gainesville, Tenn.; rebels beaten. Rebels attack a train 
near Nolansville, Tenn., but were driven off with loss. Fight at Arkadelphia, Ark.; rebels 
routed, losing 26; Union loss, 14. 

Feb. 17. Forage train captured by rebels near Romney, Va. Order suppressing "The 
Chicago Times" rescinded. 

Feb. 18. Mortar boats open fire upon Vicksburg. Clifton, Tenn., destroyed by Union 
troops. Disloyal State Convention at Frankfort, Ky., dispersed by military. 

Feb. 19. Rebels near Cold Water, Miss., surprised and routed; 15 taken and 9 killed 
or wounded. Hopefield, Ark., opposite Memphis, a guerrilla nest, burnt by order of Gen. 

765 



1863 — Continued. 

Hurlbut. ''The Constitution,'' newspaper at Keokuk, Iowa,, sacked by soldiers from the 
hospital. 

Feb. 20. Gunboat reconnoissance up the Rappahannock; a rebel batter}- silenced. 
Guerrilla raid upon Shakertown. Ky. ; some cars destroyed. 

Feb. 22. Union scout to Florence and Tuscumbia, Ala.; cotton, horses, mules and 
negroes taken. Yazoo Pass expedition reaches Moon Lake. 

Feb. 22,. Fight at Greenville. Miss.; a Union major killed. Skirmish near Athens, 
Ky. A rebel robbing party of 700' operating in Eastern Kentucky. 

Feb. 24. Gunboat Indianola captured near Grand Gulf, Miss., by four rebel steamers. 

Feb. 25. Cavalry fight near Hartwood Church.. Va.: rebels routed, but escape across 
Kelby's Ford. Rebels dispersed at Licktown, Ky. 

Feb. 26. Cavalry skirmish on the Strasburg road; Union loss 200. Cherokee Na- 
tional Council repeals the Ordinance of Secession, abolishes slavery, disqualifies disloyalists 
and adjourns. Guerrillas capture a government freight train near Woodburn, Tenn., take 
the property and set the locomotive off under full steam to smash' a passenger train, but 
did not succeed. 

Feb. 27. Skirmish 15 miles from Newbern, N. C. ; rebels routed, with loss of 3 killed 
and 48 prisoners; Union, 1 wounded. 

Feb. 28. Rebel iron-clad Nashville captured in Ogeeche River, while beginning her 
first voyage. 

Mar. 1. Union dash into Bloomfield. Mo.; provost-marshal and 20 prisoners taken. 
Rebels at Aldia. Va.. capture 50 Union cavalry. Fight near Bradyville. Tenn.; Duke's guer- 
rillas routed with heayy loss. 

Mar. 2. Sharp contest on the Salem pike, 16 miles from Murfreesboro, between the 
regulars of Rosecrans' arm}- and a large force from Bragg' s: the rebels twice beaten. 
Slight cavalry fight near Petersburg, Tenn.; rebels routed, with 12 killed and 20 wounded. 
Thirty of Moseby's guerrillas taken near Aldie, Ya. 

Mar. 3. Fort McAllister. Ga., again bombarded without success. 

Mar. 4. Rebels routed near Chapel Hill, Tenn. ; 12 killed and 72 captured. Skirmishes 
at Skeet and Swan Quarter, N. C. ; rebels beaten, 28 killed; Union loss 18. 

Mar. 5. Fight at Thompson's Station, near Franklin, Tenn. ; X T nionists defeated and 
the whole force captured. 

Mar. 6. Gen. Hunter orders the drafting of negroes in the Department of the South. 

Mar. 7. A scouting expedition from Belle Plain. Ya., returned with several rebel 
prisoners and much property. 

Mar. 8. Moseby dashed into Fairfax and captured Brig.-Gen. Stoughton and 30 men, 
with all their arms and horses. A company of rebel cavalry captured near Newbern, N. C, 
by the 43d Massachusetts. 

Mar. 9. Small rebel force captured below Port Hudson. Skirmish near Bolivar, 
Tenn.; 18 guerrillas taken. Skirmish at Blackwater Bridge, Va. Skirmish on Amite River, 
La.; rebels dispersed. 

Mar. 10. Jacksonville. Fla., captured by the 1st South Carolina (colored) regiment. 
Several rebels captured at Rutherford Creek, Tenn. Attack on guerrillas near Covington, 
Tenn. ; 25 killed and many captured. 

Mar. 11. Guerrillas repulsed in attack upon a train 12 miles from Paris, Ky. 

Mar. 12. Reconnoissance from Franklin. Tenn.. returned, having driven the rebels, 
without fighting, beyond Duck River: Union loss in the few skirmishes. 9. 

Mar. 13. Fort Greenwood, on the Tallahatchie, Tenn.. silenced by gunboats but not 
taken. Skirmish at Berwick City. La.; rebels dispersed. Signal Station at Spanish Wells, 
S. C. surprised and burned by the rebels; 9 prisoners taken. 

Mar. 14. Admiral Farragut. with seven of his fleet, passed Port Hudson, after a fierce 
engagement, in which the Mississippi was disabled and burned by order of the Admiral. 
Newbern. N. C. attacked by rebels; the gunboats came up and dispersed the enemy. 
Reconnoitering force returned to Murfreesboro. after 11 days' work, with 50 rebel prisoners. 

Mar. 15. "The Jeffersonian" newspaper office at Richmond. Ind., destroyed by Union 
soldiers. 

Mar. 17. Attack on rebel works near Franklin. Va. ; our troops driven off. with 15 
killed or wounded. Cavalry fight at Kelly's Ford. Va. ; Fitzhugh Lee routed and pursued 
six miles. 

766 



1863 — Cofitinued. 

Mar. 18. Skirmishing at Berwick Bay, La.; 10 rebels killed and 20 wounded. 

Mar. 19. Steamer Georgiana, with arms for the rebels, destroyed off Charleston. 
Skirmish on Duck River, Tenn. 

Mar. 20. Admiral Farragut's boats reach the canal below Vicksburg. Battle near 
Milton, Tenn.; rebels defeated, losing 400 men. 

Mar. 21. Fight at Cottage Grove, Tenn.; rebels defeated with heavy loss. Small fight 
near Seneca, Va. ; loyalists defeated. Expedition up the Bayous returned to the Yazoo, 
after defeating the rebels at Deer Creek and destroying 2,000 bales of cotton, 50,000 bushels 
of corn and all the houses on the route. 

Mar. 22. Union force of 50 defeated by Quantrell at Blue Spring, Mo., with loss of 14. 
Mount Sterling, Ky., captured by guerrillas. 

Mar. 24. Pontachoula, La., taken by Union troops. 

Mar. 25. Union ram Lancaster and Switzerland undertook to run the rebel batteries 
at Vicksburg; Lancaster sunk and Switzerland disabled. Brentwood, Tenn., captured and 
sacked by rebels; they were pursued, dispersed, many killed and their plunder retaken. 

Mar. 26. Expedition returned to Carthage, Tenn., with 28 rebel prisoners. Gen. 
Burnside takes command of the Department of the Ohio. 

Mar. 27. Fast day in the rebel states. Jacksonville, Fla., burned by the Union troops. 
Steamer Hartford passed the rebel batteries at Warrenton, Miss. 

Mar. 28. Gunboat Diana captured by the rebels at Pattersonville, La. Coles Island, 
S. C, taken by Union troops. Steamer Sam Gaty plundered by guerrillas at Sibley, Mo. 
Expeditionary force returned to Belle Plain, Va., having foraged along Northern Neck, 
destroying ferries, burned a schooner and taken some prisoners. 

Mar. 29. Party of blockade runners taken at Poplar Creek, Md. Sharp fight near 
Somerville, Tenn., rebels beaten off; Union loss 40. 

Mar. 30. Battle near Somerville, Ky. ; rebels under Pegram routed with great loss. 
Washington, N. C, attacked by Hill and Pettigrew; gunboats drove them out of range. 
Mount Pleasant, Va., taken and plundered by Jenkin's rebels; they were driven off with a 
loss of 52. Gen. McClernand took Richmond, Miss., after a sharp fight. 

Mar. 31. Gen. Herron appointed to command the Army of the Frontier. 

April 1. Admiral Farragut fought and passed the Grand Gulf batteries with the Hart- 
ford, Switzerland and Albatross, without serious damage. Fight with Moseby near Broad 
Run, Va. 

April 2. Women's Bread Riot at Richmond, Va. Skirmish at Woodbury, Tenn.; 12 
rebels killed or wounded and 30 taken. Admiral Farragut went to Red River, destroying 
rebel boats. Gunboat St. Clair disabled by rebels above Fort Donelson; she was saved 
by another boat. Battle at Snow Hill, Tenn.; rebel cavalry routed, with 50 killed and 
wounded and 60 prisoners; Union loss 3. 

April 3. Arrest of Knights of the Golden Circle at Reading, Pa. Skirmishing party 
returned to Fayetteville, Ark., after four skirmishes, in which 2 rebel captains were killed, 
1 wounded; 22 men killed and 7 wounded. 

April 4. Unionists repulsed with loss of 5 men in attempt to capture rebel battery 
on Pamlico River, N. C. Palmyra, Tenn., burned by the gunboat Lexington. 

April 5. Troops sent from Newbern to rescue Gen. Foster, besieged in Washington, 
N. C. Skirmish on Black Bayou, La. 

April 6. Rebel camp at Green Hill, Tenn., broken up; 5 killed. 15 taken. 

April 7. Bombardment of Fort Sumpter by Admiral Dupont; the fleet driven off; fort 
little injured. U. S. Gunboat Barataria lost in Amite River, La. Successful foray into 
Gloucester county, Va. 

April 8. Gunboat George Washington, stranded in Broad River, S. C, attacked by 
rebels and blown up. 

April 9. Pascagoula, Miss., taken by a Union force from Ship Island, but abandoned 
same day. Fight at Blount's Mills, N. C. ; Unionists driven off with small loss. 

April 10. Battle at Franklin, Tenn.; Van Dorn's attack repulsed; Union loss about 
100. Rebels routed near Germantown, Ky. Skirmish near Waverly, Tenn.; 21 Unionists 
taken prisoners. 

April 11. Col. Straight's raiding force left Nashville for Georgia. Union cavalry 
camp near Williamsburg, Va., broken up by rebel attack. 

767 



1S62— Continued. 

April 12. Iron-clad fleet leaves Charleston harbor. Skirmish near Gloucester Point, 
Va. Lieut. -Col. Kimball killed by Gen. Corcoran. 

April 13. Transport Escort ran the batteries below Washington, N. C. bringing aid 
for Gen. Foster. Skirmish near Suffolk. Va. 

April 14. Battle at Bayou Teche. La.: rebels defeated and their three gunboats — 
Diana. Hart and Queen of the West — destroyed;; L'nion loss about 350: rebel much larger. 
Gen. Foster escaped from Washington. X. C. by running the rebel blockade in the 
steamer Escort. Rebel batten." on Xausemond River silenced by gunboats. 

April 15. Franklin. La., occupied by L'nion troops. Rebels raise the siege of Wash- 
ington. X. C. Fight with and defeat of Indians 70 miles south of Salt Lake City. Fighting 
continued on the Xansemond River. Dash upon Pikeville. Ky. : 17 rebel officers and 61 
privates captured. 

April 16. Admiral Porter's fleet of eight gunboats and several transports ran past the 
Vi zks burg batteries, losing only one transport and no men. Fight with Indians at Medalia, 
Minn. 

April 17. Skirmish near Suffolk. Ya. Col. Grierson's famous cavalry raiding force 
started from La Grange. Tenn. Skirmish at Bear Creek: rebels defeated. Skirmish 
Vermilion Bayou. La.; rebels driven off. 

April 18. Reconnoitering party at Sabine Pass captured by concealed rebels: Capt 
McDermott. of gunboat Cayuga, killed. Rebels repulsed in an attack on Fayetteville. Ark. 

April 19. Cavalry skirmishing near Hernando. Miss., with varying success 

April 20. Opelousas. La., occupied by L'nion forces. Cavalry skirmish near Helena. 
Ark. Fight at Patterson. Mo.: no decisive results; Union loss 50. Bute a la Rose. La., 
captured by L'nion gunboats 

April 21. Skirmish and capture :: a few rebels near Berryville. Va. 

April 22. Rebel raid on Tompkinsville. Ky. : court-house burned. Seven loyal cavalry- 
men, after being made prisoners In Cedar County. Mo., stripped and shot by guerrillas. 
McMinnville. Tenn.. occupied by L'nion troops. Three hundred rebels routed near Stras- 
burg. Va.. with loss of 40: L'nion loss 2. 

April 23. Skirmish at Chuckatuck. Ya. 

April 24. Tuscumbia. Ala., occupied, the rebels being driven out. Rebels defeated 
at Weber Falls. Ark. Skirmishing near Suffolk. Ya. Unionists defeated at Beverly, Ya. 

April 25. Rebel shore batteries silenced at Duck River Shoals. Tennessee River, by 
gunboats; 25 rebels killed and wounded. Fight at Greenland Gap. Va.: rebels severely 
punished. 

April 26. Thirty rebel cotton-gins and mills, and 350.000 bushels of corn destroyed by 
a raid to Deer Creek. Miss. Cape Girardeau, Mo., attacked by Marmaduke's rebels. 
who were defeated with great loss. 

April 27. Gen. Hooker begins his movement on Fredericksburg. A Texas legion 
captured near Franklin, Tenn. 

April 28. Hooker crosses the Rappahannock. Marmaduke overtaken and defeated 
near Jackson, Mo. Skirmish near Mill Spring. Mo. 

April 29. Fairmount. Ya.. taken by the rebels, who lost about 100: L'nion loss slight. 
Bombardment of Grand Gulf. Miss., by Porter's fleet: rebel works greatly damaged: fleet 
ierably injured: 20 killed and many wounded. 

April 30. Gen. Grant's army lands near Port Gibson. Miss. Rebel battery on the 
Xansemond River silenced. Fifty-two L'nion cavalry captured near Spotsylvania. Ya. : 58 
others cut their way out. 

May 1. Battle of Port Gibson, (beginning of Grant's march to Vicksburg); 11.000 
rebels defeated: 500 taken: they retreat toward Vicksburg. Fight at Monticello. Ky. : rebels 
:i. Skirmish near Lagrange. Ark.: L'nionists defeated with loss of 41. Fight at 
'- Quay on the Xansemond: rebels defeated with great loss: L'nion loss 41. 

May 2. Battle of Chancellorsville between the armies of Hooker and Lee: L'nion army, 
checked after a fierce fight: Stonewall Jackson wounded. Marmaduke's rebels driven into 
Arkansas. Col. Grierson's raiders reached Baton Rouge. La., after 15 days of work on 
the Mississippi: they defeated the rebels several times, destroying railroads, bridges, and 
captured many pris 

May 3. Col. Straig n raiding force of 1.500 captured near Gadsen. Ala. Sec- 

ond day's battle of Chancellorville: L/nion troops repulsed: heavy loss on both sides. 



1863 — Continued. 

Moseby's guerrillas routed near Warrenton Junction, Va. The colored regiment returned 
to Beaufort from the Cambahee River raid; they captured 800 slaves and destroyed $2,000,- 
goo worth of rebel property. 

May 4. Battle of Chancellorville continued; Unionists forced back. Capt. Dwight 
murdered, after surrender, by rebels, at Washington, La. 

May 5. Vallandigham arrested. A rebel company captured near Peltie's Mills, S. C. ; 
no Union loss. Fort De Russy, Red River, occupied by Union forces. 

May 6. Hooker retreats safely across the Rappahannock. Alexandria, Miss., occu- 
pied by Union troops. Fight near Tupelo, Miss.; rebels whipped and lose 90 prisoners. 

May 7. Col. Kilpatrick's cavalry, after marching around Lee's army, arrived at 
Gloucester Point, Va. Reconnoissance from the Peninsula to White House; some prisoners 
retaken from the rebels. 

May 8. An attack upon Port Hudson commenced. 

May 9. Bombardment of Port Hudson continued; no reply. Scouting on Stone 
River, Tenn.; some rebels taken. 

May 10. Stonewall Jackson died. The ship West Florida ran ashore on Galveston 
Island by the Owasco and Kahtadin. Port Hudson assault renewed. 

May 11. Fight at Greasy Creek, Ky. ; Unionists defeated with loss of 25; rebel loss 
nearly 100. Crystal Springs, Miss., burned by Union cavalry. 

May 12. Battle of Raymond, Miss.; McPherson defeats the rebels under Gregg. Rail- 
road bridge destroyed by Unionists at Hammond Station, La. Skirmish and rebels de- 
feated near Woodburn, Ky. Union raid upon Linden, Tenn. ; court-house burned. 

May 13. Yazoo City, Miss., captured by gunboats; rebels escape; $2,000,000 of prop- 
erty destroyed. Guerrillas and Indians defeated at Pontachula, Miss.; their camp destroyed. 
Skirmish, and rebels worsted at South Union, Ky. 

May 14. Jackson, Miss., captured by Gen. Grant; Gen. Johnson retreats northward. 
Hammond Station, La., destroyed by Union forces. Skirmish, and rebel cavalry dispersed 
near Fairfax C. H., Va. 

May 15 Grant defeats Pemberton at Edwards Station, Miss. Rebel Camp Moore, 
La., captured and destroyed, with the railroad depot. Corbin and Graw executed at San- 
dusky, O., for recruting within Union lines. Sharp cavalry fighting near Suffolk. 

May 16. Battle of Champion Hill, Aliss. ; Grant drives Pemberton to Big Black 
River. Union cavalry company captured at Charleston, Va.; retaken; 40 rebels captured. 
Skirmish and 18 rebels taken near Cripple Creek, Tenn. Union cavalry routed with loss 
near Suffolk. Skirmish at Berry's Ferry, Va.; Union prisoners retaken from Moseby. 

May 17. Battle at the crossing of Big Black, Miss.; Pemberton restarts toward Vicks- 
burg, after great loss. Union forces under Gen. Sherman destroy railroads and march 
toward Vicksburg. 

May 18. Grant invests Vicksburg. Haines Bluff abandoned by the rebels and taken 
by Admiral Porter. Skirmish near Sherwood, Mo. ; Union defeat. 

May 19. Richmond, Mo., captured by guerrillas; Unionists defeated. Skirmish near 
Winchester, Va.; a few rebels killed and taken. 

May 20. Fighting in front of Vicksburg. Skirmishing near Fayetteville, Va. ; rebels 
defeated. Fight near Fort Gibson, Ark.; rebels driven off. 

May 21. Vicksburg fully invested. Rebel camp broken up near Middleton, Tenn. 

May 22. Assault upon Vicksburg; Grant repulsed after a heavy fight. Successful raid 
into Gloucester county, Va. Reconoissance to Green Swamp, N. C. ; many rebels taken. 

May 24. Austin, Miss., burned by Union forces. Guerrillas capture a wagon-train at 
Shawnee Creek, Kan. Gen. Schofield relieves Gen. Curtis in Department of the West. 

May 25. Rebels defeated at Senatobia, Miss. Skirmish at Hartford, Ky. 

May 26. Scouting near McMinnville, Tenn.; skirmishing, and some rebels captured. 
A raid into Alabama started from Corinth, Miss. 

May 27. Gen. Banks assaults Port Fludson, but is repulsed with heavy loss; distin- 
guished bravery of colored troops. Gunboat Cincinnati sunk by rebel batteries at Vicks- 
burg. 

May 28. Successful cavalry scout returned to Hooker's headquarters after eleven days' 
work along the Rappahannock, destroying many sloops and boats and other property, and 
bringing in 800 contrabands. First colored regiment from the North left Boston. Skir- 



769 



1863 — Continued. 

mish and Union defeat near Somerset. Ky. Skirmish near Doniphan. Mo.; Union defeat, 
with loss of So. 

May 29. Skirmish and rebel defeat near Thoroughfare Gap. 

May 30. Earthworks and mines begun by Grant. Rappahannock. Va.. taken by Union 
gunboats. Rebels capture a forage train near Warrenton. surprised: 22 prisoners taken. 

May 31. Raiders return to Corinth. Miss., after destoying seven cotton factories and 
many mills and shops, the bridge at Florence, houses, arms, etc., bringing in 100 prisoners 
and 000 cattle. Fight in Lincoln county. Mo. ; militia defeated by rebels. Scout near 
Monticello. Ky. : 16 rebels taken. Gunboat Alert accidentally burned at Norfolk. Va. 

Tune 1. Blair's reconnoissance from Yicksburg returns, having been successful. Skir- 
mishing in Howard county. Mo. 

June 2. Three thousand rebel prisoners arrive at Indianapolis. Gen. Burnside pro- 
hibits the circulation in the Department of the Ohio of "The Xew York "World" and "The 
Chicago Times." Union troops evacuate West Point. Va. 

June 3. Indian (rebel) prisoners arrive in Xew York. Mass Convention of Peace 
Democrats in Xew York. Admiral Foote ordered to relieve Admiral Dupont at Charles- 
ton. Skirmish near Manchester. Tenn Bombardment of Port Hudson continued. 

June 4. The President revokes Gen. Burnside's order suppressing "the New York 
World" and "The Chicago Times." Rebel guerrillas defeated near Fairfax. Ya. Fighting 
at Franklin and Triune. Tenn. ; rebels defeated with heavy loss. Gen. Gilmore goes to 
relieve Gen. Hunter of command of Department of the South. Blufrton. S. C. burned by 
Union troops. Fight at Satartia. ZSIiss. : 100 rebels taken. Simonsport. La., destroyed by 
Union gunboats. 

June 5. Guerrillas routed at Liberty. Tenn. A division of Hooker's army crosses 
the Rappahannock and captures 96 prisoners. Raid to Warwick River. Ya.; rebel boats 
destroyed. 

June 6. Fight at Miliken's Bend; rebels defeated mainly by negro troops: this right 
occurred opposite and during the siege of Yicksburg. 

June 8. District of the Frontier set off and given to Gen. Blunt. Two rebel spies 
shot at Franklin. Tenn. Reconnoissance on the Chickahominy. 

June 9. Meeting of editors in Xew York about censorship of the press. Fight at 
Beverly Ford. Ya.. with Stuart's cavalry: Union victor}-. Explosion in Fort Lyon, near 
Alexandria: 30 men killed. L T nion cavalry returns to Winchester. Ya.. with several pris- 
oners. More of Hooker's army cross the Rappahannock, at Kelly's Ford, without opposi- 
tion. Skirmish at Triune. Tenn. : rebels repulsed. 

June 10. An enrolling officer murdered at Manville. Ind. Fighting near Monticello, 
Ky. : rebels defeated. Rebels repulsed at Lake Providence by negro troops. 

June 11. Col. Montgomery leaves Hilton Head with his colored regiment for a raid 
in Georgia. Preparations in Pennsylvania to repel rebel invasion. Rebel cavalr\ T cross 
the Potomac at Poole sville. but are driven back. Meeting in Xew York to raise colored 
troops. Peace Democratic meeting in Brooklyn. Yallandigham nominated for governor 
of Ohio. Lee's army begins to move up the Rappahannock. Rebels attack Triune. Tenn.. 
and are driven off. Steamer Maple Leaf, from Fortress Monroe, seized by rebel prisoners. 

June 12. L'nion gunboats shell the shores of James River. Darien. Ga.. burned by 
Unionists. L'nion cavalry near Port Fludson captured. Skirmish near Middletown. Ya.: 
rebels defeated. Rebel Cruiser Clarence captured six vessels off the Chesapeake, comert- 
ing one (the Tacony) into a cruiser. Gen. Corcoran leaves Suffolk. Ya.. with a strong 
force. Gen. Hunter relieved from command of Department of the South. Attack upon 
Morris Island by our gunboats: rebels attack our troops on Folly Island. 

June 13. Rebels plunder a railway train at Elizabethtown. Ky. Skirmish on Slate 
Creek. Ky. : Union defeat. Lee surrounds Milroy at Winchester; part of garrison taken. 
Hooker's army in rapid march toward Maryland. Skirmish and rebel defeat near Bos- 
ton. Ky. 

June 14. Gen. Banks attacks Port Hudson and is repulsed. English and Austrian 
consuls sent away from Richmond. Rebel raid upon Maysviile. Ky. 

June 15. Lee Marches into Maryland. President calls for 100.000 men to repel inva- 
sion. Immense excitement in Pennsylvania. The Potomac army at old Bull Run battle- 
field. Enrollment resisted in Boone county. Ind. Rebels who attacked Maysviile caught: 
their plunder and 100 prisoners taken. 

Ti 



1863 — Continued. 

June 16. Lee's advance north of Chambersburg. Gen. Milroy arrives at Harper's 
Ferry; rebel attack there unsuccessful. Skirmish near Aldia. 

June 17. The rebels advance at Westminster, Haggerstown and Chambersburg. New 
York troops start for Harrisburg. Cavalry fight at Thoroughfare Gap. Skirmish on the 
Blackwater. Rioters in Holmes county, Ohio, resist enrollment; they are put down by 
military. Skirmish near Big Westport, Mo. Rebel iron-clad Nashville captured in War- 
saw Sound. 

June 18. Seventeen hundred of Milroy 's men arrive safely at Bedford, Pa. Rebels 
burn canal boats at Hancock, Md. Small skirmish with Lee's invaders in Maryland. 
Skirmishing near Aldia. Union defeat near Hernando, Miss. 

June 19. Rebel cavalry cross the Ohio into Harrison county, Ind. ; 50 of them captured. 

June 20. Gen. Schenck suppresses disloyal papers in Baltimore. Cavalry fight near 
■New Baltimore. Vicksburg bombarded. 

June 21. Brilliant cavalry fight, and rebels whipped at Aldia Gap. Skirmish near New 
Baltimore; Unnionists repulsed. Skirmish at Low Creek, W. Va.; rebels beaten. Rebels 
defeated at Lafourche Crossing, La. 

June 22. Skirmish at Frederick, Md. ; rebels driven out. 

June 22). Rebels occup}- Chambersburg, Pa. Skirmish near Gettysburg. Gunboat 
Sumpter sunk by accident off Cape Henry. Union raiding force from East Tennessee, 
where they made great havoc. 

June 24. Gen. Lee's army advances to Shippensburg and Haggerstown. The pirate 
Tacony destroys fishing vessels off New England coast. Union raiding force returned 
from Northern Mississippi, after much success. Gen. Rosecrans' army in motion; skir- 
mishes at Guy's Gap and Liberty Like. 

June 25. Rebels near Carlisle, Pa. Fight at Liberty Gap; the rebels routed. 

June 26. Rebels occupy Gettysburg. Unionists evacuate Carlisle. Skirmish at South 
Anna, Va.; Gen. W. F. Lee captured. Death of Admiral Foote. 

June 27. The Potomac army northwest of Baltimore. Cavalry fight at Fairfax; Union 
defeat. Rosecrans' army occupies Manchester, Tenn., after slight resistance; also Shelby- 
ville. 

June 28. Gen. Hooker superseded by Gen. Meade. Rebels occupy York and threaten 
Harrisburg. Rebels capture a train near Rockviile, Md. ; also sutler's stores at Annandale, 
A"a. Skirmish at Columbia Bridge, Pa. Enrollment in Indiana enforced by military. 
Rebels defeated at Donaldsville, La. 

June 29. Rebels driven from Decherd, Tenn. 

June 30. Mines exploded and rebel outworks breached at Vicksburg. Cavalry fight at 
Hanover. 

July 1. Rebels repulsed in attack on Carlisle, La. First day's battle at Gettysburg; 
rebel advance checked; Gen. Reynolds killed. Bragg retreats before Rosecrans; Tulla- 
homa occupied by Union advance. 

July 2. Second day of battle of Gettysburg; no especial advantage to either side; rebel 
losses very heavy. Skirmish at Bottom's Bridge, Va. 

July 3. Final battle of Gettysburg; Pickett's charge and defeat; complete Union vic- 
tory. Lee withdrew at night, marching back toward Virginia. PemBerton proposes terms 
for the surrender of Vicksburg; Grant refuses anything short of unconditional surrender. 

July 4. Surrender of Vicksburg and Pemberton's entire army of 35.000 men. Lee's 
army rapidly retreating to the Potomac. Rebel attack on Helena. Ark., repulsed. Morgan, 
the guerrilla, whipped at Green River Bridge, Ky. 

July 5. Vallandigham arrives at Halifax. Raid from Newbern to Warsaw. X. C. 

July 6. John Morgan's rebels invade Indiana and capture Corydon. 

July 7. Two steamboats captured by rebels at Brandenburg. Ky. Bragg retreats 
across the Tennesse, destroying the Bridgeport bridge. 

July 8. Surrender of Port Hudson; the Mississippi opened. 

July 9. Rebel cavalry defeated at Boonsboro. Md.. with heavy loss. Raiding party 
to destroy Lee's communication with Richmond return to Fortress Monroe. 

July 10. Gilmore lands on Morris Island, taking all the rebel works except Forts 
Wagner and Gregg, which are shelled by the Monitors. Union forces under Sherman 
occupy Jackson, Miss. Rebels defeated at Big Creek, Ark. Cavalry fight on the old An- 

771 



1863 — Continued. 

tietam field. Lee in fortifications opposite Williamsport. Morgan burns depot at Salem, 
Ind. 

July ii. Morgan burns railroad bridge at Vienna, Ind. 

July 12. Morgan gets into Ohio. Martial law in Cincinnati, Newport and Covington. 
Fight at Jackson, Miss. 

July 13. Great Draft Riot in New York; many buildings destroyed; "The Tribune*' 
office assaulted; Colored Orphan Asylum burned; several negroes killed. Bragg occupies 
Chattanooga. Rebel cavalry defeated at Jackson, Tenn. Yazoo City taken by Union 
troops. Union defeat at Bayou Lafouche, La.; 210 taken prisoners. 

July 14. New York riot continues; military called out; several conflicts., and some 
rioters killed; Gov. Seymour issues a proclamation. Lee gets his army safely across the 
Potomac; Union forces capture a few stragglers at Falling Waters. 

July 15. New Y'ork riot continues; cars and stages stopped; two negroes killed; 
military attacked; Col. O'Brien killed. Cavalry skirmish near Charleston, Va. Riots in 
Troy and Boston. Jeff. Davis calls out white men from 18 to 45 to serve three years. 

July 16. Last days of the New York riot; a great many rioters killed. Rebels defeated 
near Fort Gibson, Ark. Rebel dash upon Hickman, Ky. Rebels defeated at Elk Creek, 
Indian Territory. 

July 17. Orders given to enforce the draft at all hazards. Huntsville, Ala., taken by 
Union troops. Rebels evacuate Jackson, Miss. 

July 18. Gillmore assaults Fort Wagner, but fails to take it. Rebels defeated at 
Wytheville, Va.; the place destroyed and the Tennessee and Virginia railroad broken. 
Raid from Newbern into North Carolina. Four hundred rebels captured at Rienzi, Miss. 

July 19. Fighting with Morgan at Buffington Island; 300 of his men taken. 

July 20. Basil Duke and a portion of Morgan's force taken near Pomeroy, O.; Mor- 
gan escaped. 

■July 21. Gen. Joe Johnston retreats to Brandon, Miss. Union raid to Tar River and 
Rocky Mount, N. C. 

July 22. Skirmish near Nolan's Ferry on the Potomac. Skirmish at Chester Gap, Va. 
Brashear City, La., recaptured by Union gunboats. 

July 23. Engagement at Manassas Gap, Va. ; 300 rebels killed or wounded, 60 prisoners. 

July 24. Skirmish with Morgan's men at Washington, Ohio. 

July 26. John Morgan and all his men captured near New Lisbon, Ohio. Rebels 
defeated at Lexington, Term. 

July 27. Rebels drive Union forces out of Richmond, Ky. 

July 29. Rebels defeated at Paris, Ky. 

July 30. President Lincoln issued an order for retaliation in case of barbarous treat- 
ment of Union soldiers. 

July 31. Lee's and Meade's armies again on the Rappahannock. Rebels take Stan- 
ford, Ky., but are quickly driven out. 

Aug. 1. Heavy cavalry fight at Kell's Ford; rebels defeated. Richardson's rebel 
guerrillas driven from West Tennessee. A doleful proclamation issued by Jeff. Davis. 

Aug. 2. The Enfans Perdus, of New York, capture 500 rebels at Folly Island. 

Aug. 3. — Skirmish near Kelly's Ford. Gen. Foster goes up James River on recon- 
noissance; his boat attacked at Dutch Gap; he returns safe. 

Aug. 4. Skirmish near Brandy Station. Steamer Ruth accidentally burned below 
Cairo. 

Aug. 5. Union raid upon Woodville, Miss.; railroad broken. 

Aug. 6. Gen. Sibley reports three battles and defeat of the hostile Indians in Minne- 
sota. 

Aug. 10. Admiral Farragut arrived with his flagship at New York. 

Aug. 12. Robert Toombs publishes a letter exposing the bankruptcy of the Con- 
federacy. 

Aug. 14. Some Union Signal officers captured near Warrenton, Va. Gillmore tries 
the range of his heavy guns towafds Sumpter. 

Aug. 15. Union cavalry returns to Corinth, Miss., with 250 prisoners just conscripted 
by Forrest. 

Aug. i6. Accidental explosion of the City of Madison, ammunition boat, at Vicksburg; 
about 150 men killed. 

772 



1863 — Continued. 

Aug. 17. Grand bombardment of Sumpter begun. 

Aug. 18. Union raid in North Carolina; 30 rebels Rilled near Pasquotank. 

Aug. 19. Union raid upon Granada, Miss.; great destruction of railroad property. 

Aug. 20. Lawrence, Kan., sacked and fired by Quantrell; many citizens murdered. 

Aug. 21. Quantrell's murderers pursued; several skirmishes. Rosecrans' advance 
begins an attack on Chattanooga. Brig Bainbridge foundered; only one man saved. 

Aug. 22. A raid to Pocahontas, Ark. ; 100 rebels captured, including Gen. Jeff. C. 
Thompson and staff. 

Aug. 23. Shells thrown into the city of Charleston, nearly six miles range. Gen. Blunt 
crosses Arkansas River; rebels fall back without fighting. 

Aug. 24. Cavalry skirmish below Fredericksburg. Cavalry skirmish near Fairfax. 
Squad of Union cavalry captured at Annandale. 

Aug. 25. One hundred and twenty-five bodies burned at Lawrence, the victims of 
Quantrell's massacre; 41 of Quantrell's men killed to this date. Rebels under Price and 
Marmaduke defeated at Bayou Metiare, Ark. 

Aug. 26. Union expedition to Bottom's Bridge, Va.; rebels defeated and bridge de- 
stroyed. 

Aug. 27. JohnB. Floyd died at Abingdon, Va. An army train captured near Philippi, 
W. Va., by rebels. 

Aug. 28. Five deserters shot in Potomac army. 

Aug. 30. Rosecrans' army crosses the Tennessee near Chattanooga. 

Aug. 31. About this time guerrillas swarmed in all Western Tennesse and down the 
Mississippi on both sides to Baton Rouge. Fort Smith, Ark., taken by Gen. Blunt. 

Sept. 1. Union expedition in West Virginia under Gen. Averil; return after general 
success. Rebel raid upon Brownville, Tenn. ; the place plundered. 

Sept. 2. Gunboats Satelite and Reliance, lately taken by the rebels, destroyed by a 
Union force. Kingston, Tenn., taken by Burnside. 

Sept. 4. Burnside occupies Knoxville. 

Sept. 5. Skirmish near Moorfield, W. Va.; no loss. Woman's bread riot in Mobile. 

Sept. 6. Rebels evacuate Morris Island; Forts Wagner and Gregg fall into our pos- 
session; 150 rebels killed and wounded. 

Sept. 7. Gen. Burnside tenders his resignation, which is not accepted. A magazine 
exploded by Union shells in Fort Moultrie. 

Sept. 8. Skirmish at Bath, Va. Rebels defeated near Arkadelphia. Ark. 

Sept. 9. Cumberland Gap taken from the rebels by Gen. Shackelford. Union defeat 
at Tilford, Tenn. ; 300 captured. 

Sept. 10. Gen. Rosecrans arrives at Chattanooga; Archbishop Purcell celebrates mass 
in the cathedral. Little Rock, Ark., taken by Union troops without a fight. 

Sept. 12. Union cavalry raid into Mississippi. Sabine Pass expedition returns to New 
Orleans, having utterly failed; two of its small gunboats destroyed. 

Sept. 13. Cavalry fight beyond Culpepper; 40 rebels and 2 guns taken; Gen. Pleasanton 
advances to the Rapidan. Small rebel raid across the Potomac to capture horses. Rebel 
works at Grant's Pass, near Mobile, shelled. 

Sept. 14. Arkansas being rapidly cleared of rebels by Gen. Blunt. 

Sept. 15. The President suspends the writ of Habeas Corpus. 

Sept. 16. Skirmish along Rosecrans' lines; little damage. 

Sept. 17. Cavalry fight at Raccoon Ford; Union repulse. 

Sept. 18. White's cavalry routed at Warrentori, Va. 

Sept. 19. Beginning of the battle of Chickamauga. 

Sept. 20. Battle of Chickamauga rages furiously; Union army defeated. Fight at 
Zollicoffer, Tenn. 

Sept. 21. Rosecrans at night withdraws with part of army From Chickamauga to Chat- 
tanooga. Gen. Thomas holds his position at Chickamauga against Bragg and withdraws 
his army in safety to Chattanooga. Meade's cavalry possess Madison C. H. Rebels seize 
a steam-tug at Southwest Pass, but are caught and the boat recovered. 

Sept. 22. Great cavalry fight and Union victory near Madison C. H. Rebel cavalry 
cross the Potomac near Rockville, but arc driven back. 

Sept. 23. Meade's army reaches the Rapidan. Twelve hundred rebel prisoners, taken at 
Cumberland Gap, arrive in Louisville. 

773 



1863 — Continued. 

Sept. 25. Moseby breaks ihe railroad near Fairfax. Rebels driven out of Donaldson- 
ville. La. 

Sep:. 27. Steamer Robert Campbell burned by rebels at Milliken's Bend; 25 lives lost 

Sept. 2S. Rebels attack Burnside's right wing near Knoxville. but are repulsed. 

Sept. 29. Gen. Hooker arrives in Cincinnati. Two Union regiments defeated above 
Port Hudson. La. 

Sept. 30. Delegation from Missouri visits the President to ask a change of com- 
mander in the Western Department. Rebel cavalry repulsed in trying to cross the Ten- 
nessee near Harrison's Landing. 

Oct. 1. Frequent skirmishes with guerrillas south of the Potomac. 

Oct. 2. Battle of Anderson's Cross Roads. Ky. : rebel cavalry whipped. Explosion 
of an ammunition train near Bridgeport. Tenn. Gen. Gillmore moves his headquarters to 
Folly Island. Gen. Sherman reaches Memphis with 15th Army Corps from Vicksburg. 

Oct. 3. Fight at McMinnville. Tenn. Greek fire thrown into Charleston. Guerrillas 
active near Glasgow. Ky. 

Oct. 4. Four steamers burned at St. Louis by rebel incediaries. Expedition from 
Fortress Monroe to break up guerrilla bands. Rebels attempt to destroy Shelbyville. Tenn. 

Oct. 5. Rebels destroy a large railroad bridge south of Murfreesboro. The rebels 
bombard Chattanooga from Lookout Mountain. Cavalry fight near New Albany. Ala. 
Rebels repulsed in an attack on Murfreesboro. 

Oct. 6. Rebels whipped near Shelbyville. Tenn. Skirmish at Como. Tenn. Rebels 
attempt to destroy the Xew Ironsides with a torpedo: the}- fail: their men taken. 

Oct. 7. Some of our cavalry ambuscaded near Harper's Ferry By Imboden. Part of 
Gen. Blunt's escort whipped by the rebels near Fort Scott: all who surrendered were mur- 
dered. Rebel steamers destroyed on Red River. 

Oct. 8. Fight near Farmingham. Ky. ; rebels defeated. Fight at Salem. Miss.: rebels 
driven oft. 

Oct. 9. Rebels make great efforts to cut Rosecrans' communications, but fail. The 
overland Texas expedition, from New Orleans, reaches Yermillionville. 

Oct. 10. Skirmish near Madison C. H.. Ya. Fight at Blue Springs, near Knoxville. 
L'nion raiding expedition under Col. S. H. Mix. leave Newbern. N. C. : return in a few 
days entirely successful. 

Oct. 11. Much fighting along the Memphis and Charleston railroad: rebels generaliy 
defeated. 

Oct. 12. Skirmishing along our lines on the Rappahannock: Gen. Meade withdraws 
all his army to the north bank. Skirmish at Blackwater. Mo. Fight at White Sulphur 
Springs. Ya. 

Oct. 13. Skirmish at Arrow Rock. Mo. Brisk fight from Catlett's Station to Manassas. 
Rebels under Shelby, in Missouri, defeated by Gen. Brown. Skirmish on the Big Black. 
below Yicksburg. 

Oct. 14. Fight at Bristow Station: rebels defeated: 450 taken prisoners. 

Oct. 15. Skirmishing on the Bull Run battle-field. 

Oct. 16. Rebel raid upon Brownsville. Mo. 

Oct. 17. President Lincoln calls for 300.000 men. Active volunteering for the L'nion 
army in Arkansas. 

Oct. 18. Skirmishing near Stone Bridge and Manassas Junction. 

Oct. 19. Lee recrosses the Rappahannock and marches southward. Secret meetings 
in Xew Orleans to revive the rebel State Government. 

Oct. 20. Gen. Rosecrans. in command at Chattanooga, relieved; Gen. Grant takes 
command. Gen. Blunt relieved of Army of the Frontier. Gen. McNeil taking his place. 
Kilpatrick's cavalry on a raid toward Warrenton. 

Oct. 21. Fight near Philadelphia. East Tennessee. Fight at Cherokee Station, near 
Corinth. Miss.: rebels defeated. 

Oct. 22. Skirmishes at Columbia and Kingston Spring. Tenn. Gen. AverilTs V/nion 
cavalry near Covington. Ya. 

Oct. 23. Rebel raid upon Danville. Tenn. Fighting at Beverly Ford, on the Rappa- 
hannock. Unionists land at Bay St. Louis. Miss., and recapture some prisoners. 

Oct. 24. Guerrillas driven out of Southern Missouri. 

Oct. 25. Whole of 1st Alabama cavalry said to have been captured near Tolanda. Miss. 



1863 — Co?itin ued. 

Oct. 26. Grant starts his movement to relieve Chattanooga. Gen. Hooker's force 
crosses the Tenneessee river, nar Bridgeport. 

Oct. 27. Gen. Hazen, with 1,800 men in boats, floats by rebel pickets on Lookout 
Mountain and seizes Brown's Ferry. Rebel forces move to retake ferry. Hooker defeats 
the rebels at Brown's Ferry. Arkadelphia, Ark., occupied by Union forces about this date. 

Oct. 29. Union prisoners from Richmond, in a state of starvation, arrive at Annapolis; 
some die on the trip from Fortress Monroe. Sixty rebels taken near Columbia, Tenn. 

Oct. 30. Charleston, Mo., robbed by guerrillas. Guerrillas routed near Piney Fac- 
tory, Tenn. Burnside's forces cross the river at Knoxville and occupy Loudon Heights. 
Lleavy bombardment of Charleston, S. C. 

Oct. 31. Banks' expedition lands at Brazos Island. Plot in Ohio to overthrow the 
Government comes to light. Rebel cavalry repulsed at Warrenton. Gen. Hooker wins an 
important victory at Shell Mound, Tenn. Fight at Leiper's Ferry, Tenn. 

Nov. 1. Union raid in northern Alabama; they reach Florence. Skirmish near Wash- 
ington, N. C. Collision on Opelousas Railroad; 16 soldiers killed and 65 wounded. 

Nov. 2. Rebels capture two trains and destroy railroad near Mayfield, Ky. Rebels 
routed at Roan Springs, Tenn. Unsuccessful attempt upon Sumpter by a boat expedition. 

Nov. 3. Rebel cavalry defeated near Columbia, Tenn. Rebels attempt to capture 
Gen. Sherman at Colliersville, Tenn., and are defeated. Rebel Brig.-Gen. Geary captured. 
Gen. Washburne's advance attacked. 

Nov. 4. Banks' expedition take peaceable possession of Brownsville, Texas., on the 
Rio Grande. 

Nov. 5. Rebels continue to shell Chattanooga. Skirmish at Motley's Ford, East Ten- 
nessee. Union camp at Rodgersville, East Tennessee, surprised, and 4 guns and nearly 800 
men taken. 

Nov. 6. Guerrillas plunder in Blandville, Ky. Much excitement about the starvation 
of Union prisoners at Richmond. 

Nov. 7. Meade's army begins an advance; sharp fighting at Kelly's Ford and Rappa- 
hannock Station; the rebels driven across the river. Rebels break up the Memphis and 
Charleston railroad near Salisbury. Rebels defeated at Lewisburg, W. Va. 

Nov. 8. M r eade advances, the rebels retiring toward Gordonsville. Successful recon- 
noissance returns from Showan River, N. C. Banks' expedition in possession of Brazos, 
Bienville and Point Isabel. 

Nov. 9. Skirmish near Culpepper; Meade's army in line of battle all day; Lee declines 
to fight. Rebel dash upon Bayou Sara. La. Fight on the Little Tennessee; a rebel regi- 
ment repulsed, with 50 killed and 40 prisoners. 

Nov. 10. Skirmishing near Culpepper. Rebels concentrate along the south bank ot 
the Rappidan. Supposed conspiracy in Canada to set free rebel prisoners on Johnson's 
Island. 

Nov. 11. Charleston and Fort Sumpter regularly shelled day by day. 

Nov. 12. Union meeting held in Arkansas; rebellion dying out. 

Nov. 13. Rebel foray across the Potomac at Edward's Ferry. 

Nov. 14. Longstreet crosses the Tennessee and attacks Burnside, who retires toward 
his works at Knoxville. Banks captures Corpus Cristi Pass. Gen. Sherman, in advance 
of his troops, reaches Chattanooga. 

Nov. 15. Reconoissance and skirmish on the Rapidan. Skirmish near Holston. Tenn.; 
Burnside falls back to Lenoir. 

Nov. 16. Gen. Sherman's corps forms a junction with Thomas at Chattanooga. Fight- 
ing near Mount Jackson, Va. Burnside falls back to Bell's Station. 

Nov. 17. Seabrook Island occupied by Gillmore. Charleston again shelled. Burnside 
reaches Knoxville. 

Nov. 18. Skirmish at Germania Ford, Va. Capture of Mustang Island by Gen. 
Banks. 

Nov. 19. Gettysburg Cemetery dedicated. Fighting at Knoxville. 

Nov. 20. Moseby's guerrillas in Union uniforms attempt to capture our forces at 
Bealton, Va.; the trick discovered in time. 

Nov. 21. Skirmishing along Burnside's and Longstreet's lines. 

Nov. 22. A portion of Knoxville burned; the city closely invested by Longstreet. 

775 



1863 — Continued. 

Successful scouting by negro troops at Pocotaligo, S. C: a grandson of John C. Calhoun 
killed. 

Nov. 23. Gen. Sherman's troops reach Chattanooga. Reconnoissance in force by 
Gen. Thomas late in the evening; rebels driven back. Guerrillas whipped in Loudon 
county. Ya. Gen. Sherman crosses Tennessee River above Chattanooga at night. 

Nov. 24. Storming and capture of Lookout Mountain; Hooker's "fight above the 
clouds"; defeat of Bragg. Sherman attacks Missionary Ridge. Skirmish near Knoxville. 

Nov. 25. Capture of Missionary Ridge; Bragg' s army routed and driven back toward 
Ringgold. Colored troops doing good service in North Carolina. Rebel cavalry repulsed 
at Kingston, Tenn. 

Nov. 26. Bragg's army pursued by our victorious troops. Meade's army crosses the 
Rapidan with no serious opposition. Sherman starts to the relief of Knoxville. 

Nov. 27. Brisk skirmishing between Meade and Lee; heavy fighting on the left. 
Wheeler's rebel cavalry whipped at Cleveland. Tenn. Moseby captures part of one of 
Meade's trains. 

Nov. 28. John Morgan and six of his officers escape from the Ohio penitentiary. A 
rebel battery discovered, built behind the Moultrie House while they kept a hospital flag 
flying from the roof. 

Nov. 29. Siege of Charleston progresses regularly. Longstreet attacks Knoxville, 

is repulsed after heavy fighting. 

Dec. 1. Meade's army recrosses the Rapidan without fighting Lee, greatly to the 
disappointment of the public. Gen. Hooker retires from Ringgold, and the Army of the 
Cumberland again concentrates at Chattanooga. 

Dec. 2. Bragg superseded by Hardee in command of the rebel army in Georgia. 

Dec. 3. Union cavalry make a foray toward Canton. Miss. 

Dec. 4. Longstreet abandons the siege of Knoxville and marches toward Virginia. 

Dec. 6. Chesapeake, steamer, seized by rebel pirates on board; engineer shot and 
crew landed at St. Johns. Weehawken. the Monitor, founders at Charleston Harbor, with 
all on board. 

Dec. 7. Jefferson Davis issues his annual message. U. S. Congress reassembles. 

Dec. 8. President Lincoln issues his message and Proclamation of Amnesty. 

Dec. 11. Fort Sumpter vigorously bombarded and partly set on fire. 
Dec. 14. Bean Station, Ya., Longstreet attacks Union cavalry under Shackelford. 
Rebels lose 800 killed and wounded: Union loss 200. 

Dec. 16. Averill destroys fifteen miles of Yirginia and Tennesse railroad. 

Dec. 17. Sangster's rebel cavalry attack Meade's communication and are repulsed. 
Chesapeake recaptured in Sambro Harbor by the Ella and Annie. All crew but three 
escape. 

Dec. 18. Col. Philips, with Indian brigade, beats and scatters Quantrell's force near 
Fort Gibson, killing 50. 

Dec. 19. Fort Gibson, Ark., attacked by Standthwaite with 1.600 men: attack repulsed. 

Dec. 22. Gen. Corcoran killed by a fall from his horse. An expedition from Beaufort 
starts inland under Gen. Seymour. An expedition of one white and three colored regi- 
ments starts for Red River from Port Hudson, under Gen. Ullman. 

Dec. 22). Union raid on Luray. Large quantities of leather, bac^a. etc.. captured. 
Ferry boat at Memphis attacked by guerrillas, who killed the captain. The boat escaped. 

Dec. 24. Choctaw Indians and their chief abandon the rebel cause. Christmas Eve 
salue of shotted guns at rebels at Charleston. Reeves, with 150 guerrillas, surprise Cen- 
terville, Mo., and captures garrison of 50 men. 3d M. S. M. Legareville. S. C. attacked 
by rebels, who are driven off. 

Dec. 25. Pulaski, Tenn., 50 of Forrest's guerrillas captured by Gen. Dodge. Gen. 
Sullivan's expedition from Harper's Ferry returns with 100 prisoners and 100 horses. Gen. 
Banks establishes Department of the Frontier on the Rio Grande. British bark Circassian 
seized in North River by U. S. Marshal. Gunboat Marblehead attacked at St. John's 
Island by rebels on shore with battery, and were repulsed: loss. 3 killed. 5 wounded. 

Dec. 26. Dr. Segar. Mr. Perez and Air. Carter sent to Fort Lafayette for smuggling 
arms to rebels. Dictator, turreted iron-clad, launched in Xew York. 

Dec. 28. At Charleston, Tenn., rebel Gen. Wheeler, with 1.500 men. attack Col. 

776 



1863—1864. 

Liebert and supply train; captures the latter; Col. Long re-enforces Liebert and rebels are 
beaten, losing 121 prisoners. 

Dec. 29. Wheeler captures and conscripts all stragglers. Part of Union train captured 
by rebels at Williamsport. 

Dec. 30. Great naval expedition leaves New Orleans, supposed for Mobile. 

Dec. 31. Seizure of large quantity of Confederate money in New York and arrest of 
printers. McChesney's expedition meets rebels near Washington, N. C, routs them, kills 
Lieutenant and five men, captures one cannon and ten men. 

1864. 

Jan. 1. Gov. Bramlette of Kentucky orders five rebel sympathizers to be arrested for 
every loyal citizen taken by guerrillas. A small force of Union pickets are driven in at 
Winchester. 

Jan. 2. Major Anthony and Lieutenant Davis, rebels, sent to Fort Warren for 15 
years for recruiting within the Union lines. Rebel attack on Union train at Moorfield and 
Allegheny Junction; 13 rebels killed and 20 wounded. Union guard, one company, at Pat- 
terson's Creek, captured by 500 rebel cavalry; next day are retaken and cavalry routed. 

Jan. 3. Rebel Sam Jones captures 300 Union troops at Jonesville, Va., killing and 
wounding 60 of them. 

Jan. 4. Gen. Grierson is pursuing Forrest south of Cold Water. 

Jan. 6. Kirby Smith placed in command of all rebel forces (15,000) west of Mississippi 
river. Marmaduke and Price are at Arkadelphia and Little Rock, with 7,000 men, mostly 
cavalry. 

Jan. 8. A loyal mass meeting held at New Orleans to consider formation of a Free 
State Government. Fitzhugh Lee surrounds and is beaten from Pittsburgh, Va. 

Jan. 9. Rebel cavalry conscripted every man in Cleveland, Tenn. 

Jan. 10. Sharp cavalry fight at Strawberry Plains. Rebels repulsed with serious loss. 
Rebel Lieutenant and squad of men desert to our lines from Price's army. Cole's battalion 
of Maryland cavalry attacked in Virginia by Moseby, with 400 rebels, who are defeated 
with loss of four officers and many men. 

Jan. 11. Longstreet is fortifying at BulPs Gap, Tenn.; his force 34,000 infantry and 
12,000 cavalry. Gunboat Iron Age aground under rebel fire at Wilmington harbor. 

Jan. 12. Gen. Marston makes an extensive raid in Virginia, capturing much grain 
and pork and other rebel property, and taking 25 prisoners, many horses, mules, sheep, etc. 
Part of McCook's cavalry fight with 8th and nth Texas, at Mossy Creek, Tenn., killing 14 
and capturing 41. 

Jan. 14. Two hundred rebels attempt to capture small cavalry force at Three Mile Sta- 
tion, Va., and are repulsed. Rebel Gen. Vance captures Union supply trains near Tems- 
ville; is pursued by Gen. Palmer, who takes him and officers prisoners, recaptures train, 
150 horses, arms, etc. Union soldier found hanging at Smith Mills, Va., placarded, Hung 
by order of Gen. Wild in retaliation. Sturgis' cavalry drove rebel videttes out of Bain- 
bridge, but fall back, enemy being in strong force beyond. 

Jan. 17. Scout reports 3,000 rebels at Point Pelee, Canada, preparing for a dash on 
Johnson's Island. Desperate attack on our lines near Bainbridge. Tenn. Rebels ultimately 
defeated, losing heavily. Union army fell back to Strawberry Plains. 

Jan. 18. Fifteen rebels attack Union pickets at Flint Hill, Va., and are badly beaten. 

Jan. 19. Attempt to burn Jefferson Davis' house at Richmond. Sturgis' forces fall 
back to within five miles of Knoxville. 

Jan. 20. Gen. Woodbury takes an expedition to Ponta Rosa to cut off rebel cat lie sup- 
plies from Florida. 

Jan. 23. Union foray at Brandon Farms on James River, captures 22 rebels, 7 signal 
men, 99 negroes; destroys 24,000 pounds pork; captures sloop, schooner, etc., without losing 
a man. Union raid to Lake Phelps, N. C. ; 200,000 pounds pork, tobacco, cotton, horses, 
mules, etc., captured or destroyed. 

Jan. 24. Gen. Rhoddy driven across the Tennessee by Union forces; loses his train, 
20 mule teams, 200 beeves, 600 sheep and 100 horses. Four rebel gunboats make reconnois- 
sance on James. 

Jan. 25. Major Burroughs, guerrilla chief, shot while escaping from Fortress Monroe. 

777 



VKA— Continued. 

Several hospital buildings and large quantity of stores burned at Camp Winder, near 
Richmond. Corinth evacuated by Union forces, and Memphis and Charleston railroad 
abandoned from Lagrange to Memphis. 

Jan. 26. Athens, Tenn.. taken bj rebel Gen. Rhoddy. Tazewell attacked by 400 rebel 
cavalry, who are repulsed by garrison. Johnson's brigade of Rhoddy's force crossed Ten- 
ses ; f t River at Bainbridge; are repulsed at Alton; rebel loss 15 and many wounded; Union 
loss 10 wounded. 

Jan. 27. CoL Borne attacks and destroys camp of Rebel Home Guards, and captures 
many prisoners. Sturgis gains decisive victory at Sevierville, over rebel cavalry; 65 rebels 
killed and wounded; 100 prisoners and 2 guns taken. 

Jan. 28. A large meeting at Nashville, Tenn., to restore State Government. Gen. 
Palmer reconnoiters to Tunnel HAL drove in rebel pickets, captures company of cavalry; 
32 rebels killed. Rebel salt works destroyed near St. Andrews' Bay. 

Jan. 29. Sturgis drives videttes out of Danville, Tenn- Rebel attempt to capture 
Cumberland Gap with three cavalry brigades repulsed by Col. Love. 

Jan. Jo. LTnion supply train captured near Petersburg by rebels. Union loss 80; rebel 
loss ioo. 

Jan. 31. Over 7.300 deserters from Bragg since Oct. 20. Hood's army retires from 
7 : :; ^ ^ : ". i i :: : D 1. : :■ - 

Feb. 1. Rebel column in New Creek Valley repulsed and driven two miles. Draft of 
500,000 men. on March io„ ordered by the President. Union outposts at Bachelor's Creek. 
near Newbern, attacked by 15.000 rebels and captured after severe fight. 

Feb. 2. Gen. Scammon and staff captured by rebels on S. S. Levi. Union re-enforce- 
ments arrive at Newbern, and rebels are driven back to Kinston. Rebels capture and blow 
up S. S. Underwriter at Newbern, N. C. Union guard at Patterson Creek Bridge captured 
after brisk fight by 500 rebels, who are beaten next day by re-enforcements and prisoners 
rescued. 

Feb. 3. Smith's cavalry expedition leaves Corinth for interior of Mississippi and Ala- 
bama. Sherman, with 25.000 men, crosses Big Black and advances to Bolton; slight skir- 
mishing. Union killed 12, wounded 35; rebel loss much larger. Lee's rebel cavalry fleeing 
to Canton. 

Feb. 4. Early's cavalry driven out of Moorfield. and hotly pursued by Mulligan's cav- 
alry. Rebel battery at Clinton, Miss., driven off with loss; Union killed 15, wounded 30. 
Winslow's cavalry at Canton capture many prisoners and one gun. 

Feb. 5- Early retreats towards Shenandoah Valley, pursued by Gen. Kelley. Part of 
Sher-iir: = t::: t :.v. : :\ in i;"-:r: :n V :: : :v ■ :o: re*: elf ".".: ^: ?.:'-er ?. f. :r: r^h: ::::-\ 
An important expedition leaves Port RoyaL landing at Jacksonville, Fla., under Geit. Sey- 
mour. Sherman's expedition reaches Pearl River. Rebels still retreating. Gen. Loring 
crosses Pearl River, joins Gen. French a ad retreats to Meridian. 

Feb. 6. Gen. Butlers forces marched from Yorktown to Bottom's -Bridge. Recon- 
noissance in force by the Army of the Potomac towards Orange Court House, main force 
- : ~e i :'~r riiz:iiz 

Feb. 7. McPherson's Corps crosses Big Black River; Hurlbut's Corps crossed five 
miles above McPherson, an expedition up the Yazoo co-operating. Quallatown, N. C, 
surprised and rebel Thomas and his Indians dispersed; 215 killed and wounded. Rebels 
still demonstrating against Newbern. 

Feb. 8. Rebel army is encamped round Tunnel HilL Dalton and Rome. 
Feb. 9- One thousand and twenty-five bales of cotton, worth $700,000, burned at 
Wilmington. Rebels fled from Jacksonville after burning a steamboat and 270 bales of 
cotton. Gen. Gillmore captured 100 prisoners, 8 guns and much property, without losing 
m -■-' - 
Feb. 10. CoL Streight and 100 other officers escape from Libby Prison by tunneling. 
Feb. 11. Train on Baltimore and Ohio railroad. 10 miles west of Harper's Ferry, 
robbed by guerrillas. Gens. Grierson and Smith set out on an extensive raid through 
fsippi, with three brigades. 
Feb. 12. Moseby attacks pickets at Manassas. Gen. Smith's expedition reaches Okona. 
Feb. 13. Gov. Bramlette issues proclamation for protection of fugitive slave 
rebellion of their masters barring claims of ownership. 

Feb. 14. Capt. Marshall, 40th Massachusetts, surprised Gainsville. Fla. Is attacked 



1864- -Continued. 

by large force of rebels, and routed them, with loss of ioo; Union loss none; rebel loss 40. 
Rebel Col. Ferguson surprised in Wayne county, W. Va., losing 60 prisoners, arms, horses, 
supplies and ammunition, and releasing 500 Union prisoners. A company of 1st Mississsippi 
Colored regiment surprised near Grand Lake by guerrillas in Union dress; all killed but 
two; some shot after surrender. Sherman' expedition occupies Meridian; destroys the 
State Arsenal and great quantities of supplies and ammunition. Smith's expedition destroys 
a vast quantity of rebel corn at Egypt, Miss. 

Feb. 14-21. Sherman's expedition, while at Meridian, sends out detachments which 
devastate Enterprise, Marion, Quitman, Hillsboro, Canton, Lake Station, Decatur, Bolton 
and Lauderdale Springs, destroying immense quantities of stores of all kinds. 

Feb. 14. Cattle depot at Waterproof, La., garrison of 400 negroes, attacked by rebel 
infantry, cavalry and artillery, who are repulsed three times, and retire. 

Feb. 18. Sherman's army arrives at Quitman, Ga., without opposition. Housatonic, 
sloop-of-war, sunk at Port Royal by rebel torpedo boat. Gen. Seymour's expedition (4.500 
infantry, 400 cavalry and 20 guns) leaves Jacksonville and reach Baldwin and fortifies. 

Feb. 20. Longstreet retreats from Strawberry Plains via Bull's Gap. Major Cole 
surprises Moseby at Piedmont, taking 3 officers and 14 men. Seymour's expedition reaches 
Sanderson, advances six miles beyond, is attacked by 15,000 rebels, falls back two miles to 
Olustee, and here forced, after terrible slaughter, to retreat. Two negro regiments, 54th 
Masssachusetts and 1st North Carolina, cover the retreat and save the army; Union loss 
1,500 and many guns; rebel loss 2,000. Rev. Dr. Cox, chaplain 25th Regiment, Corps 
D'Afrique, about this date taken from his house near Donaldsonville, La., and hanged by 
guerrillas. Smith's expedition moves on West Point, where Forrest, Lee, Chalmers and 
Rhoddy attack them; Smith falls back slowly, with severe fighting. 

Feb. 21. Gen. Palmer occupies Ringgold. Smith's forces still falling back toward 
Memphis. Forrest again attacks and continues fighting until the 23d, when he is repulsed 
with great loss and retreats. 

Feb. 22. Moseby defeats 150 Union cavairy near Dranesville; 8 killed, 7 wounded, 75 
missing; 28 of Moseby's men captured at Warrenton by Major Cole. Strong Union column 
advances from Chattanooga toward Tunnel Hill. Rebel train destroyed near Poplar Bluffs, 
Mo. Louisiana State election; Michael Hahn elected Governor of Louisiana by 6,830 votes, 
against Fellows 2,720, and B. F. Flanders 1,847. 

Feb. 26. Grierson's and Smith's forces return to Memphis; results of expedition are 
200 rebel prisoners, 1,500 negroes, 300 bales of cotton, 2,000 hides, and 40 miles of Mobile 
and Ohio railroad destroyed. Tunnel Hill occupied by column from Chattanooga, after 
heavy skirmishing. Fire opened upon Fort Powell by Farragut. 

Feb. 27. Col. Jourdan makes another dash into Jones and Onslow counties, N. C. ; 
captures three prisoners and destroys stores and ammunition. Sherman's expedition re- 
turns to Vicksburg after 22 days' raid, devastating many towns, burning bridges, seizing 
or destroying vast quantities of stores, liberating 10,000 negroes, taking up many miles of 
railroad tracks, and taking 600 prisoners; Union loss, 170 killed and wounded. 

Feb. 28. Col. Richardson, notorious guerrilla, captured near Cumberland River. Sey- 
mour's retreating army reaches Baldwin, which it evacuates, burning stores. Gen. Kii- 
patrick, with 5,000 picked men, leaves Culpepper for raid on Richmond; crosses the Rapidan 
at Ely's Ford, surprising rebel pickets at Spottsylvania Court House, and' capturing 15 men 
and 2 officers. 

Feb. 29. Kilpatrick's expedition passed through Louisa Court House, to Pamunkey 
Bridge, destroying as he went. A force is sent by Butler to re-enforce him. Expedition 
of Custer's cavalry crosses the Rapidan and Rivanna, destroys an artillery camp, burns 
caissons, etc., and recrosses Rivanna bridge, burning it. Rebel cavalry charged and scat- 
tered at Burton's Ford and Stannardsville roads, and Custer safely returns with 60 prisoners, 
horses, etc. Rebels in force attack Newbern, N. C. Garrison ultimately relieved by re- 
enforcements. 

March 1. Rebel Government Salt Works at St. Marks, Fla., destroyed by expedition 
from gunboat Tahoma. Gen. Thomas, re-enforced, marching against Dalton, from Tun- 
nel Hill. 

March 2. Re-enforcements reaching Gen. Seymour at Jacksonville. Ferguson, of 
Forrest's cavalry, makes dash into Marysville, Tenn., murders an old man in cold blood 
and burns his farm. 

779 



1864 — Continued. 

March 3. Kilpatrick's expedition moves to Williamsburg to rest. Many prisoners and 
stores captured and destroyed during this raid. 

March 4. Col. Dahlgren murdered. Kilpatrick returns within Union lines, having 
destroyed large portion of Virginia Central railroad and penetrated to outer fortifications 
of Richmond; loss 150 men, including Col. Dahlgren. 

March 5. Rebel cavalry still scouring country east of Knoxville. Gen. Custer, with 
500 men, crosses Ely's Ford, drives rebel pickets and scouts several miles without opposi- 
tion. Rebel cavalry, in force, attack 93 of 3d Tenn. at Panther Springs, Union loss, 2 
killed, 8 wounded, 2.2 prisoners. Rebel, 30 killed and wounded. Battle in Yazoo City, be- 
tween nth. 111. and 8th La., and 4 rebel brigades. Rebels defeated with considerable loss, 
Union killed, 6; wounded, 20. 

March 6. Gunboat Peterhoff sunk off Wilmington. 23 Union soldiers captured from 
Gen. Foster's command, hung by rebels at Kinston — one was adrummer boy 15 years old. 
Sherman's main army at Jackson, commencing to cross Pearl River. 

March 7. Thomas's advance withdrawn from Tunnel Hill to Ringgold. C. L. Valland- 
igham advises rioting in retaliation. Sherman's Cavalry enter Brandon, after skirmishing, 
and camp 2 miles east. 

March 8. Rebel cavalry driven from camp near Carrolton. Grain mills and stores 
burned. New York carries soldiers vote amendment bill by popular election, by over 
90,000 majority. 

March 9. Sherman at Millsboro. Forty of 30th Pa. cavalry captured by guerillas at 
Bristow Station, Va. 

March 10. Suffolk, Va., captured by Union forces. Rebel loss, 25; Union loss, 10. A 
naval expedition from Brashear City captures camp, arms, flag on Atchafalaya River. Pilat- 
ka occupied by Union forces. Red River expe'dition embarks at Vicksburg. 

March 12. Gen. Grant appointed Commander-in-Chief of armies of the United States. 

March 13. Indianola evacuated by our troops. Gen. Smith's army at Semmesport. 

March 14. Fort DeRussy captured. 

March 15. President calls for 200,000 men. Rebel plot to assassinate President Lin- 
coln. Sherman repulses rebels near Chunky Creek. 

March 15. Gov. Bramlette remonstrates against employment of slaves. Battle near 
Fort Pillow, rebels defeated, loss, 50 killed and wounded. Arkansas votes herself a free 
State. Gens. Smith and Banks at Alexandria, rebels retreat to Shreveport and burn 2 
steamers with 3,000 bales cotton. 

March 17. Fort DeRussy blown up. - 

March 19. Rebel attack on Fort Royal fails. 

March 21. Gen. Mower captures rebel camp at Henderson's Hill, 228 prisoners, guns, 
etc. Rebel raid on Magnolia. Gen. Mower captures 200 rebels, with four guns and cais- 
sons, at Natchitoches. Banks captures 306 rebels near Alexandria. 

March 24. Union City, Mo., and garrison, attacked by Forrest. 

March 25. Owen Lovejoy died, aged 53. 

March 26. Forrest sacks Paducah, Ky., but repulsed from fort by Col. Hicks, with 
white and colored troops four times, and finally retires. Union loss, 12 killed, 40 wounded. 
Rebel loss, 150 to 300 killed and wounded. Franklin, La., evacuated by our forces. Col. 
Clayton destroys bridge at Longview, Ark., captures 370 men, 35 wagons, 300 horses, and 
$60,000 Confederate money. Sherman's army moves to Canton and encamps. 

March 28. Louisiana State Convention to revise Constitution meets at New Orleans. 
Battle of Cane River. Rebels defeated. 

March 30. Natchitoches captured by Gen. Lee. Battle of Monticello. Copperhead 
riot at Charleston and Mattoon, 111. 

March 31. Rebels defeated at Crump's Hill (Piney Woods). 

April 1. S. S. Maple Leaf blown up by torpedo at St. John's River. Rebel Ram Ten- 
nessee sunk near Grant's pass. 

April 2. Shelby defeated by Steele near Camdon. Grierson's cavalry engages Forrest 
near Summerville, and falls back. 

April 4. Col. Gooding engages Harrison's guerillas at Campti, and withdraws with loss. 
Marmaduke defeated by Steele on Little Mo. New York Metropolitan Sanitary Fair 
opened. 

April 5. Banks' Texas expedition at Grand Ecore. 

780 



1864 — Continued. 

April 6. Fort Halleck, Columbus, Ky., attacked by rebel Gen. Buford, surrender re- 
fused by Col. Lawrence. Maryland Constitutional Convention on Slavery met. 

April 8. Battle of Pleasant Hill. Stoneman defeated. Gen. Franklin's command of 
Bank's expedition defeated at Mansfield, La., losing 24 guns and nearly 2,000 men, and 
falling back to Grand Ecore. Gen. Smith, next day, relieved Franklin and defeated rebels 
at Grand Ecore, and captured 36 guns and 2,000 prisoners. Shelbyville entered by 40 guer- 
rillas. 

April 10. Cape Lookout Lighthouse seized by 40 rebels. 

April 11. Banks retires to Grand Ecore. 

April 12. Capture of Fort Pillow and murder of garrison. Admiral Porter's Red River 
expedition attacked by 2,000 rebels on shore, who are beaten off. Horrible murder of a 
farmer by guerrillas at Osage River. 

April 13. New York Soldiers Voting Bill passed New York Senate. Yeas, 29; nays, 
none. 

April 14. Gunboat expedition from Butler's army capture stores and prisoners at 
Smithfield, Va. 

April 15. Chenango, gunboat, exploded. 

April 16. Gunboat Eastport, sunk by snag above Grand Ecore. 

April 18. Rebel attack upon Fort Wessell, gunboat Southfield sunk. Com. Flusser 
killed and most of the crew drowned. Ram also destroys the gunboat Bombshell. Balti- 
more Sanitary Fair opened. 

April 19. Guerrillas driven from Burksville. Transports and gunboats aground above 
Grand Ecore. 

April 20. Plymouth, N. C, surrendered to rebels by Gen. Wessells after severe loss. 

April 21. North Carolina Salt Works, worth $100,000, near Wilmington, destroyed. 

April 22. Forrest moving towards Alabama, followed by Grierson. 

April 23. Rebels capture and kill pickets at Nickajack. N. Y. Metropolitan Sanitary 
Fair closed. Sword voted to Grant by 30,291, against 14,509 for McClellan. Gunboat Pet- 
rel burned by Wirt Adams' cavalry. 

April 24. Battle at Cane River. Rebel loss, 1,000 men and 9 guns. 

April 25. Train of 240 wagons and 4 regiments escorting, captured by 6,000 rebels 
near Pine Bluffs, Ark. 

April 28. Little Washington, N. C, evacuated by Union troops. 

May 3. Grant's army moves across the Rapidan, towards Chancellorsville and the 
Wilderness. 

May 5. Lee desperately attacks right, left, and center with indecisive results, Grant's 
army remaining in position with headquarters in advance of the Wilderness. 

May 6. Lee resumes attack at dawn, and continues all day, but finally withdrawing, our 
troops holding their old formation. Loss, this and previous day, about 15,000 men on each 
side. Gunboat Com. Jones blown up by torpedo on James River. 

May 7. Lee moved to his second line on the North Anna. A severe battle at Todd's 
Tavern, between Custer's and rebel cavalry. Loss, 250 each side. Lee made several at- 
tacks during the day, falling back after each; part of our army reaching Fredericksburg. 
Tazewell Salt Works destroyed by Averill. Tunnel Hill, Ga., taken by Gen. Thomas. 
Railroad from Petersburg to Richmond cut off. 

May 8. Pursuit of Lee continued, with continual fighting, Hancock and Burnside 
camping 20 miles from Wilderness battle-field. 

May 9. Severe fighting with great mutual loss, Hancock finally withdrawing and Lee 
holding Spottsylvania and the region north. 

May 9. Battle of Cloyd Mountain. Rebels lose 3 guns and many prisoners. U. S. 
Transport H. A. Wood, blown up by torpedo near Jacksonville, Fla. Sheridan's cavalry 
destroy rebel station at Beaver Dam, with cars, immense stores, etc., and recapturing 378 
Union prisoners. Gen. Sedgwick killed by sharpshooters. 

May 10. Battle of Spottsylvania. Grant's whole line assaults, part of 6th Corps car- 
ries enemies works, captures 1,000 prisoners and several guns, and withdraws with them. 
Loss on this day, 10,000 on each side. Thos. Butler King died. Crooke attacked rebels 
near Newbern, burned bridge, captured 7 guns and many prisoners. Averill whips Gen. 
Sam Jones at Wytheville, and destroys railroad from Blacksburg to Christiansburg. Yazoo 
City captured by Gen. McArthur. 

781 



1864 — Continued. 

May ii. Sheridan's whole command get between ist and 2d rebel line at Richmond, 
and withdraw after destroying Ashland Station, etc. Butler entrenches at Bermuda Hun- 
dred. Grant telegraphs the President: "I propose to fight it out on this line, if it takes 
all summer." 

May 12. Rebel position at Dalton carried and held by Sherman. 

May 13. Lee fell slightly back to new defenses. McPherson captured 9 trains with 
rebel military stores from Dalton. 

May 14. Dalton, Ga., occupied by 4th Corps. Butler at Drury's Bluff. Army in Va. 
Gen. Smith carries rebel's front line. 11. -17. Hancock carries but relinquishes first line 
of rebel intrenchments. Union loss 1,200. 

May 15. Battle of Resaca, Ga. At night rebels evacuate the town. Battle of Newmar- 
ket, Sigel defeated. Rocky-faced Ridge taken by Sherman. 

May 16. Attempt to seize California steamer Ocean Queen. Gen. Johnston in re- 
treat to Atlanta. Admiral Porter's fleet above Alexandria Falls. La., released by Lieut. - 
Col. Bailey's dam. 

May 17. South Carolina Union Convention meet at Beaufort. 

May 18. Ewell attacks Union baggage train in rear of Grant's right flank, but is 
finally repulsed. 

May 19. Blackiston's Island Lighthouse destroyed by rebels. 19-24. Grant placed his 
whole army across the North Anna and approached the South Anna. 

May 20. Torpedoes explode at Bachelor Creek, many New York soldiers killed and 
wounded. Sherman in possession of Kingston and Rome, Ga. Rebels attack Ames' 
Division of Butler's army. Heavy loss on both sides. 

May 23. U. S. Tugboat Columbine captured on St. John's River, Florida, by rebels. 

May 24. Rebels destroy bridge over North Anna. Sheridan destroys Danville Rail- 
road near Richmond. Fitzhugh Lee repulsed at Wilson's Wharf by negroes under Gen. 
Wild. Sherman flanks Johnston at Altoona, Ga. 

May 25. Battle near Dallas, Ga. Hooker drives rebels 2 -miles. Union loss, 1,500; 
rebel, about same. Gen. Birney ascends the Ashepoo River. S. S. Boston grounds and is 
abandoned. 

May 26. Grant's army moves towards Hanovertown. Louisiana State Convention 
abolishes slavery. 

May 27. Eight steamers and several river craft burned at New Orleans Levee, by in- 
cendiaries. Lee evacuates position on South Anna, and retreats towards Richmond. Sher- 
idan captures and holds Hanovertown and Ferry. 

May 28. Longstreet attacks Sherman at Dallas, and is driven towards Marietta. 
Rebel loss, 2,500 killed and wounded, and 300 prisoners. Union loss, 300. 

May 29. Grant's army crosses the Pamunkey. 

May 30. Trains of refugees burned near Salem, Ark. ; 80 men and several women 
killed. Lee attacks Grant north of Chickahominy. is repulsed; Hancock drives him out of 
intrenched line of rifle pits and holds it. 

May 31. Grant's and Lee's armies confronting each other from Hanover Court House 
to Cold Harbor. 

June 1. Expedition from Memphis under Gen. Sturgis defeated, with loss of wagon 
train, artillery and ammunition. Rebel attacks at Cold Harbor repulsed. Rebels twice at- 
tack Butler, and are repulsed. 

June 2. Schofield and Hooker at Marietta, Ga. Cavalry take Allatoona Pass. 

June 3. Battle of Cold Harbor. 

June 4. Rebel night attack upon Hancock repulsed. Grant's cavalry defeated Hamp- 
ton's cavalry at Howes' Store. 

June 5. Rebel attack on left (Hancock's) repulsed. Sherman forces Johnson to evac- 
uate his lines in the night. Marmadukc, with 3,000 men, defeated at Columbia, Ark. Bat- 
tle of Piedmont, Va. Rebel loss, 1,500 prisoners, 3,000 stand of arms, 3 guns and stores, 
and a large number of killed and wounded. 

June 6. Rebel midnight attack on Burnside repulsed. Sherman's headquarters at 
Acworth, Allatoona Pass made base of supplies. 

June 7. The 9th Corps, on Giant's right, attacked briskly, and rebels driven back. 
Morgan, with 3,000 men, commence a raid into Kentucky. Philadelphia Sanitary Fair 
opens. 

782 



1864 — Continued. 

June 8. Paris, Ky., taken by a portion of Morgan's forces. Sherman's whole army 
moves forward toward the Kenesaw range. McPherson occupies Big Shanty, and rebels 
fall back with left on Lost Mountain and right on Kenesaw. Blair reinforces Sherman with 
9,000 men. Gillmore's raid on Richmond fortifications. 

June g. Gen. Burbridge defeats rebels at Mt. Sterling, Ky. 

June io. Gen. Sturgis defeated by Forest at Pontotoc, Miss., raid against railroads a 
failure. Frankfort, Ky., unsuccessfully attacked by 1,200 rebels. Lexington, Ky., robbed 
by Morgan. Rebel guerrillas repulsed at Princton, Ky. Gen. Hunter, with Crook and 
Averill, moves from Staunton, Va., after destroying over three million dollars worth of 
rebel property. 

June 11. Surrender of Cynthiana, Ky., to Morgan. Battle of Trevillian Station; rebels 
badly beaten by Sheridan. 

June 12. Gen. Burbridge defeats and scatters Morgan at Cynthiana, with great loss. 
Grant crosses the Chickahominy. 

June 13. Sheridan recrosses the North Anna. 

June 14. Grant's army crosses to south of the James. Sherman's entrenchment in 
front of Kenesaw, and Pine Mountains 10 miles long. Rebel Gen. Polk killed by cannon 
fire on Pine Mountain. 

June 15. Battle of Baylor's Farm, Va.; 16 rebel guns and 300 prisoners taken. Sher- 
man advances line and captures many prisoners. 

June 17. Burnside captures 6 guns and 400 prisoners. Rebels abandon their intrench- 
ments in front of Bermuda Hundred, and Butler takes railroad between Richmond and 
Petersburg. 

June 18. Grant assaults rebel works and fails. Loss, in four days, over 10,000. Rebels 
place 50 Union officers under fire at Charleston. 

June 19. Beauregard re-occupies Bermuda Hundred and repairs railroad. The pirate 
Alabama, Capt. Semmes, sunk off Cherbourg by the U. S. S. Kearsage, Capt. John A. Win- 
slow. Semmes aided to escape by a British yacht. 

June 20. Fitzhugh Lee and Hampton repulsed at White House, Va. 

June 21. Foster crosses James River and intrenches between Aiken's Landing and 
Four Mile Creek. • Second Corps attacks Davis' Farm unsuccessfully. Rebels assault 
Sherman right under Hooker and are repulsed, losing heavily. Slemmons' Rebel Cavalry 
defeated at Pine Bluffs. 

June 22. Battle on Weldon Road, Barlow flanked, and losing about 2.000 prisoners, 4 
guns, and some flags. Wilson and Kautz capture 2 rebel trains at Ford's Station. 

June 23. Shelby destroys U. S. gunboat Queen City. Unsuccessful attack on Weldon 
railroad. Union loss heavy. Kautz destroys railroad junction at Burksville. 

June 24. Pillow attacks and beaten off from Lafayette. Ga.. with much loss. Rebels 
attack and are beaten by Sheridan at White House. Wilson and Kautz moved on to de-. 
stroy 18 miles of Danville Railroad. Battle of Staunton Bridge, Wilson and Kautz re- 
pulsed. 

June 25. Night attack on Burnside's front repulsed. Sheridan rejoined Grant. 

June 26. Rebel force (800) all killed or captured by expedition from Fort Smith, Ark. 

June 27. Sherman makes attack on Kenesaw Mountain with McPherson and Thomas' 
armies line of attack 10 miles long. Attack unsuccessful, loss, 2,500 men. Gen. Carr de- 
feats Shelby near St. Charles, Mo., capturing 200 prisoners and guns recently captured 
Queen City. Union loss. 200 killed and wounded. Rebel loss, killed and wounded, 500. 

June 28. Gen. Carrington reports particulars of Northwestern conspiracy. Sherman 
begins again to flank Johston at Kenesaw Mountain. Battle of Stoney Creek. At night 
Wilson and Kautz retreat to Reams 

June 29. Battle of Ream's Station.. Kautz and Wilson defeated and retreat in confu- 
sion. Union loss over 1.000. 

June 30. Kautz's force reaches Grant's lines terribly exhausted. Johnston evacuates 
Kenesaw Mountain. Salmon P. Chase resigned. 

July 1. Wilson's main force reaches Grant's lines, having lost all their guns, ambu- 
lance and wagon trains, wounded and sick. Gen. Foster attacks Seabrook, Johns and 
James Islands. Rebel fort captured on James Island. Col. Hoyt and 137 men captured at 
Johnston's Island. W. P. Fessenden accepts Secretaryship of Treasury. 

July 2. McPherson at night commences flank movement against Kenesaw Mountain. 

783 



1864 — Continued. 

Gen. Johnson discovers the movement and abandons Kenesaw and Marietta, Sherman 
pursues. Ewell invades Shenandoah Valley with three columns. Martinsburg evacuated. 

July 3. Sigel falls back to Harper's Ferry. Winchester taken by rebels, and travel on 
Baltimore and Ohio railroad stopped. Sherman occupies Marietta. 

July 4. Sherman tights Battle of Smyrna. Gen. Xoyer loses leg. Moseby's Cavalry 
crossed the Potomac at Point of Rocks. Mulligan evacuates Bolivar Heights and Harper's 
Ferry. Sigel. Stahel. and Mulligan fortify and hold Maryland Heights. 

July 5. Elliott's marine colored brigade attacked by rebels near Port Hudson; beat 
them oft. Loss. 150 killed, wounded and missing. Sherman reaches Chattahoochie River. 
finds enemy entrenched on both sides. 

Juh" 6. Hagerstown evacuated by Union forces. 

July 7. Gen. Wallace's reconnoissance repulsed near Middletown; Hagerstown again 
plundered. Johnston returns across the Chattahoochie. Rebel raid hold Harper's 
Ferry. 

July 8. Gen. Wallace evacuates and rebels rob Frederick. Parkville, Mo., sacked by 
150 Bushwhackers. 

July 9. Battle of Monocacy. Wallace defeated, losing over 1.000. Rebels capture 
Westminster. Couch re-occupies Hagerstown, and Hunter Frederick. Md. 

July 10. Rebels plunder Darnestown and Reistertown. and tear up Northern Central 
Railroad at Cockeysville and Texas. A portion of them enter and rob Rockville. Md. ; the 
main body moving toward Washington. Gen. Rosseau leaves Decatur, with 2.700 men. on 
a raiding expedition in Hood's rear. Johnston retreats to fortifications around Atlanta. 

July 11. Magnolia station and trains captured. Gen. Franklin captured in one of the 
cars, but escapes next day. Rebel salt works at Tampa Bay destroyed. Rebel stores, tor- 
pedoes, etc., destroyed at Dutch Gap. 

July 12. Rebel raid 7 miles from Washington. Rebels driven from before Fort 
Stevens. Washington, with considerable loss. Five rebel cotton factories destroyed at Ross- 

- 

July 13. Rebel raiders cross into Virginia, in full retreat, with their plunder. This 
and two following days. Gen. A. J. Smith and Gen. Mower with two divisions of Army of 
Tennessee just returned from Texas, defeat Forrest in continuous battle, driving him from 
Pontotoc to Tupelo, and killing over 2.000. Union loss. 300. Rosseau defeats 5.000 rebels 
under Clanton, near Coosce "River. Ga. 

July 15. Rebels take 5.000 cattle and 1.000 horses from Montgomery Co.. and drove 
them into Virginia. 

July 16. Sherman's army completed crossing the Chattahoochie in pursuit of John- 
ston. 

July 17. Col. Jacquess and Mr. Giimore visit Jeff. Davis at Richmond. Wirt Adams 
defeated at Grand Gulf, with very heavy loss. 

July 18-20. Crook defeated at Island Ford by Breckenridge: loss. 300. Gen. Duffie 
defeated at Ashby's Gap. losing 200. Gen. Crook badly whips Early at Snicker's Gap, cap- 
turing 300 wagons with grain, and many prisoners. Battle of Peach Tree Creek, near At- 
lanta. Rebels repulsed. Union loss. 1.713: Rebel loss, much heavier, including 3 gen- 
erals. Averill attacked and defeated Early and his 5.000 men near Winchester. Va., killing 
and wounding 300. captures 4 guns and 200 prisoners. Early re-enforced and repulsed 
Union troops. Rebel camp, flag stores, etc.. captured at Gonzales. Texas. 

July 21. Henderson. Ky.. attacked by rebels 700 strong. 

July 22. Hood again assaults Sherman's lines round Atlanta with great vigor. Gen. 
McPherson killed. Gen. Logan assumes command of army of Tennessee and gains a 
great victory. 

July 23-24. Averhill defeated at Winchester: fell back, concentrating at Harper's 
Ferry. Steamer Clara Bell burned by Guerrillas at Carrolton Landing. 

July 26. Gen. Ed. McCook destroys Macon and Western Railroad, Ga., and 500 
wagons; captures 500 prisoners: is overtaken by rebels and defeated, losing all of his pris- 
oners and over 1,000 of his own men. 

July 28. Rebel stores at Winton. Mason's Mill, and Coleraine. destroyed. 

July 30. Mine exploded under portion of rebel works at Petersburg. Two assaults 
made, but attack finally abandoned with loss of over 4.000. Chambersburg robbed and 
burned by rebels. 

784 



1864 — Continued. 



Aug. i. Bradley Johnson and McCausland defeated at Cumberland, losing part of their 
plunder from Pennsylvania. 

Aug. 2. Col. Stout, with 500 men, posted to intercept retreat of McCausland and John- 
son, is captured by them, losing 90 men. 

Aug. 4. Bradley Johnson and McCausland defeated at New Creek. 

Aug. 5. Farragut's great victory at Mobile Bay. 

Aug. 6. Schofield's Twenty-third Corps of Sherman's army unsuccessfully attacks rebel 
lines before Atlanta, losing over 500 men. 

Aug. 7. Gen. Sheridan assumed command of Middle Military Division. Battle of Moor- 
field. Combined forces of McCausland, Johnson, Gillmore, and McNeil totally defeated by 
Averill. 

Aug. 8. Fort Gaines, Mobile Bay, surrendered. Entire rebel force evacuate Mary- 
land side of the Potomac. Gen. Burris returns to New Madrid after a 17 days' scout in S. 
E. Mo. and N. E. Ark. Result, 50 rebels killed, 40 wounded, 57 prisoners; horses, arms, 
etc., captured. 

Aug. 9. Gen. Butler commences Dutch Gap Canal. Explosion of an ordnance boat 
at City Point. 

Aug. 10. Sheridan's advance reach Berryville. Atlanta bombarded by Sherman's 
forces. 

Aug. 11. Battle of Sulphur Springs Bridge. 

Aug. 12. Northern frontier of New York threatened by invasion from Canada. 

Aug. 13. Moseby attacks Sheridan's supply train near Snicker's Gap. Rebel cavalry 
captured 5 steamers, with Government cattle, at Shawneetown, 111. 

Aug. 14. Battle of Strawberry Plains. Tenth Corps take rebel line of breastworks, 4 
guns and 100 prisoners. Dalton attacked by Wheeler with 5,000 men; defended by Siebold 
with 400 men. 

Aug. 15. Gen. Steadman re-enforces Dalton, and rebels are driven out of town in con- 
fusion. Kilpatrick cuts R. R. at West Point, Ga., also Road at Fairburn, and burned depot. 
Tenth Corps threaten Malvern Hill, Va. m 

Aug. 16. Battle of Deep Run. 

Aug. 18. Battle of Six Mile Station, on Weldon Railroad. 

Aug. 19. Rebels attack at Six Mile Station, taking 1,500 prisoners. Total Union loss, 
2, 000. Martinsburg looted by rebels. 

Aug. 20. Guerrillas raid on Woodburn and set fire to depot. 

Aug. 21. Rebels attack Union position on Weldon Road, and after great loss withdraw. 
Union loss about 600. Battle of Summit Point. Early driven two miles. Memphis en- 
tered by Forrest with 9 regiments and 4 guns; took 250 prisoners. Union force arriving 
Forrest left; was overtaken near Lanes', and severely punished in a two hours' battle. 

Aug. 22. Rebel force on Weldon Road withdrawn from front of 5th and 9th Corps, and 
intrenches 3 miles from Petersburg. Rebei Johnson's force whipped at Canton, Ky., by 
Col. Johnson, and himself killed. 

Aug. 23. Rebels fallen back to their lines 2 miles from Petersburg. Fort Morgan sur- 
rendered. Shelby captures nearly all 54th 111. near Duvall's Bluff. 

Aug. 24. Clinton, Miss., taken by Gens. Herron and Lee. 

Aug. 25. Torbert encounters Early's forces at Leetown. He falls back to near Shep- 
ardstown. Battle of Reams Station. Hancock abandons Reams, having lost 1,000 killed 
and wounded, 2,000 prisoners and 9 guns. Rebels killed and wounded, 1,500. Sherman com- 
mences at night his great flank movement to the right and rear of Atlanta. 

Aug. 26. Kilpatrick destroyed 14 miles of Macon Railroad, and stores, capturing 6 
guns, 4 flags, and 200 prisoners; afterwards forced to abandon most of his captures. Rebels 
fall back from Sheridan's front toward Smithfield. At night Sherman continues to with- 
draw from his entrenchments in front of Atlanta. 

Aug. 28. Early driven through Smithfield. 

Aug. 30. Sherman seizes the West Point R. R. and interposed his whole army between 
Atlanta and part of Hood's army intrenched at Jonesboro, Scofield holds cast part facing 
Atlanta. 

Sept. 1. Rebels driven from Jonesboro to Lovejoy's Station, losing r.ooo prisoners and 
10 guns. Hood explodes his magazines at night and evacuates Atlanta. Gen. Rousseau 
•drives 10,000 rebels, near Murfreesboro Pike, three miles. 



1864 — Continued. 

Sept. 2. Rebels before Petersburg cheered McClellan's nomination. Atlanta occupied 
at daylight by Gen. Slocum — Harde found to have retreated from Lovejoy Station and is 
pursued. Sherman receives news from Slocum of capture of Atlanta. Army jubilant. . 

Sept. 3. Milroy attacks 3,000 rebel cavalry near. Murfreesboro, and drives them towards 
Triune. Sheridan's army again moves forward from Charlestown. Battle of Darkesville 
and Perryville. Rebels were repulsed, losing 70 prisoners. Union loss,, 300. Moseby 
captured an ambulance train which had left the field. President Lincoln and Gen. Grant 
telegraph thanks to Sherman and his army. 

Sept. 4. John Morgan's forces routed, and Morgan killed by Gen. Gilien at Greenville, 
Tenn. Killed, 100; prisoners, 75; including Morgan's staff. 

Sept. 6. Battle of Matamoros. 

Sept. 7. Dibbel's Rebel Brigade surprised at Readyville by 230 of 9th Pa. Cavalry, los- 
ing 130 prisoners. 

Sept. 8. Rebel Col. Jessie and 100 men captured near Ghent, Ky. 

Sept. 9. Sherman's army concentrated at Atlanta. 

Sept. 10. Grant drives picket line across Plank Road, and advances his permanent line 
half a mile. Steamer Fawn burned by rebels on Dismal Swamp Canal. 

Sept. 14. Price, with about 10,, 000 men, crossed White Fiver, en route for Missouri. 
Gov. Brown of Georgia withdraws 15,000 Ga. militia from Hood's Army, for avowed pur- 
pose of caring for crops. 

Sept. 16. 2,500 cattle, the 13th Pa. Regiment, with arms, wagons and camp, captured 
at Sycamore Church. 

Sept. 18. Averill drives rebels out of Martinsburg. 

Sept. 19. Battle of Winchester. Sheridan captures 5,000 prisoners, 5 guns, all the 
wounded, and sends Early "Whirling up the Valley." Battle at Powder Mill. Early loses 
1,100 prisoners and 16 guns. Torbert's cavalry defeats Wickham at Luray, capturing some 
prisoners. 

Sept. 23. Price occupies Bloomfield, Mo. 

Sept. 26. Early retreats to Brown's Gap in the Blue Ridge. Merritt and. Powell at- 
tempt to carry the Gap, but are repulsed. Battle at Pilot Knob. Davis, Confederate Presi- 
dent, with Gen. Hood at Palmetto Station, Ga. 

Sept. 27. Gen. Ewing arrives at Rolla, after being surrounded at Harrison by Price's 
forces. Gen. Grant warns. Sherman of impending movement against him. 

Sept. 28. Battle at Newmarket Heights. Rebel night attack on Hancock's front, on 
Jerusalem Plank Road repulsed. 

Sept. 30. Warren captures rebel first line of works at Preble's Farm, capturing 50 
men and one gun. Rebels retired half a mile back to strong position, and repulsed our at- 
tack thereon, capturing 1,500 prisoners, and killed and wounded 500. . The 10th and 18th 
Corps concentrated at Newport Heights, furiously attacked by rebels, and swept back with 
terrible loss three times, losing 1,000, beside 200 prisoners and 2 flags. 

Oct. 1. Hood crossing Chattahoochie River to rear of Sherman. 

Oct. 2. Rebels in front of Warren fell back to their main lines, from Petersburg lead 
works to Southside Road. 

Oct. 3. Lieut. Meigs murdered by Guerrillas in Shenandoah Valley. Sherman's forces 
crossed the Chattahoochie with 15 days' rations, moving towards Marietta. Gen. Thomas 
ordered to Chattanooga after Forrest, and Gen. Corse to Rome. 

Oct. 5. Hood captured small garrison at Big Shanty and Ackworth, and burned 7 miles 
of railroad; Allatoona attacked by Gen. French— re-enforced and successfully defended by 
Gen. Carse with troops taken by R. R. from Rome. 

Oct. 6. Sheridan began to move back from Waynesboro. Gen. Lee captures Clinton, 
La., and 30 prisoners. 

Oct. 7. Battle at Darleytown Road and Newmarket Heights. Rebel loss, 1,000; Union, 
500. Pirate Florida captured at Bahia, Bay of San Salvador, by U. S. S. Wachusett, Com- 
mander Collins. _ Taken to offing and sunk. All on board sent to U. S. 

Oct. 8. Rebels at Woodville attacked by expedition from Gen. Dana, killing 40, and 
capturing 3 guns and 56 men. 

Oct. 11. Rebel Gen. Buford, with 1,200 cavalry, crosses Cumberland River, Tenn., at 
Harpeth Shoals. Col. Weaver, with 90 colored troops, attacked by 200 rebels near Fort 
Nelson, Tenn. Defeats them and killed and wounded 27. 

786 



1864 — Continued. 

Oct. 12. Longstreet attacks Sheridan near Strasburg. No material advantage gained 
in a three hours' battle. Gen. Hood demands surrender of Resaca, Ga. Col. Weaver de- 
clines. Gen. Watkins re-inforces post from Calhoun. 

Oct. 13. Resaca re-inforced at 2 a. m. by Gen. Raum by R. R. from Kingston, and held 
against Hood. 

Oct. 14. Sherman arrives at Resaca and goes in pursuit of Hood through Snake Creek 
gap. 

Oct. 19. Battle of Cedar- Creek. Sheridan's arrival changes defeat into a great vic- 
tory. Rebels lose 50 guns, etc. 

Oct. 20. Early retreats at night to Mount Jackson. 

Oct. 22. Pleasanton defeats Price at the Little Blue, and forces him to the Big Blue 
River. 

Oct. 23. Shelby drove our forces under Curtis from Westport, and was then attacked 
and defeated by Pleasanton. 

Oct. 25. ' Gen. Sterling Price defeated at Fort Scott Road, losing camp equipage, 20 
wagons of plunder, 1 gun, and cattle. 

Oct. 26. Price driven from Mine Creek, Va., by Pleasanton, and loses 1,000 prisoners 
and 1,500 stand of arms., Marmaduke and Cabell captured. 

Oct. 2j. Grant attacks Southside Railway and fails. Union loss, 3,000; rebel, 1,500. 
Price forced to retreat from Marais des Cygnes. 

Oct. 28. Gillen repulses Vaughn, capturing 200 prisoners and McClurg's battery, cais- 
sons, etc. Price again defeated at Newtonia, more wagons destroyed and loses 250 men.' 
Rebel Ram Albermarle destroyed by Lt. W. B. Cushing with a torpedo boat on Roanoke 
River, attack made at night. Cushing and party escape by swimming. 

Oct. 28-30. Rhoddy's cavalry attacked Col. Morgan's colored troops at Decatur, Ala., 
and lose 400 prisoners and many killed and wounded. Union Joss, 100. 

Nov. 5. Rebels' unsuccessfully attack Fort Sedgwick on Jerusalem Plank Road. Union 
loss, 70; rebel loss, 120. Gen. Butler assumes command of troops in New York, arriving 
and to arrive "to meet existing emergencies." Johnsonville shelled, and 3 tinclads and 7 
transports destroyed by Forrest on the Tennessee. 

Nov. 6. Rebels attack Mott's and Gibson's pickets; capture 30 and a mile of intrench- 
ments, but are driven out and lose 47 prisoners. Several such attacks and repulses at this 
time. 

Nov. 8. President Lincoln re-elected, and Andrew Johnson elected Vice-President. 
Hon. Reuben E. Fenton elected Governor of New York State over Seymour. Gen. 
McClellan resigns his commission in the U. S. Army. Sheridan created Maj.-Gen. of 
Regular Army. Sherman's army concentrating on Atlanta; Thomas' going north from 
Georgia. 

Nov. 9. Sheridan moved all his army back to Newton from Cedar Creek. Atlanta 
outposts attacked unsuccessfully by Iverson. Sherman issues his Marching Order for his 
advance through Georgia. 

Nov. 10. Rebels engage 2d Corps pickets all night, without success, in this and two 
succeeding nights. Rebel plot to seize Pacific Mail steamers at Panama discovered. 

Nov. 11. U. S. S. Tulip destroyed by boiler explosion off Ragged Point. 49 officers 
and men killed (all of crew but 10). 

Nov. 12. About 10,000 prisoners exchanged near Fort Pulaski. 

Nov. 12-16. Several unimportant skirmishes between Sheridan and Early. Lomax, 
rebel General, defeated near Ninevah, Va., by Powell, losing 150 and Merritt about 200 pris- 
oners on reconnoissance from Cedar Creek. Sherman left Kingston, Ga., for Atlanta. 

Nov. 13. Battle of Bull's Gap. Gen. Gillcm defeated with loss of baggage train and 
all his artillery. 

Nov. 14. Sherman's army, 60,000 strong, concentrate at Atlanta, Howard commanding 
right wing — Slocum's left wing, Kilpatrick the cavalry. R. R. in every direction burned. 

Nov. 15. Slocum leaves Atlanta, marching eastward. Howard leaves marching south- 
west, Kilpatrick on right. 

Nov. 16. Sherman leaves Atlanta joining Slocum. Howard drives Gen. Iverson at 
Rough and Ready. 

Nov. 17. Slocum burned railroad depot at Social Circle. Sherman's right wing of 
cavalry advances on Jonesboro aricl McDonough, driving out Wheeler and Cobb. Coving- 

787 



1864 — Con tin ued. 

ton partly burned by Slocum's division. Part of Butler's picket line captured, at night, near 
Chester Station, Va. 

Nov. 18. Macon Railroad cut by Slocum at Forsyth. Georgia Legislature fled from 
Milledgeville. 

Nov. 19. Ocmulgee River bridged by Howard. Madison captured by Sherman; de- 
pots, etc.,, burned. 

Nov. 20. Gen. Gillem's retreating force arrives at Knoxville, Tenn. Howard crosses 
the Ocmulgee. Battle fought and the Georgia Central Railroad destroyed at Griswoldville. 
Sherman crossed the Oconee, arriving at Greensboro. Killpatrick enters Milledgeville. 

Nov. 21. Thomas' army at Pulaski. Rebels badly whipped at Liberty, La.; losing 
3 guns and 200 prisoners. Sherman's cavalry resisted by Wheeler at Gordon, but drove 
him out and occupy town. 

Nov. 22. Hood's advance 20 miles south of Pulaski, Tenn. Thomas falls back towards 
Franklin. Sherman reconnoiters towards Rood's Hill, where rebels are found in force. 
Rest of Early's army at Mt. Jackson and Newmarket. Slocum occupies Milledgeville. 

Nov. 23. Battle at Griswoldville, Ga., by Howard's wing — Sherman at Milledgeville, 
capital of Georgia. 

Nov. 24. Potomac, James, and Valley armies celebrate Thanksgiving with aid of thou- 
sands of turkeys and other delicacies from New York. 

Nov. 25. Thomas fallen back to Franklin. Rebel attempt to burn New York. 15 
hotels, Barnum's and shipping fired. 

Nov. 26-29. Decatur. Ala., besieged by Beauregard who is repulsed, losing 500 men. 

Nov. 2"]. Steamer Greyhound burned on James River; Gen. Butler on board but es- 
caped. 

Nov. 28. Roser captures Fort Kelly, at New Creek, with guns and prisoners. 

Nov. 30. Battle of Franklin. Hood repulsed with loss of 5,000 men, guns, flags, etc., 
and 1,000 prisoners. Union loss, 1.500. Thomas resumes his march to Nashville where he 
halts and fortifies. Attorney-General Bates resigned. Roger A. Pryor captured in front 
of Petersburg. Battle of Grahamsville, S. C. 

Dec. 1. Blockade of Norfolk, Fernandina and Pensacola ceased. Gen. Banks resumes 
command Department of the Gulf. Stoney Creek Station captured by Gen. Gregg. 2 
guns, 190 prisoners, depot burned, etc. 

Dec. 3. Portions of Hood's army crosses the Tennessee, between Florence and De- 
catur, Ala. Sherman reaches Millen, Ga. Gens. Wheeler and Killpatrick's cavalry fight near 
Augusta. 

Dec. 4. Marritt's expedition in Loudon Valley returns with 2.000 cattle and 1,000 
sheep. The Valley stripped of stock and forage. 

Dec. 5. Blockhouses at Murfreesboro. Tenn.. unsuccessfully attacked by rebels. Brig- 
Lizzie Freeman captured by pirates off Warwick River. Passengers robbed, one murdered. 
Sherman at Oguchee church 50 miles from Savannah. Hardee retires as Sherman ad- 
vances. 

Dec. 6. Hood skirmishes 5 miles from Nashville 

Dec. 7. Detroit threatened by Canadian raid. 

Dec. 8. Rebels establish a battery on Cumberland river. Gunboats fail to dislodge it. 
Sherman 8 miles from Savannah. 

Dec. 9. Gen. Warren reaches Belifield Station, on the Meherrin River, 40 miles from 
Petersburg, and destroys the rebel works on the north side of the river, and the depot. 
4,000 rebels, under Gen. Lyon, cross the Cumberland River. 20 miles abo^e Fort Donnelson. 
Reconnoissance of Gen. Miles to Hatcher's Run, on the right of the rebel forces defending 
Petersburg. He captures the rebel works and holds them during the night. A recon- 
noitering expedition, under Col. Frencle, leaves Plymouth, N. C. 

Dec. 10. Gen. Warren commences starting homeward, and in the evening reaches Sus- 
sex Court House. Destroyed, during the trip, over 20 miles of the Weldon Railroad, all 
the stations and depots along the line of march, numerous mills, barns, and dwellings. En- 
tire loss in the expedition about 40 killed and wounded and a few missing. Sherman reaches 
Bloomingdale. Gen. Miles returns to his camp. The rebels attack him. but are repulsed. 
The gunboat Otsego sunk by a rebel torpedo in the Roanoke River. 

Dec. 12. Skirmishing between the national and rebel forces before Nashville. The 
rebels fall' back to their main line. Expedition under Gen. Burbridge starts from Bean's 

788 



1864 — Continued. 

Station, East Tennessee. Fight at Kingston, East Tennessee. The rebel Col. Morgan and 
85 of his men captured. Kilpatrick communicates with ship of blockading squadron below 
I H ort McAllister, Ga., and informs the navy of Sherman's arrival before Savannah. 

Dec. 13. The rebels before Nashville re-occupy their advance works. Gen. Burbridge 
Dandelion of the navy, and at 11:50 p. m. writes to Secretary Stanton. The Dandelion 
took Gen. Sherman to Warsaw Sound, where he met Admiral Dahlgren. 

Dec. 13. The rebels before Nashville re-occupy their advance works. Gen. Burbridge 
routs the rebel brigade under Basil Duke at Kingsport, East Tenn. Rebel loss 150 men 
and the train. Gen. Hazen's division of the 15th Corps captures Fort McAllister, com- 
manding the entrance of the Ogeechee River, 15 miles southwest of Savannah. Sherman's 
report on his great march. "Not a wagon lost on the trip." 200 miles of railroad de- 
stroyed. Total loss during the march about 1,000. Departure from Hampton Roads of 
land and naval forces under Gen. Butler and Admiral Porter. A raiding expedition under 
Gen. Robinson leaves New Orleans for Alabama. The St. Albans robbers released by the 
Canadian"" Judge Coursol. 

Dec. 14. Order of Gen. Dix. Rebels on the Canadian frontier detected in acts of in- 
dendiarism, robbery- or murder, are to be pursued into Canada, and if captured, sent to 
headquarters in New York. Gen. Thomas assumes the offensive. Capture of Bristol by 
Gen. Burbridge. 300 rebels captured. 

Dec. 15. Great victory of Gen. Thomas near Nashville. All the rebel earthworks, 
except those on the extreme right, taken. The rebels, on their left, driven 8 miles. Their 
loss, 17 cannon and 1,500 prisoners. The St. Albans raiders ordered by the attorney general 
of Canada to be re-arrested. Raid of Gen. Stoneman in southwest Virginia. Surprise and 
capture of Glade Spring, 13 miles from Abingdon. Defeat of Forrest near Murfreesboro. 
Loss, 1,500 killed and wounded. Raiding expedition of Gen. Granger into Alabama starts 
from East Pensacola, Fla. 

Dec. 16. Another battle near Nashville. Kood completely routed. Prisoners and can- 
non captured on every part of the field. Hood's loss before Nashville, 13,189 prisoners, 
2,207 deserters, 30 guns, 7,000 small arms. An entire rebel division (Ed. Johnson's) cap- 
tured. Union loss about 6,500 ;total loss of the rebels about 23,000. Gen. Sherman's army 
receive their first mail from home. 

Dec. 17. Capture of Wytheville. The rebel army of Hood driven through and beyond 
Franklin; 1,500 wounded rebels captured in the hospital at Franklin. New order of Gen. 
Dix concerning the rebel raiders in Canada. Officers, in case of marauding expeditions, 
to report to his headquarters. Resolutions introduced into the rebel House of Represent- 
atives to send peace commissioners to Washington. Gen. McCook routs the rebel raiders 
in Kentucky, under Gen. Lyon, at Ashbyvilie, McLean Co. Sherman demands surrender 
of Savannah. 

Dec. 18. Order of Secretary Seward, requiring persons coming into the United States 
to be furnished with passports, except emigrant passengers coming in by sea. Hood's army 
driven as far as Spring Hill, 30 miles from Nashville. The rebel Gen. Quarles captured. 
The rebel raiders in Kentucky defeated at Hopkinsville. All their cannon captured. Gen. 
Hardee refused to surrender Savannah. 

Dec. 19. A call and draft for 300,000 men. All soldiers fit for duty ordered to join their 
regiments. Hood driven to Duck River. 9,000 rebels captured from Dec. 15 to Dec. 19, 
and 61 (out of 66) pieces of artillery. 

Dec. 20. Dispatch from Governor General of Canada announcing the re-arrest of one 
of the St. Alban's raiders. Rewards offered for their apprehension. Evacuation of Savan- 
nah by Hardee. The navy yard burned and the rebel iron clad blown up. The salt works 
of Saltville, Va., captured by Gen. Stoneman. 

Dec. 21. Occupation of Savannah by Gen. Slocum. Captures, 800 prisoners, 150 pieces 
of artillery, 33,000 bales of cotton, and 3 steamers. Madison Court House, Va., occupied by 
Gens. Torbert and Powell. Gen. Grierson starts for Memphis for a raid on the Mobile and 
Ohio Railroad. 

Dec. 22. Gen. Sherman entered Savannah with large portion of army. 

Dec. 23. Fight near Gordonsville, Va. 

Dec. 24. The fleet of Admiral Porter before Fort Fisher. Furious attack on the 
Fort. 



789 



1864—1865. 

Dec. 25. Attack on Fort Fisher renewed. Three brigades of Union infantry landed 
three and one-half miles above the fort. They are repulsed and re-embark. 

Dec. 26. Ensign Blume cuts loose and takes out from Galveston harbor the blockade- 
running schooner Salfie. The blockade-runner Julia, with 450 bales of cotton, captured by 
the gunboat Accacia. A dispatch from Hood reports his army south of the Tennessee. 

Dec. 28. Hood's rear guard crosses the Tennessee River at Bainbridge. 

• s 1865.; 

Jan. 1. Explosion of the bulkhead of the Dutch Gap Canal. Loss of the U .S. sloop-of- 
war San Jacinto off the coast of Florida. 

Jan. 5. Gen. Grierson arrives at Vicksburg, having destroyed on his raid 70 miles of 
the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, and 30 miles of the Mississippi Central, and captured 600 
prisoners and 1,000 contrabands. 

Jan. 6. A railroad train captured by guerrillas near Lebanon Junction. Bands of guer- 
rillas roaming through Northwestern Kentucky, occupy Owensboro, Hawesville, Daven- 
port, and Henderson. 

Jan. 7. Attack by 1,600 Indians, on Julesburg, Colorado Territory; 19 soldiers and citi- 
zens killed, and much property robbed and destroyed. The Indians driven off by 100 of our 
soldiers. 

Jan. 8. Butler removed from the command of the Army of the James. Ord tempor- 
arily assumes the position. Francis P. Blair, Sen., departs from Washington on a second 
peace mission. Arrival of many transports with a large number of troops, at Beaufort, N. 
C. The steamer Venango captured and burned by guerrillas near Skipwith Landing, on the 
Mississippi. ' 

Jan. 10. Gen. Sherman begins his movement into South Carolina. 

Jan. 11. Meeting in New York, to furnish aid to the people of Savannah. Beverly, W. 
Va., captured by a detachment of Early's rebel army. About 200 Union soldiers captured. 
F. P. Blair, Sr., arrives in Richmond. Secretary Stanton, Quarter Master General Meigs 
and Adjutant General Townsend visit the army at Savannah, Ga. 

Jan. 13. More than fifty gunboats appear off Fort Fisher and shell the woods. Second 
attack upon the fort. 

Jan. 14. The 17th and part of 15th corps of Sherman's army proceed, on transports, 
to Beaufort, S. C. 

Jan. 15. Capture of Fort Fisher. 2,500 prisoners and 72 guns taken. All the rebel 
earthworks, south of the fort on Federal Point, captured. Union loss, 691. The rebel 
works at Pocotaligo occupied by Blair. 

Jan. 16. F. P. Blair, Sr., returns to Washington. Forts Caswell and Campbell, N. C, 
evacuated by the rebels, and blown up. The rebels also blow up the pirate steamers Talla- 
hassee and Chickamauga. Part of 15th Corps crosses Savannah River to march to Pocot- 
aligo. 

Jan. 17. The monitor Patapsco sunk off Charleston by a rebel torpedo. About 60 of 
the officers and crew drowned. Military Convention of the Adjutant Generals of the loyal 
States, at Columbia. 

Jan. 18. Two blockade-runners captured by Admiral Porter. 200 of Forrest's cavalry 
defeated 10 miles from Columbus, Ky. 

Jan. 20. F .P. Blair leaves Washington again for Richmond. 

Jan. 24. Four rebel iron-clad vessels in the James River pass Fort Brady. One of 
them blown up and destroyed, and another disabled. General holiday in Louisiana, to 
celebrate the abolition of slavery in Louisiana, Maryland, Tennessee and Missouri. 

Jan. 25. Meeting at Savannah to thank New York and Boston for the supplies of 
food and clothing. Address by the mayor. Gen. Lee issues a call for arms. 

Jan. 26. Debate in the rebel House of Representatives on enlisting negroes. Gunboat 
Dai-Ching destroyed in the Columbia River. 

Jan. 27. Return of F. P. Blair, Sr., from his peace commission to Richmond. 
Jan. 28. Rebel House of Representatives passes a bill for employment of negroes. 
Jan. 30. The rebel Vice-President, Alex. H. Stephens, Senator R. M. T. Hunter, and 
Judge Campbell, come as peace commissioners within Grant's lines. The left wing of 
Sherman's army, under Slocum, arrives at Sister's Ferry, on the Savannah River, 50 miles 
above Savannah. 

790 



1865 — Continued. 

Jan. 31. Lee approved by the Senate 6i the Confederate Congress, as General-in-Chief 
of the armies of the Confederate States. 

Feb. 1. The rebel commissioners, Stephens, Hunter, and Campbell, arrive at Fortress 
Monroe. Secretary Seward leaves Washington to meet them. Sherman's army marches 
promptly to concentrate at Blackville on South Carolina R. R. 

Feb. 2. President Lincoln arrives at Fortress Monroe to meet the rebel commissioners. 
Rebel dash into Midway, Ky. Peace conference at Fortress Monroe, between President 
Lincoln and Secretary Seward on the one hand, and the rebel commisisoners on the other. 
The rebel commissioners return to Richmond, President Lincoln and Secretary Seward to 
Annapolis. Gold in Richmond at 4,400 per cent premium. 

Feb. 4. The Governor-General of Canada signs the Canadian Alien Bill, to prevent 
rebel raids across the border. Lieut. Cushing, with 4 boats and 50 men, take possession 
of All Saints, on Little River, S. C, capturing a large amount of cotton.. 

Feb. 5. The Army of the Potomac in motion. The 5th Corps advances 6 miles to Row- 
anty Creek. The rebels driven from their rifle-pits. Two divisions of the 2nd Corps ad- 
vance to Hatcher's Run. Severe engagement at both places. Repulse of the rebels. 

Feb. 6. Severe engagement of the 5th Corps and Gregg's cavalry with the rebels. The 
5th Corps holds its ground and maintains its connection with the 2nd. Casualties in the 
5th Corps, during the two days, about 500; in the second, 250. Hatcher's Run is made the 
line of defense for the left flank. Two blockade-running schooners in Galveston harbor, 
boarded, captured, and run out to the blockading fleet by Acting Ensign G. H. Franch. 

Feb. 7. Attack of the rebels upon a portion of the 5th Corps, and the cavalry repulsed. 
Union loss slight. Kilpatrick's cavalry drives the rebels from Blackville, S. C, a railroad 
station between Branchville and Augusta. Sherman's foragers capture the R. R. at Mid- 
way. 

Feb. 8. Occupation of Branchville, S. C. Lieut. Cushing, with 15 men, captured Shal- 
lotte, N. C, garrisoned by 100 rebels. 

Feb. 11. Movement towards Wilmington. Gen. Terry a reconnoissance in force. The 
rebels driven from their lines and into their main works. Rebel loss about 100. Union 
casualties about 60. Union troops gain two miles of ground. Cavalry engagement at 
Aiken, S. C, between Kilpatrick and Wheeler. Kilpatrick takes possession of the town. 

Feb. 15. Destruction of Charlotte Iron Furnace, on Water Lick Creek, by 300 picked 
men of the 1st and 6th Regiments of Michigan cavalry. 

Feb. 17. Occupation of Columbia, S. C, by Gen. Sherman. The city on fire when 
soldiers enter. Great destruction of cotton and buildings. Confederate officers leave let- 
ters to Gen. Sherman requesting protection to their families which was done. Evacuation 
of Charleston by the rebels. The upper part of the city fired. Two rebel iron-clads blown 
up. 

Feb. 18. Occupation of Charleston by the Union forces; 200 pieces of artillery and a 
large supply of ammunition captured. 

Feb. 19. Capture of Fort Anderson, N. C, by Schofield and Porter. Union loss, killed 
and wounded, about 30. Sherman in Winnsboro, S. C. 

Feb. 20. Gen. Cox routs the rebels four miles from Wilmington, N. C. The rebel 
House of Representatives passes a bill to arm the negroes. Repulse of a rebel attack on 
Fort Myers, Florida. 

Feb. 21. Maj. Generals Crook and Kelley surrounded and captured by a party of rebel 
cavalry at Cumberland, Md. Evacuation of Wilmington by the rebels. 

Feb. 22. Occupation of Wilmington by the Union troops. Large quantities of supplies 
captured. 700 prisoners and 30 guns capturecl in Fort Anderson and Wilmington to- 
gether. 

Feb. 23. Occupation of Georgetown and Fort White, S. C, by the Union forces. Fif- 
teen pieces of artillery captured. 

Feb. 25. Johnson assumes command as successor to Beauregard. 

Feb. 27. Sheridan starts on a new movement. 

March 1. Gen. Baily starts on a cavalry raid from Baton Rouge. 

March 2. Sheridan captures nearly the whole force of Early, consisting of 1,800 men, 
between Charlottesville and Staunton. 

March 3. Skirmish between Sherman's cavalry and that of Wade Hampton. The 
rebel Col. Aiken killed. Occupation of Charlottesville, Va., by Sheridan. 

791 



1865 — Contin ued. 

March 4. Re-inauguration of President Lincoln. U. S. transport steamer Thorn 
blown up by a torpedo in Cape Fear River. 

March 6. Expedition up the Rappahannock. Capture of 400 prisoners and 95 tons of 
tobacco at Fredericksburg. Extensive contraband trade broken up. 

March 8. Sherman at Laural Hill. X. C. The rebel Senate passes the negro enlistment 
Bill. Engagement between Cox and Bragg four miles from Kinston. X. C. Bragg cap- 
tures a large number of prisoners and three pieces of artillery, but is ultimately driven 
back. Fighting continues to March 10. 

March 9. A transport, with 2.000 Union troops, enters Mobile Bay through Grant's 
Pass. 

March 10. Gen. Sheridan at Columbia, Fluvanna Co., Ya.. 50 miles west of Richmond. 
He reports having destroyed all the locks for a considerable distance on the James River 
Canal, an immense number of bridges, many miles of Railroad, mills, factories, and vast 
quantities of merchandise: also having captured 12 canal boats. 14 pieces of artillery, and an 
abundance of provisions. Desperate attempt of Bragg to break the national lines at Kin- 
ston, X'. C. The rebels lose 1.200 killed and wounded, and 400 prisoners. Two thousand 
rebels captured from March 8 to 10. The entire Union losses about 1,000. Gen. Lee 
urges the work of raising and organizing negro troops. Gen. Stoneman. with 4.000 men. 
starts on a cavalry raid from Knoxville. Engagement between the cavalry forces of Wade 
Hampton and Kilpatrick near Fayetville. X'. C. Xearly all the members of Kilpatrick's 
staff captured. The rebels finally beaten back and most of the officers re-captured. Gen. 
Grant issues an order forbidding all trade with points within the rebel lines in Virginia, 
X'orth Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. 

March 11. Sheridan at Beaver Mills Aqueduct. 20 miles north of Richmond. Hoke's 
division of rebels repulsed at Kinston. Loss over 2.000. Lnion loss. 300. 21 Lnion ves- 
sels in sight of Mobile. Sherman arrives at Fayetteville. Reports having captured at 
Columbia. S. C. 43 pieces of artillery: at Cheraw. S. C. 25 pieces and 3.600 barrels of gun- 
powder: at Fayetteville. X*. C. 20 pieces, and large quantities of ammunition. 

March 12. Gen. Schofield having been transferred with his Army Corps by R. R. and 
sea from Nashville, Tenn.. to X'orth Carolina to co-operate with Sherman, occupies Kin- 
ston. The rebels throw many pieces of artillery into the river and burn the ram Xeuse. 
Gen. Stoneman at Wytheville. Chriansburg. and Salem. Ya. 

March 13. Sheridan tears up the railroad between Richmond and Hanover. Message 
from Jeff. Davis to the Rebel Congress. Reports having attempted the initiation of nego- 
tiations by a conference between Grant and Lee. but that this was declined by Grant. 

March 15. Fight at Brandenburg. Ky.. between a small Union garrison and a party 
of rebels. Sheridan reporets having rendered useless the James River Canal as far as 
Goochland. The rebel House of Representatives passes the bill (38 to 32) suspending the 
habeas corpus writ. 

March 16. Lieut-Commander Eastman destroys 3 rebel schooners in Mattox Creek, 
Ya. : large stocks of tobacco, guns, ammunition captured. Fight at Averysborough. X. C. 
(20 miles north of Fayetteville — between a portion of Sherman's arm}- and the rebels under 
Hardee. Lnion loss. 74 killed. 477 wounded; rebel loss, 32J killed and wounded, 273 pris- 
oners. 

March 17. Gen. Canby's movement against Mobile commences. Portions of the 13th 
and 23rd Corps in motion. Gen. "Wilson leaves Xashville with 15,000 men on a cavalry 
expedition into Central Alabama and Georgia. 

March 18. Gen. Sheridan's advance reaches White House, on the Pamunkey River. 
Plis entire loss during this raid. 50 men and 2 officers. 

March 19. Occupation of Goldsborough. X. C. by Sherman. Engagement at Benton- 
ville. X. C. between Sherman and Johnston. Repulse of the rebels. Lnion loss. 1.646; 
rebel loss. 167 dead. 1.625 prisoners. The rebel schooner. Anna Dale, in Matagorda Bay. 
cut loose from under two rebel batteries and burned. 

March 20. Gen. Steele's forces leave Pensacola. Fla. 

March 21. Occupation of Goldsborough. X. C. by Gen. Schofield. Junction of the 
armies under Sherman. Tern-, and Schofield. The rebels flanked and overpowered at 
Mount Olive. X. C. Roddy's division of Forrest's cavalry routed by Gen. Wilson's forces 
at Marion and Plantersville. The confederates abandon all their cavalry. 

792 



1865 — Continued. 

March 22. A band of guerrillas routed 30 miles west of Paducah. The rebel leader, 
McDougal, killed. 

March 25. Capture of the Union Fort Stedman, and 500 men, in front of Petersburg, 
by three divisions of rebels under Gordon. They are driven out again by Gen. Hart- 
ranft, with a loss of 1.758 prisoners, and total loss of 2.500. Total Union loss about 1,500. 
Assault on the rebel lines by the 2nd and 6th Corps. The first line of the rebel works cap- 
tured and held. Engagement between the Union cavalry and the 6th and 8th Alabama cav- 
alry at Mitchell's Creek. The rebel Gen. Canton, with 275 men, captured. 

March 26. Sheridan's cavalry reaches City Point, Va. 

March 27. Gen. Getty's division of the 6th Corps attacked by 400 rebel sharpshooters. 
Repulse of the rebels. Sheridan's cavalry takes position in Gregg's old cavalry camp on 
the left and rear of Grant's army. Portions of the 24th and 25th Corps cross the James to 
join Meade's army. Boone, N. C, captured by Gen. Stoneman's cavalry force. Invest- 
ment of Spanish Fort, one of the principal defences of Mobile. 

March 28. Attack on the defences of Mobile. 

March 29. Grant's army in motion. Sheridan's command makes a detour to Dinwid- 
■die Court House. Occupation of the town. Further advance on the Boydton Road. Two 
Corps of the infantry (2nd and 5th) thrown across Hatcher's Run, the former on the Vaughn 
Road, the second on the Halifax Road. Battle of Quaker Road, in the vicinity of Gravelly 
Run, between Bushrod Johnson's division, and the 5th Corps of the Union troops. With- 
drawal of the rebels to their original position. Loss on each side about 500. The Union 
iron-clad, Milwaukee, blown up by a rebel torpedo. The confederate ram, Stonewall, or- 
dered to leave the port of Lisbon. The U. S. war-steamer, Niagara, fired upon by the 
Portuguese authorities. 

March 30. Sheridan connects his right with Warren's left near the Boydton Plank-road. 
Gen. Devin's brigade drives back the rebel cavalry, but is in turn driven back by the 
enemy's infantry. The Union cavalry retires to Dinwiddie. 

March 31, Engagement of the 5th and 2nd Corps with the rebels near Boydton Plank- 
road. The Union army driven back from its advanced position. Union losses from 2,500 
to 3,000. Confederate losses not so severe. 

April 1. Battle of Five Forks. Sheridan put in command of all the cavalry and the 
5th Corps of infantry. Desperate fighting all day and until half-past seven P. M. The 
Confederates lose 4,000 prisoners, 6 cannon, several thousand muskets, and 20 or 30 flags. 
Total loss of the enemy about 7,000. Union loss about 3,000. The rebel wonts occupied 
by the Union forces. The Southside Railroad occupied and destroyed. Grant closing 
around the works of the line immediately enveloping Petersburg. 

April 2. Grant advances upon Petersburg. Battle opened at half-past five A. M. by 
the 6th Corps in front of the Union Forts Welch and Foster. The rebel forts carried by 
daylight. The Southside Railroad broken by Gen. Seymour. Success of the 24th Corps. 
They capture 1,000 prisoners and many guns. Assault by the rebels. Gen. A. P. Hill 
falls. Fighting continued all day The 6th Corps captures 2,000 prisoners and 20 guns, and 
rests its left close to Appomattox. Skirmishers of the 9th Corps advance into the outskirts 
of Petersburg, but are compelled to fall back. Rebels lose about 9,000 prisoners. Evacu- 
ation of Richmond and Petersburg during the night. Jeff. Davis leaves for Danville at 8 
P. M. Rebel agents unsuccessfully attempt to destroy Newbern. Surrender of Selma, 
Ala., to Gen. Wilson's forces; 2,000 prisoners and 100 guns secured. The arsenals, naval 
iron works, magazines, and government buildings destroyed. 

April 3. Occupation of Petersburg at four o'clock A. M. by Col. Ely, of Wilcox's 
division. Several thousand prisoners, 100 pieces of artillery including siege guns of all' 
calibers, immense army supplies, etc., captured. Occupation of Richmond by Gen. WHt- 
zel at seven o'clock A. M. 6,000 prisoners, 5,000 stands of arms. 500 cannon captured. The 
rebels fire the city, nearly one-third of which is destroyed. The confederates pursued by 
the cavalry fully 20 miles. 350 prisoners and 4 cannon captured. 

April 4. Skirmishing between the retreating rebels and McKenzie's division at Beth- 
any. Union forces south of Amelia Court House. President Lincoln in Richmond. The 
steamer Harriet Deford captured by disguised rebels at Fairhaven, Md., on Patuxent River. 
They overhaul and capture the schooner St. Marys. 

Gen. Lee at Amelia Court House. Grant's forces at Burkesville Station. Sheridan at 
Jettersville, 7 miles southwest of Lee's position. Proclamation of Jeff. Davis. He an- 

793 



1865— Continued. 

nounces the evacuation of Richmond, and his determination never to submit to the abandon- 
ment of one State of the confederacy. 

April 6. Engagement between Grant and Lee at Deantonsville. One corps of the rebel 
army cut off. The rebel Gens. Ewell, Kershaw, Barton, DeBose, Custis Lee and Corse cap- 
tured. Several thousand prisoners and a large number of cannon taken. 

April 7. Gen. Grant wrote letter to Gen. Lee pointing hopelessness of further resist- 
ance, and asking him to surrender army of Northern Virginia. Gen. Lee replied asking 
conditions of surrender. Fight of the 2nd Corps with Lee at Farmville. 

April 8. Lee's army concentrated at Appomattox Court House. Correspondence con- 
tinues between Gens. Grant and Lee. Gen. Lee wished to discuss terms of peace, which 
Gen. Grant declined as he had no authority to treat on the subject of peace. 

April 9. Gen. Lee, by letter asked for an interview with Gen. Grant. Surrender of 
Gen. Lee. All the rebel arms, artillery and property to be turned over to an officer to be 
designated by Gen. Grant; the entire rebel army to be disbanded; the officers and men to 
give their parole not to take up arms against the United States until exchanged. Lee's 
army numbers about 26,115 men. Engagement at Sumpter, S. C, between guerrillas and 
national forces. Jeff. Davis on hearing the news of Lee's surrender, leaves Danville, Va., 
for Greensboro, N. C. Spanish Fort near Mobile, captured; 652 prisoners taken with 
many pieces of artillery. Forts Tracy and Huger abandoned by the Confederates. Fort 
Blakely taken by assault, and 300 prisoners, 32 pieces of artillery, 4,000 stands of small 
arms, 16 battle-flags, and a large quantity of ammunition taken. Rebel loss in killed and 
wounded, 500; total Union loss about 1,000. 

April 10. Evacuation of Mobile commences. The St. Albans raiders, except Young, 
discharged from custody in Toronto. 

April 11. Montgomery, Ala., surrenders to Gen. Wilson; 2,700 prisoners, 32 guns in 
position and 75 in arsenal, taken with the city; 35,000 bales of cotton destroyed by the 
Confederates before evacuating. Occupation of Lynchburg, Va. Destruction of a rebel 
ram on Roanoke River, above Newbern. Proclamation of the President, demanding the 
removal of restrictions from our war vessels in foreign ports. 

April 12. Mobile occupied by the Union troops. Total Union loss before Mobile, 
2 heavy iron-clads, 2 so-called tin-clads, 1 transport, all destroyed by torpedoes; 50 seamen 
and 2,000 men in the army; about 1,200 Confederates captured in the city. Stoneman routs 
3,000 rebels at Grant's Creek, three miles from Salisbury; occupation of Salisbury; 1,364 
Conferedates, 14 pieces of artillery and a large supply of ammunition and military stores 
captured. 

April 13. Raleigh, N. C, occupied by Sherman after a slight skirmish. Johnston falls 
back to Hillsboro. 

April 14. President Lincoln shot by John Wilkes Booth, at Ford's Theater, at about 
ten o'clock at night. The assassin escapes. At the same hour, murderous attack made 
upon Secretary Seward by Payne, who likewise escapes. Severe injuries upon Frederick 
W. Seward, and Robinson and Hansell, the attendants of Secretary Seward. 

April 15. President Lincoln dies at 22 minutes past 7 a. m. Andrew Johnson takes 
the oath of office as President. 

April 16. Columbus, Ga., captured by Gen. Upton; 1,200 prisoners; 53 guns and 100,000 
bales of cotton destroyed. 

April 17. Interview between Sherman and Johnston, five miles beyond Durham's 
Station. 

April 18. Second colloquy between Sherman and Johnston. A truce agreed upon, 
subject to the approval of the administration. The confederates to be disbanded and to 
deposit their arms in the arsenals of the state capitals; the rebel state governments to be 
recognized on their officers and legislatures taking the oath prescribed by the Constitution 
of the United States. The legitimacy of conflicting state governments to be submitted to 
the Supreme Court; the political rights and franchises to be guaranteed to the people of the 
rebel states. 

April 20. Occupation of Macon, Ga. Gens. Howell Cobb, Gustavus W. Smith, Rob- 
ertson and Mercer, and McCall made prisoners; 132 guns in position, and 200 guns in 
arsenals, with immense amounts of ordnance and stores, captured. The War Department' 
offers $50,000 for the arrest of Booth, and $25,000 each for the arrest of Atzerott and 
Harold. Capture of Atzerott. 

794 



1865— Continued. 

April 21. Proclamation of Gen. E. Kirby Smith; he asserts his ability to continue 
the rebellion. Sherman's truce disapproved by the President, Gen. Grant and the Cabinet. 
Gen. Grant ordered to go to North Carolina and conduct military affairs there. 

Aprif22. Reception of the remains of President Lincoln at Philadelphia. 

April 23. Jeff. Davis leaves Charlotte, N. C, for Georgia. 

April 24. Destruction of the rebel ram Webb, below New Orleans. Reception of 
the remains of President Lincoln in New York. 

April 25. Gen. Grant at Sherman's headquarters, Raleigh, N. C; Grant instructs Sher- 
man to secure surrender of Gen. Johnson's army on same terms granted Gen. Lee. Funeral 
procession with the remains of President Lincoln through the streets of New York. 

April 26. Surrender of Gen. Johnston and his army at Raleigh, N. C, numbering 
about 27,500 men. Booth and Harold found in a barn near Bowling Green, Caroline 
county, Va.; Booth shot by Sergeant Boston Corbett; Harold captured. 

April 27. Railroad track near Charleston, S. C, torn up by guerrillas. 

April 28. Danville, Va., occupied by Gen. Wright; 113 locomotives, 117 box cars, 
iron-work, machinery, etc., were captured. The War Department issues orders for the 
reduction of the expenses of the army by the discharge of ocean transports, by its stoppage 
oT purchases, etc. 

April 29. Armistice agreed upon between Gens. Dana and Dick Taylor. Proclamation 
by the President removing restrictions on international trade. 

April 30. The paroling of Gen. Johnston's troops commences at Greensboro. 

May 1. Reception of the remains of President Lincoln at Chicago. Surrender of 1,100 
of Morgan's old command to Gen. Hobson, at Mount Sterling, Ky. 

May 2. Surrender of Jeff. Thompson to Capt. Mitchell, U. S. Navy. Presidential 
proclamation, offering $100,000 reward for the capture of Jeff. Davis; $25,000 each for the 
arrest of Jacob Thompson, Clement C. Clay, George N. Saunders, Beverly Tucker, and 
$10,000 for the arrest of Wm, C. Cleary. 

May 4. Interview between Gen. Canby and Gen. Dick Taylor at Citronelle, Ala., 2>2> 
miles north of Mobile; surrender of Taylor's entire command. Burial of Abraham Lincoln 
in Oak Ridge Cemetery, near Springfield, 111. 

May 5. A train on the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad, 14 miles from Cincinnati, cap- 
tured by 20 guerrillas. 

May 9. The Confederate Commodore Farrand surrenders 12 vessels and all his com- 
mand to Commander Edward Simpson, fleet captain of the West Gulf Squadron, at Nanna 
Hubba Bluff. 

May 10. Jeff. Davis and the Confederate Postmaster, Gen. Reagan, captured at Irwin- 
ville, Ga., by Lieut. -Col. Pritchard, commanding the 4th Michigan Cavalry. Surrender 
of Capt. Mayberry, commanding the irregular bands of Confederates in Arkansas, at Pine 
Bluff. The trial of the assassination conspirators begins at Washington. 

May 1 J. A rebel camp at Palmetto Branch, Texas, 15 miles above Brazos, captured 
and burned by Col. Barrett. Arrival of the rebel ram Stonewall at Havana. 

May 12. Engagement near Boco Chico, between 400 Union troops under Col. Barrett, 
and 500 Confederate cavalry under Gen. Slaughter; this was the last engagement of the 
war; Union loss, 70 men. Surrender of the rebel forces under Gen. Wofford in Northern 
Georgia, at Kingston. 

May 19. Arrival of Jeff. Davis and his fellow-prisoners at Fortress Monroe. 

May 20. Surrender of the ram Stonewall to the Spanish authorities in Cuba. 

May 24. Capt. Rayburn, commanding all irregular bands of Confederates In Jackson, 
Prairie and White counties, Ark., surrenders at Duvall's Bluff. 

May 25. Forts Mannahasset and Griffin, and the defenses of Labone Pass, occupied 
by Rear-Admiral Thatcher. 

May 26. Surrender of Gen. E. Kirby Smith and his army of about 20,000; terms agreed 
upon and signed at New Orleans by Buckner, Brent and Carter. 

May 29. Amnesty proclamation issued by President Johnson. 

May 31. Brazil withdraws belligerent rights from the rebels. 

June 1. Occupation of Brownsville, Texas. Day of Humiliation and Prayer on account 
of the murder of President Lincoln. 

June 2. Kirby Smith and Magruder formally surrender their forces at Galveston. 

795 



1-:— _V ;:;.;.;-. 

The British Government officially withdraws belligerent rights from the rebels. Occupation 
. I exandria. La. ; capture of 22 pieces of artillery. 
Jone 3. The rebel iron-clad Missouri, in Red River, surrenders to Commander W. EL 

'::-- ':::\ ::::::: '.- . - - ■ ::r 

7-::r " ~ /.-. Ar::r:;r7-'3-t::rri! :ff ..--r ir. ::::: r- . r .: :^ ill ;trf:-? l::.;:-^ ::r 
pardon under the Amnesty Proclamation to take the oath of allegiance as a prececdent 
::r.i:r::r. :: :/.- : : r. -rz: :. ::' ::::: :r"::i> 

."•. -7 : - J r :;::::;.:: :; ::ei::.: : : :r:r :i-: ::' :;;- 1 1 . f- f- : e r.; ; : :r. :h- :?: :: 7—7 

JuEt : _ . Arxander H. Stephens and Robert W. Lee apply for pardon. 

Jnne 23. Proclamation of the President rescinding blockade as to all ports of the 

June 24. Proclamation removing commercial restrictions west of the Mississippi, 

-: ■: :t: T.::^- ::::r ::.::.:::::::: -.:: 

Jnne 20. Qosing of the trial of the assassins in Washington. 

July 7. Execution of the conspirators Harold, Payne, Atzerott and Mrs. SurrarJL 

Aug. 1. The President orders the 2d, 4th, 5th, 6th, yth, 8th. gth. 10th, 14th. 15th, 

:::;: _::..; _;: :::: 2_:r. A:~v J : r; - :: ': ^::::::.:ri i: : r^i:;::i:: : r. = 

Aug. 21. Commencement of the trial of Capt. Wirz. the Andersonville jailor. 

Sept 1. Removal of all restrictions on Southern ports. 
~ :: zz ?r: :"i":ir::r. :■: :l:t :::•:::": er.iizi ~ir::i' !i~ :n Kt:r;:>- 
X:t : The rt t. : :: .5 :.:: : : : . : : . : - ."-. = .:: : :.-. '. '. - :-. -\ ; : ". : = - ~~- ~i- : -. : : z:\Z: z; .:/. 
■--: :- •- ; r -he ir hir. iei :ver:: ::.: Azrr::i: Izrifu! 
jv. 10. Execution of Capt. Wirz 



'-• 



CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE 

OF IMPORTANT EVENTS, HISTORICAL AND POLITICAL, CONNECTED 
WITH THE TERRITORY AND STATE OF ILLINOIS. 



1673. — Companions of Joliet give the name of Mount Joliet to the site of the present city 

of Joliet. 
1675. — Marquette traversed the entire course of the Illinois river. 
1674. — Missionary station at Chicago founded by Marquette. 
1675. — Chicago was a designation applied indifferently by explorers to rivers, posts, routes 

and country adjacent to the southern portion of Lake Michigan: the name de- 
rived from "Chicagou," the name of a chief of a tribe of Illinois Indians. 
1675. — April 8. Kaskaskia mission founded by Marquette at site near present city of Peoria. 
1680. — Fort Creve Coeur built by LaSalle near present site of Peoria. 
1686. — Rev. Claude Allouez, a companion of LaSalle, the first white man to make the 

Indian village of Kaskaskia his permanent residence. 
1686. — Reynolds dates the settlement of Kaskaskia, Cahokia and Peoria from this year. 
1687. — Death of LaSalle; assassinated by his mutinous followers. 
1699. — French mission established at Cahokia, probably the oldest permanent settlement 

in Illinois. 
171 1. — Missionary station established by the French on Ohio river where Fort Massac was 

afterward erected. 
1717. — The Illinois country, by decree of the Royal council, was made a part of the Louisiana 

territory, 
1720. — Fort Chartres, six miles above Prairie du Rocher, built by French to defend them- 
selves against Spaniards. Rebuilt in 1756. 
1721. — Monastery and college erected at Kaskaskia by Jesuit missionaries. 
1722. — African slaves first introduced into Illinois country by Renault. 
1758. — Fort Massac erected by French on Ohio river in what is now Massac county. 
J /63. — Illinois country ceded to English by French. 
1765. — Captain Sterling, of the British army, arrived at Fort Chartres and took formal 

possession of the Illinois country for Great Britain under treaty of 1763. 
1765. — Pontiac, the great Indian warrior, was assassinated at Cahokia by a Peoria Indian 

in the employ of the British authorities. 
1772. — Fort Chartres greatly damaged by overflow of the Mississippi and abandoned. 
1772. — Kaskaskia became capital of Illinois country. 
1778. — Colonel George Rogers Clark, with 150 men, acting under authority of Virginia, 

descended the Ohio river to near Fort Massac and several days later seized town 

of Kaskaskia. 
1778. — First house built in La Villa dc Maillet, afterward known a 

the city of Peoria. 
1778. — Dec. 12. By an act of the Virginia legislature the "County 

lished. A regiment of infantry and troop of cavalry voted U 

Col. George Rogers Clark placed in command. 
1783. — First American school in Illinois taught by John Seely in w 

county. 
1783. — Sept. 3. Cession by Great Britain included Illinois country. 
1784. — March 1. Cession by Virginia to general government included pari of Illinois 

country south of 41st parallel. 
1785. — April 19. Cession by Massachusetts to general government included part of Illinois 

country between 42 degrees 2 minutes and 43 degrees 30 minutes. 
1786. — Sept. 14. Cession by Connecticut to general government included part of Illinois 

country between 41 degrees and 42 degrees 2 minutes. 



Fort Clark, and now 

f Illinois" was estab- 
• its protection and 

at is now Monroe 



:-:- — July :; Formation of Territory Northwest of Ohio river which included Illinois 

lygo. — N _ : ;>unty changed to St. Clair. 

1700. — First jrer in Illinois country. John Rice Jones, at Kaskaskia. 
:v\_ — 7 ..77ing of first brick house west of Pittsburg- at Kaskaskia, where it still stands. 
- : — ~ : : . - iividing the former county of Illinois into two coun- 

md Randolph. 
igoc — il '_/_ - 7 ;r_~ation of Indiana Territory, which included Illinois country. 
_:■:_ — Trc 3 :. Louis by General Harrison with the chiefs of the Sac and Fox 

I 
_ —J _ Erectic n of Fort Dearborn (Chicago] by the U. S. government. 
— J ie >rgan zation of the first lodge in the Illinois country, A. F. & A. M.. at 

K ; .::-f^ia- 
log — ?-._ ■ Illinois Territory formed by act of Congress 
1809. — Mardb " Nathaniel Pope commissioned first secretary of state of Illinois country. 
1809. — April __ "7 mian Edwards commissioned first governor of Illinois territory. 

—A] _: By proclamation the territory of Illinois was divided into the two counties 
:: 5" ~ lair a.nd Randolph, as they existed under the government of Indiana 
territory. 
1809. — June 13. The g-overnor and judges, the law making power of the territory, set 

for first time at Kaskaskia. 
;„:: — First -:rnmboat to navigate the Ohio river, the "Mew Orleans," launched at Pitts- 
burg. 7 
: :: — First school house in territory erected at Shiloh, St. Clair county-. 
if : : — Dec. 11. Earthquake visited southern Illinois — probably the severest ever experi- 
- dc - i in the State. 
:_ —A ig : : Harris m at Fort Dearborn under Captain He aid evacuated and laid down 
arms to be massacred by Indians 
[8i2L — Sept 14 Establishment by proclamation of three additional counties. Madison, 

j "...:.:.. 1 and Johnson. 
1&12. — Oct. 9, 10 and 12. First election for members of territorial legislature consisting 

of legislative :ouncil and house of representatives. 
: :_ —Not - : First session of territorial legislature at Kaskaskia. 

r8i2L — Dec j First lelegate :: [Congress from Illinois territory, Shadrach Bond, took 
Ins ----- 
—Fort lUark mow Peoria) named in honor of General George Rogers Clark. 
:_ — First printing in mine : lone by Matthew Duncan of the "Herald." at Kaskaskia. 
:_ — 7 1 - :7* published at Kaskas.-: 

— B H Maxwell commissioned first auditor of public accounts for Illinois territory. 
if — Act establishing first bank at Shawneetown. 

~ — Aug _ First steamboat, "General Pike." ascended the Mississippi river above 
~ if : 

—I ^-r::eral George Rogers Clark, who wrested the Illinois country from the 

2 77S 

— Act oi Congress enabling the Illinois territory to become a state. 
—Aug, 2 Adoption oi first State Constitution, in convention, it never being sub- 
mit- rte of the people for ratification. 

— - [7, First : State officer ; 

— C : First ----- \ Assembly of the State of Illinois convened at Kaskaskia. The 

repr • provided by the Constitution, was Senate 14. House 29. 

— - ". Irach Bond inaugurated first governor. Pierre Menard first lieutenant 
go* 7 - Kent K me [ualified is secretary of state. 

— 7 ec — 7 uriel Pope Cook, first representative to Congress from the State. Until 

ted one congressional district. 

— 2 1 rmally admitted as a State, by resolution of Congress, with 

Illinois territory. 
—Mai : 7: Pope Cook commissioned first attorney general of State but 

:~::.:::-::'.v "---■'■ : "" ..:v. 7:".:- ;•.:■'.:-.:: 2:: :i 

— Elijah I first auditor of public accounts, and John 
Thomas : rer. 

79B 



1820. — Seat of Government changed to Vandalia by an act of the General Assembly. 

1820. — First and only duel in Illinois fought in Belleville between Alphonso Stewart and 

William Bennett, in which Stewart was killed. Bennett was tried for Stewart's 

murder, convicted and hanged. 
1821. — Removal of State capital to Vandalia. 
1822. — Grand Lodge A. F. & A. M. first organized at Vandalia with Shadrach Bond first 

Grand Master. 
1823. — Dec. 9. First State house destroyed by fire at Vandalia. 1824. — New brick State 

house erected at a cost of $12,381.50. 
1824. — Nov. 15. Special session of legislature convened, adjourning January 18, 1825, hav- 
ing passed laws relating to presidential electors and canvassed election returns. 
1824. — Aug. 2. Verdict of the people in the struggle to make Illinois a slave State. Call 

for convention to amend constitution defeated by vote of 6,640 to 4,972. 
1825. — General Lafayette visits Illinois. Legislature defrays expenses amounting to $6,473, 

or one-third of the tax receipts for that year. 
1S25. — First school law enacted. It embodied many of the provisions of the common 

school law of the present day. 
1826. — Jan. 12. Apportionment made giving Senate 18 and House 36 members. 
1826. — First steamboat began to ply upon the Illinois river. 
1826. — Memorial to Congress asking for a donation of lands in aid of the construction of 

the Illinois and Michigan canal. 
1827. — Winnebago Indian war near Galena. 

1827. — Building of first State institution, penitentiary at Alton, a stone structure of twenty- 
four cells. 
1827. — Founding of the first theological seminary and high school at Rock Springs which 

was removed to Upper Alton and reorganized into what is now known as Shurt- 

leff College. 
1827. — Oct. 16. Death of Daniel P. Cook, the first representative in Congress from the 

State, 1818-1827. 
1829. — Chicago first laid out as a town. 
1830-31. — The "winter of the deep snow." 

1831. — Feb. 7. Apportionment made giving Senate 26 and House 55 members. 
1831. — Feb. 13. Act approved dividing State into three congressional districts. First 

election under this act held first Monday in August, 1832. 
1831. — Band of outlaws in Pope and Massac counties fortified themselves and defied local 

and State authorities. Militia called out to restore order. 
1831. — Treaty of peace formed with Black Hawk by General Gaines at Fort Armstrong, 

now Rock Island. 
1832. — April 12. Death of Shadrach Bond, first governor of Illinois. 
1832. — May 14. Battle of Sycamore creek. Black Hawk defeating Major Stillman. 
1832. — May 20. Massacre at Indian creek by Indians. 

1832. — June 15. Battle of East Pichetonka creek. Black Hawk defeats Captain Stevenson. 
1832. — June 16. Battle of Kellog's Grove. Captain Snyder defeating Indians. 
1832. — June 18. Battle near Galena. General Dodge defeating Indians. 
1832. — June 24. Battle of Buffalo Grove. Indians defeated. 

1832. — August 2. Battle of Bad Axe. General Atkinson defeated Black Hawk, termin- 
ating Black Hawk war. 
1833. — July 20. Death of Ninian Edwards, first Territorial governor and third governor 

of the State. 
1834. — The first public school in the State taught by Granville Temple Sproat at Chicago. 
1834. — Dec. 1. Abraham Lincoln takes his seat as a member of the General Assembly 

for the first time. 
1835. — Founding of Monticello Seminary at Godfrey, Madison county, oldest institution 

in the State for the higher education of females. 
1835. — Dec. 7. Special session of legislature met; enacted laws relating to canal loans and 

State banks, and made a new congressional apportionment; adjourned January 

18, 1836. 
1835. — Dec. 12. Death of Elisha Kent Kane, United States Senator 1825-1831. 
1835-36. — Ebenezer Peck, at Vandalia, advocates political conventions and the system won 

its way slowly from this time. 



•99 



1836. — Jan. 14. Apportionment ratio for Senator fixed at 7,000 and for Representative.. 
3.000, giving Senate 40 and House 91 members. 

1836. — Summer. Second State House torn down and new one erected at Vandalia, cost 
$16,000, which is now occupied as a court house for Fayette county. 

1837. — Feb. 28. Bill passed making Springfield the seat of State government. The bill 
was under the charge of "the long nine" headed by Abraham Lincoln. 

1837. — July 4. Corner stone of the fourth State House (present court house of Sangamon 
county) laid at Springfield with imposing ceremonies. Cost $240,000. 

1837. — July 10-22. Extra session enacted laws relating to financial affairs of the State. 

1837. — Oct. 27. An abolition society secretly formed at Upper Alton, believed to be the 
first in Illinois. 

1837. — Nov. 7. Rev. Elijah P. Lovejoy, editor Alton Observer, murdered by pro-slavery 
mob at Alton. 

1837. — Dec. 4. First Democratic State convention held at Vandalia, nominating candidates 
for State officers. 

1838. — Grand Lodge I. O. O. F. first organized in Illinois. Reorganized 1842. 

1838. — Nov. 8. The first steam locomotive to run in Illinois, the "Rogers," on the North- 
ern Cross Railroad, the road out of which the Wabash system grew. 

1839. — Completion of the first line of railroad in Illinois, the Northern Cross, from Jack- 
sonville to Meredosia, which was built by the State. 

I ^39- — Earliest reports on geological investigations in Illinois published in American Jour- 
nal of Science and Arts, Volume XXXIV. 

1839. — Mormon society numbering 15,000 come in a body from Missouri, founding the city 
of Nauvoo, Hancock county. 

J ^39- — Feb. 23. Act creating the asylum for the education of deaf and dumb at Jackson- 
ville. Completed in 1846; rebuilt in 1871. 

1839. — July 4. Capital, removed to Springfield from Vandalia. 

J &39- — Oct. 7. First Whig State convention held at Springfield. 

!&39- — Dec. 9. Eleventh General Assembly convened at Springfield in special session — the 
first session of the legislature held at the present seat of government. 

1840. — Numerous and powerful bands associated together for purpose of horse stealing and 
counterfeiting in counties of Ogle, Winnebago, Lee and DeKalb. 

1840. — Nov. 23-March 1. Special session acting upon questions relating to financial affairs 
of State. 

1841. — Feb. 26. Ratio for Senator fixed at 12,000 and for Representative 4,000, giving Senate 
41 and House 121 members. 

1842. — Aug. 1. Proposition for a constitutional convention defeated by the narrow majority 
of 1,039. 

1843. — March 1. Act approved dividing State into seven congressional districts. First 
election under this act first Monday in August, 1843. 

1844. — Jan. 15. Death of Joseph Duncan, sixth governor of the State. 

1844. — June 14. Death of Pierre Menard, first lieutenant governor of the State. 

1844. — June 27. Joseph Smith and his brother Hiram, leaders of the Mormons in their up- 
risings against the laws of the State, killed by mob while in jail at Carthage 
awaiting trial. 

7845. — Feb. 26. Secretary of State made ex-ofiicio superintendent of schools. 

1845. — May 20. Apollo Commandery No. 1. first Knights Templar organization in Illi- 
nois or any adjoining state, formed at Chicago. 

1846. — February. Emigration of Mormons to Utah. 

1846. — March 26. Death of William L. D. Ewing, fifth Governor and United States Sen- 
ator, 1835-37. 

1846. — April 19. Election of delegates to second constitutional convention. 

1846. — July 17-22. Illinois troops leave Alton for Mexico. 

1847. — Feb. 25. Ratio of apportionment made 19,000 for senator and 6,500 for representa- 
tive, giving Senate 34 and House 100 members. Before election under this law 
the Constitution of 1848 was adopted and apportionment made thereby took 
effect. 

1847. — June 7. Second constitutional convention convened at Springfield. 

1848.— The constitution of this year apportioned the State into 25 senatorial and 54 repre- 
sentative districts, giving Senate 25 and House 75 members. 

1848. — Northern boundary line established by Congress. 

800 



1848. — March 6. Ratification by the people of the second constitution. 

1848. — April 10. The first boat, "General Fry," passed from Lockport to Chicago through 
the Illinois and Michigan Canal. 

1848. — April 23. The first boat, "General Thornton," passed through the entire length of the 
Illinois and Michigan Canal. 

1849. — Jan. 13. Establishment of Institution for Blind at Jacksonville. Building com- 
pleted in 1854. 

1849. — March 1. Establishment of Central Illinois Insane Asylum at Jacksonville. Com- 
pleted Nov. 3, 1851. 

1849. — Oct. 22-Nov. 7. Special session electing a United States Senator and revising laws in 
the matters of revenue and vacancies in office. 

1850. — Jan. 23. Death of Nathaniel Pope, territorial secretary and delegate to Congress. 

1850. — Nov. 3. Death of Thomas Ford, eighth Governor and author of a history of Illi- 
nois. 

1851. — Feb. 1. Completion of Bloody Island dike. Built within jurisdiction of Illinois by 
city of St. Louis. 

1851. — Feb. 10. Charter issued to Illinois Central Railroad Company. 

1851. — Feb. 17. Joseph G. Norwood appointed first State Geologist and first geological 
survey of State provided for. 

1852. — Feb. 14. Death of Thomas Carlin, seventh governor of the State. 

1852.— June 7-23. Special session of legislature enacted laws touching matters relating to 
swamp, seminary, and canal lands and Bank of Illinois. 

1852. — Aug. 22. Act approved dividing State into nine congressional districts. First elec- 
tion under this act held in November, 1852. 

1853. — Jan. 1. State debt reached highest point, amounting to $16,724,177. 

1853. — Feb. 8. Act incorporating Illinois State Agricultural Society. 

1853. — Feb. 12. Act providing for erection of executive mansion. 

1853. — Oct. 1-4. First State Fair held at Springfield. 

1854. — Feb. 2-March 4. Special session created office of Superintendent of Public Instruc- 
tion, and enacted laws relating to State roads, railroads, and township organi- 
zation. 

1854. — Feb. 27. Act apportioned representation in General Assembly at 25 Senators and 75 
Representatives, dividing State into 25 senatorial and 58 representative dis- 
tricts. 

1854. — March 24. Ninian W. Edwards commissioned first Superintendent of Public In- 
struction. 

1855. — Abraham Lincoln elected a member of the House of Representatives, but declined to 
receive credentials. 

1856. — Chicago Historical Society organized. Incorporated in 1857. 

1856. — May 29. State convention held in Bloomington; the origin of the Republican party 
in Illinois. 

1856. — Sept. 27. Completion of Illinois Central Railroad from Cairo to East Dubuque. 

1857. — Building of Illinois State Penitentiary at Joliet; completed in 1867, at a cost of 
$1,075,000. 

1857. — Feb. 11. Organization of Illinois State Horticultural Society. 

1857. — Feb. 18. Establishment of State Normal University at Normal. 

1857. — Feb. 18. Act creating the State Board of Education. 

1858. — Spring. First Republican convention held at Cairo to appoint delegates to State 
convention at Springfield which nominated Abraham Lincoln for United States 
Senator in opposition to Douglas. 

1858. — July 24. Lincoln challenged Douglas to a joint discussion; he accepted and the de- 
bates opened at Ottawa on the 21st of August and closed at Alton on the 15th of 
October. 

i860. — March 15. William H. Bissell, twelfth governor, died in office. 

i860. — May 16. Republican National Convention held at Chicago nominated Abraham Lin- 
coln and Hannibal Hamlin. 

i860. — Nov. 6. Abraham Lincoln elected President of the United States. His plurality in 
Illinois was 11,966. 

1861. — Great Embezzlement Report. Funding of canal scrip and new issue of bonds to 
amount of $224,182. 

801 



i86i. — Jan. 31. Act fixed representation in General Assembly at 25 Senators and 85 Repre- 
sentatives, and divided State into 25 senatorial districts and 61 representative dis- 
tricts. 

1861.— Feb. 11. Lincoln leaves Springfield for Washington. 

1861. — April 15. Governor Yates, in response to President's proclamation, calls for volun* 
teers. 

1861. — April 23-May 3. Special session created war fund in aid of the Union and revised 
laws concerning State Militia. 

1861. — April 24. Approval of act dividing State into thirteen congressional districts. The 
State was entitled to fourteen members and error was corrected by electing one 
member-at-large. First election in November, 1862. 

1861. — April and May. The six regiments apportioned to Illinois under first call for volun- 
teers sent to Cairo. 

1861. — June 3. Death of Stephen A. Douglas, United States Senator, 1847-61. 

1861. — Oct. 21. Death of E. D. Baker, member of Congress, 1846-49. Killed in battle at 
Ball's Bluff, Virginia. 

1861. — Nov. 11. Allen C. Fuller, first commissioned Adjutant General. 

1862. — Jan. 7. Third constitutional convention met at Springfield, drafting a constitution 
which was rejected by the people. 

2863. — Congress established at Rock Island the chief arsenal of the Mississippi valley 

1863. — June 10. Governor Yates prorogued the General Assembly, the first and only time 
the Governor of the state has exercised this prerogative conferred upon him by 
the constitution. 

1863. — June 17. Mass convention of 40,000 at Springfield in pursuance of a call issued by 
Democratic State Central Committee for a meeting of those opposed to the 
national administration. 

1863. — Sept. 3. Union mass meeting held at Springfield, a demonstration full of encour- 
agement to the soldiers and the cause of the Union. 

1864. — Aug. 29. Democratic National Convention at Chicago nominated Geo. B. McClellan 
and Geo. H. Pendleton. 

1864. — Sept. 4. Death of Augustus C. French, seventh Governor of the State. 

1865. — Opening of the Union Stock Yards in Chicago, the largest in the world. 

1865. — April 14. Abraham Lincoln assassinated by John Wilkes Booth at Ford's Theater, 
Washington, D. C. 

1865. — Feb. 1. Illinois the first State to act in ratifying the XIII. Amendment to the Con- 
stitution of the United States abolishing slavery. 

1865. — May 8. Death of John Reynolds, fourth Governor of the State. 

1865. — The first steel rails made in America were rolled at the North Chicago Rolling Mills 
by the Illinois Steel Company. 

1865. — Adjutant General's office became an organized department of the State government. 

1865. — Establishment of Asylum for Feeble Minded Children at Jacksonville; removed to 
Lincoln in 1875. 

1865. — Establishment of Soldiers' Orphans' Home at Normal. Completed in 1869. 

1867. — Pullman's Palace Car Company incorporated. 

1867. — Establishment of Illinois State Reformatory at Pontiac; opened in 1871. 

1867.— March 8. Act establishing State Board of Equalization. 

1867. — March 9. Act creating the office of State Entomologist. 

1867. — Feb. 25. Act passed providing for the erection of the fifth or present State House. 

1867. — Feb. 28. Establishment of Illinois Industrial University at Urbana; name changed 
to University of Illinois in 1885. 

1867. — May 20. Republican National Convention met at Chicago, nominating U. S. Grant 
and Schuyler Colfax. 

1867.— June 11. D. B. Walsh commissioned first State Entomologist. 

1867. — June H-I3- Special session provided for taxing banks and banking associations. 

1B67. — June 14-28. Special session providing for management of State Penitentiary and 
enacted laws in the matter of larceny. 

1868.— June 11. First stone of fifth State House placed in position. Cornerstone laid 
October 5th, Hon. J. D. Caton delivering address. 

1868.— July 7. Death of Edward Coles, second Governor of the State. 

1868.— Aug. 16. Death of Lyman Trumbull, U. S. Senator 1855-73. 

802 



i868. — Nov. 3. Vote on proposition to call convention to form new constitution carried by 
a majority of 86,439. 

1868. — Nov. 6. Death of Walter Loomis Newberry, founder of the Newberry Library at 
Chicago. 

1869. — First lodge of Knights of Pythias organized in Illinois. 

1869. — Feb. 8. Act creating Board of Lincoln Park Commissioners. 

1869. — Feb. 27. Act creating Board of West Park Commissioners. 

1869. — March 9. Act creating Southern Illinois Normal University at Carbondale. 

1869. — April 9. Establishment of State Board of Charities. 

1869. — April 10. Establishment of Southern Illinois Hospital for Insane at Anna; com- 
pleted in 1875. 

1869. — April 10. Establishment of Northern Illinois Hospital for Insane at Elgin; com- 
pleted in 1872. 

1869. — Dec. 13. Fourth Constitutional Convention met at Springfield. 

1870. — May 13. Third State Constitution adopted in convention. Ratified by people July 
2d and in force August 8th. Under the Constitution for this year the repre- 
sentation for 1871 consisted of 50 Senators and 177 Representatives, and the State 
was divided into 25 Senatorial and 97 Representative districts. The minority 
representation section having been adopted, the Constitution provided that the 
State should be apportioned every ten years, beginning with 1871, into 51 Sena- 
torial districts, each district being entitled to one Senator and three Representa- 
tives. 

1871. — The Chicago Eye and Ear Infirmary, founded as a private charity in 1858, adopted 
as a State institution. It was burned in the fire of 1871, and a new building 
erected in 1873-4. 

1871. — April 13. Act creating Board of Railroad and Warehouse Commissioners. 

1871. — Oct. 9-10. Chicago, with a population of 334,270, laid in ashes; three and one-half 
square miles laid waste, 17,450 buildings destroyed, 200 persons killed and 98,500 
made homeless. Rebuilt on a grander scale within a year. 

1872. — March 1. Act approved dividing State into 51 Senatorial districts, each district 
being entitled to one Senator and three Representatives, as provided by the State 
Constitution. 

1872. — March 22. Act passed declaring no person should be debarred from any occupation, 
profession or employment on account of sex. 

1872. — July 1. Act dividing the State into nineteen Congressional districts. First election 
held in November, 1872. 

1872. — Sept. 25. Death of Peter Cartwright, a pioneer Methodist preacher of Illinois. 

1873. — Passage of act allowing women to hold any office under school law. 

1873. — Jan. 31. Death of Joel A. Matteson, nth Governor of the State. 

1873. — Nov. 27. Death of Richard Yates, 14th Governor and U. S. Senator 1865-71. 

1874. — March 27. Act creating State Board of Canal Commissioners. 

1874. — July 14. Second great fire in Chicago; loss, $4,000,000. 

1874. — Oct. 15. Dedication of Lincoln monument in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield. 

1875. — Act passed rendering women eligible to office of notary public. 

1875. — October. Asylum for Feeble-Minded Children removed to Lincoln. 

1876. — Jan. 1. State officers vacate old State House and move into new building, which 
was completed in 1886 at a cost of $4,260,000. 

1877. — Jan. 25. End of Logan-Palmer contest for United States Senator David Davis 
being duly elected Senator on the 40th ballot. 

1877.— May 25. Act creating State Board of Health. 

1877. — May 25. Act authorizing appointment of State agents to enforce the law in relation 
to cruelty to animals. 

1877. — May 25. Act creating the Eastern Illinois Hospital for the Insane at Kankakee; 
completed December, 1879. 

1877. — May 29. Act creating State Court of Claims. 

1877. — June 22. Act creating appellate courts. 

1877. — July 25. Beginning of great railroad strike at Chicago. 

1878. — March 31. Completion of Southern Illinois Penitentiary at Chester at a cost of 
$594424. 

1878. — June 21. Communist riot at Chicago. Police kill seven and wound nine. 

803 



1S7S. — June 28. Death of Sidney Breese, judge of Supreme Court and U. S. Senator 

1843-49, to whom is given the credit for projecting the Illinois Central Railroad. 
1S78. — Nov. 29. Adoption of amendment to State Constitution concerning drainage dis- 
tricts, article IV.. section 31. 
1879. — Act creating State Bureau of Labor Statistics. 
1879. — Act creating State Board of Fish Commissioners. 
1879. — June 1. Death of James Shields. U. S. Senator from Illinois 1849-55. and afterwards 

U. S. Senator from the states of Minnesota and Missouri. 
1880. — Founding of Pullman, 12 miles south of Chicago, an ideal industrial city, unap- 

proached by any city of its size in America. 
1880. — June. Greenback National Convention met at Chicago, nominating James B. 

Weaver and P. J. Chambers. 
1880. — June 2. Republican National Convention met at Chicago, nominating James A. 

Garfield and Chester A. Arthur. 
1880. — June 4. Death of John Wood. 13th Governor of the State. 
1880. — Nov. 22. Amendment to section 8. article X. of the State Constitution. 
1881. — Aurora, Kane county, first city in the world to light its streets with electricity. 
1881. — Jan. 7. Last dollar of State debt paid. 
1881. — May 30. Act creating State Board of Pharmacy. 
1881. — May 30. Act creating State Board of Dental Examiners. 
1881. — Aug. 10. Death of O. H. Browning, U. S. Senator 1861-63. 

1882. — March 23-May 6. Special session made Congressional and Senatorial apportion- 
ments and provided for the transfer of Illinois and Michigan Canal to the United 

States, which was not accepted. 
1882. — April 29. Act approved apportioning State into 20 Congressional districts. First 

election held under this act in November, 1882. 
1882. — May 6. Act approved dividing State into 51 Senatorial districts, as provided by the 

Constitution. 
1883. — Diamond Coal Mine accident at Braidwood, Will count}-; 74 lives lost. 
1883. — March 5. Incorporation of Illinois Dairymen's Association. 
1883. — June 18. Act creating State Mining Board. 
1883. — June 18. Act creating State Inspectors of Mines. 
1884. — June 3. Republican National Convention at Chicago nominated James G. Blaine 

and John A. Logan. 
1884. — July 10. Democratic National Convention at Chicago nominated Grover Cleveland 

and Thomas A. Hendricks. 
1884. — Nov. 28. Amendment to State Constitution concerning veto power of governor, 

Section 16 of Article V. 
1885. — Feb. 11. Beginning of Logan-Morrison contest for United States Senator, which 

ended in the election of John A. Logan on May 18th. 
1885. — June 19. Illinois Industrial University name changed to University . of Illinois by 

an act of the Legislature. 
1885. — June 26. Act establishing the Soldiers' and Sailors' Home at Quincy: opened in 1 
1885. — June 2-j. Act creating office of State Veterinarian. 
1885. — June 2~. Act authorizing appointment of Game Wardens. 
1885.— July 2:,. Death of General U. S. Grant. 

1885. — Sept. 12. Death of Emory A. Storrs. eminent jurist and orator of Illinois. 
1886. — Jan. 18. Burning of insane asylum and 17 patients, at Kankakee. 
1886. — March 1. Labor troubles at McCormick Reaper Company's works. 
1886. — March 12. Daring express robbery between Joliet and Morris on Chicago. Rock 

Island & Pacific railroad. Messenger killed and $25,000 taken. 
1886. — April. Railroad strike at East St. Louis. 
1886. — May 4. Haymarket riot at Chicago. Policemen to the number of 180 attacked by 

anarchists and lost seven killed and 60 wounded. 
1886. — June 20. Death of David Davis. Judge Supreme Court of the United States, L T nited 

States Senator 1877-S3. 
1886. — Nov. 7. Strike of meat packers in Chicago. Two regiments called out. Troops 

withdrawn on the 15th. 
1886. — Nov. 20. Amendment to State Constitution providing the labor of convicts shall 

not be let out on contract. 

V- 



iS86 
1887, 
1887 

1887 

1 887 

1888 
1888 
1888 
1888 



1888 
1889 
1889, 
1889 
1889 
1889 
1889 
1890 

1890 

1890 
1890 

1890 



1891 



1891 
1891 



1891. 

1891. 
1891. 

1891. 
1891. 

1892. 

1892. 
1893. 
1893. 
1893. 
1893. 
i893. 



-Dec. 26. Death of John A. Logan, United States Senator, 1871-77 and 1879-86. 

-Act creating State Board of Live Stock Commissioners. 

-Erection of Auditorium building at Chicago, the largest and most sumptuous theater 
building in the world. 

-May 23. Act creating Industrial Home for Blind at Chicago. 

-Oct. 22. Death of Elihu B. Washburn; elected to Congress for nine consecutive 
terms; minister to France during period of the Franco-Prussian war. 

-Government began construction of Fort Sheridan, north of Chicago. 

-Libby Prison taken down and carried to Chicago. 

-Feb. 19. Cyclone at Mt. Vernon; 30 killed. 

-April 30. Appointment of Melville W. Fuller to office of Chief Justice of United 
States Supreme Court. 

-June 20. Republican National Convention at Chicago nominated Benjamin Harrison 
and Levi P. Morton. 

-Nov. 4. Burning of Monticello Seminary at Godfrey; since rebuilt. 

-Establishment of Asylum for Insane Criminals at Chester. 

-Creation of Chicago Sanitary District. 

-May 25. Act creating State Historical Library. 

-May 27. Miners' strike at Braidwood necessitates military interference. 

-Oct. 21. Strike of coal miners at LaSalle ends with concession to miners. 

-Nov. 21. Darkest day ever known at Chicago; lights used at noon. 

-Jan. 27. Death of William Bross, Lieutenant-Governor 1865-69, and eminent jour- 
nalist. 

-Feb. 24. Chicago chosen by National House of Representatives for World's Colum- 
bian Exposition in 1893. 

-April 7. Seven thousand Chicago carpenters strike for an eight-hour day. 

-April 25. Bill providing for World's Columbian Exposition signed by President 
Harrison. 

-July 23-Aug. 1. Special session legislated for and proposed constitutional amendment 
in aid of World's Columbian Exposition. 

-Nov. 20. Amendment to State Constitution providing for the World's Columbian 
Exposition. 

-Legislative committee investigates Live Stock Exchanges. 

-Jan. 20. Beginning of Palmer-Oglesby contest for United States Senator, which 
ended March nth by the election of John M. Palmer on the 154th ballot. 

-June 3. Monument to General Grant unveiled at Galena. 

-June n. Adoption of anti-trust laws. 

-June 12. Proposed amendment to State Constitution in regard to amendments to 
the Constitution, Section 2, Article XIV.; submitted to people at November 
election in 1892 and failed of adoption. 

-June 17. Act making first Monday in September, "Labor Day,", and 12th of Feb- 
ruary, "Lincoln's Birthday," in each year legal holidays. 

-June 17. Five per cent made the legal rate of interest, and over seven per cenl, 
usury. 

-June 17. Passage of act prohibiting employment of children under thirteen years 
of age. 

-June 17. Act designating reform school at Pontiac the Illinois State Reformatory. 

-June 19. Act granting women 21 years of age and over right to vote at all school 
elections. 

-June 22. Adoption of Australian ballot system. 

-June 23. Act providing a bounty for killing English sparrows in months of Decem- 
ber, January and February of each year. 

-Sept. 18. Telephone communication opened between New York City and Chicago. 

-Oct. 21. Dedication of World's Fair buildings at Chicago. 

-Commission appointed for the promotion of uniform legislation in the United States. 

-Commission appointed to revise statutes. 

-Investigation of Whiskey Trust by State Legislature. 

-May 1. World's Fair formally opened by President Cleveland at Chicago. 

-June 8. Proposed amendment to State Constitution regarding labor; submitted to 
people at election in 1894 and failed of adoption. 



805 



:893- — June 9. Act approved dividing State into 22 Congressional districts. First election 

thereunder held November. 1894. 
[893. — June 15. Under act of this date State was re-apportioned into 51 Senatorial districts, 

as provided by the Constitution. 
[893. — June 17. Act creating State Board of Factory Inspectors. 

[893. — June 17. Sunday closing of World's Fair decided against by Chief Justice Fuller. 
[ 893- — June 19. Adoption of compulsory education law. 
[803. — June 20. Act establishing State Insurance Department. 
t893- — June 21. Act establishing Naval Militia. 

[893. — June 22. Unveiling of Fort Dearborn Memorial at Chicago. 

[893. — June 22. Establishment of State Home for Juvenile Female Offenders at Geneva. 
[893. — June 26. Anarchists Fielden, Neebe and Schwab pardoned by Governor Altgeld. 
[893. — July 10. Cold storage building at World's Fair destroyed by fire; 11 firemen and 

9 others lost their lives. 
1893. — Sept. 11. Parliament of religions opened at World's Fair. 
[893. — Oct. 27. Assassination of Mayor Carter Harrison of Chicago. 
[893. — Oct. 30. World's Columbian Exposition officially closed. 
[894. — Jan. 8. World's Fair buildings burn with a loss of $1,000,000. 

[894. — April 12. Lockout of building trades in Chicago; 10.000 men thrown out of employ- 
ment. 
?94. — May 11. Pullman Palace Car Company employes strike at Pullman; 2.000 men quit 

work. 
394. — June 28. Boycott declared by labor organizations on all principal railroads. 
[894. — July 3. Federal troops ordered to Chicago to enforce laws of United States. 
[894. — July 5. President Cleveland declines to remove federal troops as demanded by 

Governor Altgeld. 
[894. — July 8. President Cleveland declares martial law at Chicago. 
[894. — July 11. President Debs, of A. R. U., indicted by federal grand jury on charge of 

interfering with United States mail. 
[894. — July 19. President Debs, of A. R. U.. officially declared the strike off. 
[ 895. — Jan. 4. Fire destroys State Insane Hospital at Anna; loss, $300,000. 
[895. — March 20. Act regulating civil service of cities. 
[ 895- — March 28. Riot in State Home for Juvenile Female Offenders, at Geneva. 

>5. — May 18. Conveyance of Lincoln Monument and appurtenances by Lincoln Monu- 
ment Association accepted by State of Illinois. 
895. — May 22. Act creating Eastern Illinois Normal School, at Charleston. 
895. — May 22. Act creating Northern Illinois Normal School, at DeKalb. 

)5. — May 22. Establishment of Western Illinois Hospital for Insane, at Watertown. 
[895. — June 13. Act creating Soldiers' Widows' Home, at Wilmington. 
[ ^95- — June 13. Passage of act concerning land titles, known as ''Torrens Land Act."' 

Held to be unconstitutional by Supreme Court in 1896. 
[895. — June 14. Proposed amendment to State Constitution concerning amendments 

thereto, Section 2, Article XIV., submitted to people at election in November. 

1896, and failed of adoption. 
:895. — June 15. Adoption of prison parole system. 

^895. — June 15. Act providing for taxing gifts, legacies and inheritances. 
[895. — June 17. Legislature appropriated $25,000 for a monument at Alton to the memory 

of Elijah P. Lovejoy. 
[895. — June 21. Act creating Asylum for Incurable Insane, at Bartonville. 
[895. — June 24. Act creating Illinois farmers' institutes. 
[895. — June 25-Aug. 2. Special session provided for additional revenue and created State 

Board of Arbitration. 
^95- — June 26. Act requiring United States national flags to be placed on all public 

buildings. 
5. — July 16. W. H. (Coin) Harvey and R. G. Hoar began debate on currency question, 

at Chicago. 

[ 895. — Aug. 2. Act creating State Board of Arbitration. 
[ ^95. — Oct. 31. First earthquake on record in Chicago. 
[896. — April 9. Death of Gustav Koerner, supreme judge 1845-48, Lieutenant-Governor 

1853-57. 

806 



1896. — July 7. National Democratic Convention assembled at Chicago, nominating Wil- 
liam J. Bryan and Arthur Sewall. 

1896. — Dec. 3. Incorporation of Illinois State Poultry, Pigeon and Pet Stock Association. 

1897. — April 2. Act consolidating the divisions of the supreme court. 

1897. — May 1. Enactment of second "Torrens Land Act," which has been held to be 
constitutional. 

1897. — May 26. Act requiring foreign corporations to maintain a public office in this State. 

1897. — June 2. Act repealing flag law of 1895. 

1897. — June 3. Act creating State Board of Examiners of Architects. 

1897. — June 5. Act creating State Board of Pardons. 

1897. — June 9. Passage of "Allen Bill," law relating to street railways. 

1897. — June 10. Act requiring license of plumbers in cities of 5,000 and over. 

1897. — June 11. Act creating State Board of Examiners of Horseshoers. 

1897. — Oct. 21. Death of Newton Bateman, Superintendent of Pubhc Instruction 1859-63 
and 1865-75. 

1897. — Nov. 17. Death of General Charles E. Hovey, first president of the Illinois State 
Normal University, at Normal, and commander of the "Normal Regiment" during 
the civil war. 

1897. — Dec. 7-Feb. 24. Special session made new senatorial apportionment, enacted laws 
relating to primary elections, revenue and schools. 

1898. — Jan. 11. Approval of senatorial apportionment act, afterwards held to be unconsti- 
tutional by supreme court. 

1898. — Feb. 10. Approval of primary election law applicable to counties of 125,000 or over, 
and may be adopted by others. 

1898. — Feb. 17. Death of Frances E. Willard, eminent lecturer and social reformer. 

1898. — Feb. 25. General revision of law concerning assessment of property. 

1898. — April 3. Levee surrounding the city of Shawneetown breaks, placing city under 
water. Governor sends his representative to the scene of disaster and issues a 
proclamation asking for contributions in aid of the flood sufferers. 

1898.— July 3. Death of John Moses, author of "Illinois Historical and Statistical." 

1898. — Oct. 13. Bloody fight over attempt to land negro miners at Virden to take place of 
striking employes. Train bearing negroes riddled with bullets; eleven men killed 
and over thirty wounded. 

1898. — Nov. 21. Owing to labor troubles connected with coal mines at Pana, Governor 
proclaims martial law; order revoked March 21, 1899. 

1899. — Feb. 28. Act providing for a heroic bronze statue of the late Frances E. Willard to 
be erected in the National Statuary Hall, at Washington, D. C. 

1899. — March 16. Death of Joseph Medill, distinguished legislator and eminent journalist. 

1899. — March 29. Act concerning incorporation, management and regulation of pawners' 
societies. 

1899. — April 10. Continued rioting at Pana caused Governor to again declare martial law, 
which remained in force until June 26. 

1899. — April 11. Act creating free employment agencies in cities of certain designated 
population. 

1899. — April 19. Act providing for the establishment of a State colony for epileptics. 

1899. — April 21. Act requiring corporations to make annual reports to the Secretary of 
State. 

1899. — April 21. Act regulating treatment and control of dependent, neglected and delin- 
quent children. "Juvenile Court Act." 

1S99. — April 22. Act prohibiting the use of the national flag or emblem for commercial 
purposes. 

iSgg. — April 24. Death of Richard J. Oglesby, fifteenth Governor of the State and United 
States Senator 1873-79. 

1899. — April 24. Act appropriating $100,000 to repair and rebuild the Lincoln monument. 

iSgg. — April 24. Act providing for the establishment of the Western Illinois State Normal 
School. 

1899.— April 24. Act creating the office of State Supervising Architect. 

1899. — April 24. Act enabling boards of education or school trustees to establish and main- 
tain parental or truant schools. 

1899.— April 24. Act creating State Board of Inspectors of Commission Merchants. 

807 



1899. — April 24. Act creating- office of State 7 rod Commissioner. 

1899. — April 24. Act creating office of State Game Commissioner. 

1899- — July 1. State troops sent to Carterville to quell disturbances arising from labor 

:r:u":'.ri i: ::.± Mil nines :'~ert 
1899. — July 21. Death of Robert J. Ingersoll, eminent lawyer and platform orator. 
1899. — Set: : Appointment of Practice Commission, in accordance with a joint resolu- 

:::- :f :hr Frrj-rs: Aifri'. As sen z'.j. 
1899. — Oct. IS. Robbers secured upwards of $25,000 from a train on the Chicago and 

:■::-. ;-t,:t- .. 7.i..r if ': :;--:: Mil:! i::i I :Ai'. : . 
L^X — .":i 1" : -.::::: I:i:ACf C-irii ::-it: 

1900. — Feb. 20. I«eander J. McCormick, inventor and manufacturer, died. 
1900. — Feb. 22. Gen. John McNulta. distinguished soldier and citizen, died. 
1900. — March 7- Building contractors at Chicago refused to arbitrate their disputes with 

:heir e—clrjrs ii: i s:r >f — is :iiur-;ri:t:. 
1900.— May 26. T. B. BIackstone 7 president Chicago and Alton railroad (1864-1899) . died. 
1900. — June 25. Martin J. RusseL, journalist and ex-collector, port of Chicago, died. 
1900.— July 14. Great fire at Bloomington. 
1900.— Sept. 1. Population of TlBnni^ 1900 census* 4 T 821. 5 

1900. — Sept. 22. CoL Joseph H. Wood, distinguished soldier and railroad man, died. 
1900.— Sept. 25. Gen. John M- Palmer, governor of Illinois (1869-1873 | . United States 

Senator (1891-1897), Gold Democratic candidate for president (1896) . died. 
1900. — Oct. 13. Charles Fargo, vice-president American Express : ; mpany. died. 



i.;s 



INDEX TO CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 



Review of Events which Led to the Organization of the Republican 
Party 5 

CHAPTER II. 

Admission of Slave States. Balance of Power in the Senate. Missouri 
Compromise. Election of President Polk. Annexation of Texas. 
Mexican War. Wilmot Proviso. Election of General Taylor President. 
Compromise of 1850 14 

CHAPTER III. 

Election of President Pierce. Kansas-Nebraska Legislation. Slavery Agi- 
tation Renewed. Split in Democratic and Whig Parties. Anti- 
Nebraska Congress Elected. Lyman Trumbull Elected to United States 
Senate., 19 

CHAPTER IV. 

Bleeding Kansas. Territorial Legislature Elected by Pro-Slavery Men 
from Missouri. Bona Fide Residents Driven from Polls. Non-Resident 
Pro-Slavery Men Fill Offices in the Territory. Determined Effort of the 
Administration to Make Kansas a Slave State 23 

CHAPTER V. 

Pittsburgh Convention, Feb. 22, 1856. Editorial Convention at Decatur, 
Feb. 22, 1856. Bloomington Convention, May 29, 1856. Democratic 
Convention at Springfield, May 1, 1856. Democratic National Conven- 
tion, Cincinnati, June 2, 1856. Republican National Convention, Phila- 
delphia, June 17, 1856. Whig and American Nominations 26 

CHAPTER VI. 

Governor William H. Bissell's Administration, 1857-1860 35 

CHAPTER VII. 

Douglas and Lincoln, 1858. The Great Joint Debate. Important Questions 
Discussed. On the Declaration of Independence. On Slavery Ex- 
tension 41 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Buchanan's Administration. Majority of Cabinet from Southern States. 
President Yields to Their Demands to Make Kansas a Slave State, the 
Leading Measure of the Administration. The Le Compton Consti- 
tution 61 

CHAPTER IX. 

Republican State Convention, Decatur, May 9, 1860. Republican National 
Convention, Chicago, May 16, 1860. Democratic National Convention, 
Charleston, April 23; Baltimore, June 18, 1860. The Breckenridge 
Convention. Lincoln's Inaugural Address. . 64 

809 



CHAPTER X. 

Secession. Action of the Churches. The Secession Movement. Peace 
Congress. Article XIII. Congressional Action. The Morrill Tariff 
Law 78 

CHAPTER XL 

Lincoln's Cabinet. Attack on Fort Sumpter. Illinois Answers the Call to 
Arms 89 

CHAPTER XII. 
Conflict of Political Opinions 92 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Action of the Democrats During the War. Elections in Illinois, 1862. 
Democratic National Convention, at Chicago, August 29, 1864 95 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Union State Convention, Springfield, May 25, 1864. Democratic State Con- 
vention, Springfield, June 15, 1864. Radical Convention, Cleveland, O., 
May 31, 1864. Union National Convention, Baltimore, June 7, 1864. 
Richard J. Oglesby elected Governor of Illinois 105 

CHAPTER XV. 
Emancipation Ill 

CHAPTER XVI. 

Events of the War. Surrender of General Lee, April 9, 1865. Assassina- 
tion of President Lincoln, April 14, 1865 114 

CHAPTER XVII. 

President Johnson's Administration. The Reconstruction Period 1 IS 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

Conventions of 1868. Election of Grant and Colfax. John M. Palmer Elected 
Governor of Illinois 127 

CHAPTER XIX. 

War Finances. Resumption of Specie Payments. Development of the 
National Banking System 132 

CHAPTER XX. 
The Tariff 135 

CHAPTER XXI. 

General Grant's Administration. The Conventions of 1872 140 

CHAPTER XXII. 

General John M. Palmer's Administration. General Oglesby Again Elected 
Governor, then Senator. Lieutenant-Governor Beveridge Assumes the 
Office. Conventions of 1876 144 

810 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

The Campaig-n of 1876. Shelby M. Cullom elected Governor. The Elec- 
toral Commission. President Hayes' Administration 151 

CHAPTER XXIV. 
Illinois Republican Convention, May 19, 1880. . 157 

CHAPTER XXV. 

Republican National Convention, Chicago, June 2, 1880. Garfield and 
Arthur nominated 164 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

Democratic and Greenback Conventions of 1880. The Campaig-n. Election 
of Garfield and Arthur. Assassination of President Garfield. General 
Arthur Becomes President 176 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

Conventions and Campaign of 1884. Causes which Led to the Election of a 
Democratic President. Illinois Elects Governor Oglesby for the Third 
Time. General Log-an Re-elected Senator 182 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

Campaign of 1888. Election of Harrison and Morton. Joseph W. Fifer 
Elected Governor of Illinois. Harrison's Administration 188 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

Campaig-n of 1892. Cleveland's Second Administration 197 

CHAPTER XXX. 

Governor Altg-eld's Administration 202 

CHAPTER XXXI. 

Political Conventions of 1896 , 206 

CHAPTER XXXII. 

Governor Tanner's Administration. Review of Laws Enacted Under Repub- 
lican Governors Since 1856 211 

CHAPTER XXXIII. 
President McKinley's Administration. The War with Spain 220 

CHAPTER XXXIV. 
Republican and Democratic Conventions in 1900 226 

CHAPTER XXXV. 

Imperialism-Militarism 233 

CHAPTER XXXVI. 

Organization of the Republican Party in Illinois. Officers of the State 
Central Committee 1856-1900. Illinois Republicans in Congress 237 

811 



CHAPTER XXXVII. 

The National Departmental Service. Its Progress and Development Under 
Republican Administrations 246 

CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

The 1900 Campaign. Re-election of William McKinley. Richard Yates, Jr. , 
Elected Governor of Illinois. Conclusion 734 

The Popular Vote by States, 1896 and 1900 736 

Chronological Table of Principal Events in American History, from the 
Discovery in 1492 to 1860 737 

Chronological History of the Civil War 747 

Chronological Table of Important Events, Historical and Political, Con- 
nected with the Territory and State of Illinois, from 1673 to 1900.... 797 



ERRATA. 



Page 10, Paragraph nine, line two. For "revolutionary" read "involuntary." 
Page 18, Paragraph eight, line one. For "200" read "130,000." 

Page 24, Paragraph five, lines eleven and twelve. For "Missouri" read 

"Mission." 

Page 29, Paragraph two, line four. For "excited" read "exerted." 
Page 70, Paragraph four, line fourteen. For "doctrine" read "election." 



812 



INDEX TO BIOGRAPHIES AND PORTRAITS, 



Adams, George E 294, 295 

Akin, Edward C 272, 275 

Aldrich, Charles H 326, 329 

Allen, Charles A 666, 667 

Allerton, Samuel W 328, 331 

Ailing-, Charles 326, 327 

Ames, John C 332, 333 

Ashcraft, Edwin M 334, 335 

Aspinwall, Homer P 336, 337 

Atkins, Smith D 338, 339 

Ayer, Benjamin F 342, 343 



Bader, Henry F 362, 363 

Baker, William H 720, 721 

Baldwin, Henry R 344, 345 

Bangs, Fred A 356, 357 

Banning, Ephraim 358, 359 

Barickman, Charles M 366, 367 

Barrett, Elmer E 370, 371 

Beach, Myron H 348, 349 

Becker, Charles 341 

Begole, Henry C 346, 347 

Beitler, Henry C 682, 685 

Benjamin, Reuben M 370 

Bennett, Richard F 350, 351 

Bent, Charles 678, 679 

Best, Henry 684, 687 

Beveridge, John L 148, 149 

Bissell, William H . . . . ■ 35, 37 

Bliss, E. Raymond 352, 353 

Boal, Robert 316, 317 

Bogardus, Charles 368, 369 

Boldenweck, William 722, 723 

Bradwell, James B 354, 355 

Brown, John J 360, 361 

Brucker, Joseph 710, 713 

Brundage, Edward J 372, 373 

Burchard, Horatio C 364, 365 

Butler, William N 374, 375 



Calhoun, William F 398, 399 

Calhoun, William' J 376, 377 

Callahan, Ethelbert 384, 385 



Carnahan, Charles C 378, 379 

Carr, Henry H 380, 381 

Carter, Donald M 386, 387 

Carter, Zina R .714, 715 

Cary, Eugene 388, 389 

Case, Theodore G 382, 383 

Clark, James H 394, 395 

Clements, Isaac 406, 407 

Cochran, William G 392, 393 

Cody, Hope Reed 396, 397 

Coffeen, M. Lester 428, 429 

Collins, Eorin C. , Jr 412, 413 

Conway, Edwin S 686, 689 

Copley^ Ira C 400, 401 

Corbus, John C 420, 421 

Coy, Winfield S 404, 405 

Coyne, Frederick E 390, 391 

Craig, Edward M 416, 417 

Crews, Seth F 414, 415 

Crilly, D. F 730, 731 

Cullom, Shelby M 151, 153 

Cunningham, Joseph O 410, 411 

Curtis, Edward C 408, 409 

Cutting, Charles S 402, 403 

Daugherty, Aquilla J 422, 423 

Davis, David 282, 283 

Davis, George P 424, 425 

Davis, George R 296, 297 

Deere, Charles H 434, 435 

Dicker, Edward A 436, 437 

Dickinson, John 680, 681 

Diller, Thomas 440, 441 

Dixon, Arthur 430, 431 

Dixon, George W 432, 433 

Dodge, Orris B 426, 427 

Douglas, Stephen A 53, 254 

Downey, Joseph 442, 443 

Drew, Samuel J 418, 419 

Eden, W. S 700, 703 

Elliott, William S., Jr 299, 301 

Elwell, Edward H 438, 439 



813 



English, Joseph G 440 

Estabrook, Henry D 677, 678 

Evans, Henry H 444, 445 

Everett, John C 446, 447 



Fair bank, Nathanial K 448, 449 

Farr, Marvin A 450, 451 

Fekete, Thomas L 456, 457 

Ferguson, Charles H 458, 459 

Fieldhouse, Walter 452, 453 

Fifer, Joseph W 189, 190 

Fisher, Hendrick V 454, 455 

Fitz Simons, Charles 716, 717 

Fort, Greenbury L 460, 461 

Fort, Robert B 462, 463 

Funk, Isaac 285, 286 



Gansbergen, Frederick H . . . . 464, 465 

Gibbons, John 468, 469 

Going, Judson F 472, 473 

Goodwin, Leonard 478, 479 

Gordon, Charles U 466, 467 

Gorrell, W. F 470, 471 

Grant, Ulysses S 128, 255 

Gray, William H 474, 475 

Gross, Howard H 476, 477 



Hall, Frank H 480, 481 

Halle, Eugene G 690, 693 

Hamilton Club 258 

Hamilton, Isaac M 482, 483 

Hamilton, John L., Jr 490, 491 

Hamlin, Howard J 510 

Harding, Abner C 320 

Harding, Fred E 488, 489 

Hay, John B 692, 695 

Henderson, Thomas J 306, 309 

Hitch, Charles P 492, 493 

Holden, Timothy N 494, 495 

Holdom, Jesse 496, 497 

Hull, Perry A 498, 499 

Humphrey, Arthur 726, 727 

Hurd, Harvey B 485, 487 

Hyde, Charles E 704, 707 



Isham, Edward S 500, 501 



Johns, Harvey C 502, 503 

Johnson, Clarence P 506, 507 

Jones, Alfred H 504, 505 

Jones, W. Clyde 696, 699 

Joy, Thomas L 508, 509 



Kimbell, Spencer S 512, 513 

Kirby, Edward P 511 

Kretzinger, George W ,.514, 515 

Krughoff, Louis 484 

Kuykendall, Andrew J 302, 305 



Leyenberger, Charles 518, 519 

Lincoln, Abraham 45, 253 

Lindly, Cicero J 520, 521 

Logan, John A 145, 257 

Logan, Thomas M 526, 527 

Long, Theodore K 664, 665 

Lynch, Henry W 530, 531 



Madden, Martin B 516, 517 

Mallette, James P . ...710, 711 

Martin, James S 311, 313 

Mason, William E 274, 277 

Matthews, Asa C 532, 533 

May, Horatio N 716, 719 

McClaughry, Robert W 522, 523 

McKinney, James 698, 701 

McKnight, George F 534, 535 

McMurdy, Robert 536, 537 

McNulta, John. 288, 289 

McWilliams, David. .... ...!... 239 

Merriam, Jonathan. 524, 525 

Middlecoff, Jonathan P 542, 543 

Milchrist, Thomas E 544, 545 

Miller, George W. ' 548,549 

Miller, John S 528, 529 

Mills, Daniel W .540, 541 

Mitchell, John W 536, 539 

Moore, Clifton H 550, 551 

Moore, Emery B 558, 559 

Munger, Edwin A 546, 547 

Munroe, George H 562, 563 

Myers, David S 552, 553 



Needles, Thomas B 318, 319 

Newman, Jacob 568, 569 

Nicholls, Henry D 566, 567 



814 



Nixon, William Penn 291, 293 

Northcott, William A 263, 265 

Oglesby, Richard J ...108, 109 

Paddock, James H 572 

Palmer, John M 130, 131 

Pam, Max 572, 573 

Patton, George W 554, 555 

Pearson, Isaac N 556, 557 

Peck, Ferdinand W 570, 571 

Peck, George R 560, 561 

Peirce, William P 564, 565 

Plumb, Ralph 304, 307 

Price, V. C 668, 671 

Purington, Dillwyn V 682, 683 

Rankin, George C 576, 577 

Rannells, Charles S 574, 575 

Raum, Green B 321 

Ray, Lyman B 578, 579 

Raymond, C. W 580,581 

Rector, John F 582, 583 

Reece, Jasper N 270, 273 

Reeves, Walter 280, 281 

Ridgely, Willliam B 584, 585 

Robinson, Thomas J 586, 587 

Roche, John A 670, 673 

Rodenberg, William A 278, 279 

Rose, James A 264, 267 

Rosenfield, Morris. 588, 589 

Ross, Leonard F 590, 591 

Rowe, Fred H...... 694, 697 

Ruggles, J. M 239 

Russel, Andrew 592, 593 

Russel, William 594, 595 

Sanders, George A 596, 597 

Sattley , Winfield N 732, 733 

Schneider, George 239 

Sears, Nathaniel C 598, 599 

Selby, Paul 239 

Senn, Nicholas 600, 601 

Sercomb, Albert L 602, 603 

Shaw, B. F 239 

Sherman, Elijah B 604, 605 

Smith, Abner 608, 609 

Smith, Frederick A 610, 611 



Smith, JohnC 314, 315 

Smith, William A 612, 613 

Smulski, John F 708, 709 

Snively, Clarence E 624, 625 

Somerville, William 607 

Stead, William H 614, 615 

Stevens, John S 618, 619 

Stewart, Graeme 728, 729 

Stockton, Joseph 616, 617 

Strawn, Christopher C 618, 621 

Strawn, Louis F 622, 623 

Stringfield, C. Pruyn 724, 725 

Sunny, Bernard E 675, 676 

Swift, George B 301, 303 

Swigert, Charles P 626, 627 

Tanner, John R 260, 261 

Templeton, James W 628, 629 

Thomas, John 630, 631 

Thompson, William Hale 704, 705 

Tipton, Thomas F 632, 633 

Turner, Henry L 634, 635 

Upham, Frederick W 638, 639 

Vance, Joseph W 636, 637 

VanCleave, James R. B 268, 271 

Vocke, William 239 

Wait, Horatio L 640, 641 

Waite, George E 642, 643 

Wheeler, L. E 668, 669 

Whitman, Frank S 644, 645 

Whittemore, Floyd K 268, 269 

Wickersham, Herman B 648, 649 

Williams, Thomas S 650, 651 

Williams, William P 646, 647 

Williamson, Moses 652, 653 

Willoughby, James A 660, 661 

Winslow, Frederick C 654, 655 

Witwer, Clement S 656, 657 

Wood, John 40 

Worthington, Thomas. 658, 659 

Wright, Francis M 662, 663 

Yates, Richard 71, 72 

Yates, Richard, Jr 323, 325 

Young, Edward C 688, 691 

Young, John D 702 



815 






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